Hiring a house cleaner: what to ask, what to avoid
Two house cleaning quotes for the “same” job often aren't the same job at all — the gap is usually scope: what's included, what's billed as an extra, and what you confirmed before you booked. Here's how to tell a fair deal from an expensive one, grounded in real pricing data.
The one that catches most people out
Expecting deep clean at regular price
First deep clean costs 40-60% more.
Questions to ask a house cleaner
Most overcharging hides in the scope, not the headline price. These pin it down before you commit.
- 1
Does your quote include inside oven, or is that extra?
If it's extra, expect around $30–60.
- 2
Is inside fridge part of the price, or charged separately?
If it's extra, expect around $20–40.
- 3
Will I be charged extra for windows?
If it's extra, expect around $5–8/window.
- 4
Is laundry included, or an add-on?
If it's extra, expect around $30–50/load.
- 5
Can you put the full scope and the final price in writing before any work starts?
Scope disputes are the single most common complaint. A written list is what protects you.
- 6
Is GST included in the price you have quoted?
A sole trader under $75k turnover can legally leave GST off, which makes a quote look about 10% cheaper than a registered business for the same work.
Three checks that take five minutes
Check the licence
For licensed trades, ask for the licence number and confirm it on your state's fair-trading or licensing site before you book. Unlicensed work can void your insurance.
Confirm they're insured
Public liability cover protects you if something gets damaged on the job. If an operator can't confirm it, that's a red flag.
Insist on a written quote
A fair quote itemises the scope, names what's excluded, and states whether GST is included. Verbal quotes are where disputes start.
Other mistakes worth avoiding
Not stating priorities
Tell them what matters most.
Switching for $10 savings
Familiarity = better results.
What's usually included, and what costs extra
Usually included
- ✓Vacuuming/mopping
- ✓Bathroom cleaning
- ✓Kitchen surfaces
- ✓Dusting
- ✓Beds
- ✓Bins
Usually charged extra
- +Inside oven · $30–60
- +Inside fridge · $20–40
- +Windows · $5–8/window
- +Laundry · $30–50/load
- +Exterior
- +Heavy lifting
What pushes the price up: deep clean vs regular (40-60% more), more bathrooms, heavy soiling, pets, add-ons, less frequent = more per visit.
House Cleaning questions, answered
Weekly cheaper per visit?+
Tidy before they come?+
How long for standard clean?+
Already have a quote?
Check it against real house cleaning prices in 30 seconds, then walk in knowing exactly what to ask.