First of all, check if the company is legally insured and licensed. Request certificates of currency for both Public liability and worker’s compensation. How high is your building? Read the fine print! Are the height levels that they are insured for adequate? Many Australian insurance companies cover window cleaners for only ground level work. It’s not worth the risk.

While some window cleaners in Perth will give a cost per window price on their website, this is still more or less dependent on the variables of the job– usually constrained by whether it’s a ground level or two storey home or whether it’s a commercial job, has security screens, types of windows etc.

An advertising technique that’s emerged in Perth is to offer a special for a set number of windows. For example, 25 windows cleaned for $250. Be careful with these kinds of specials. As per the above example, if you only have 25 windows or less with absolutely no variables, this could be an option for you. However, if you have more than this or any variables whatsoever, first ask what the price will be for the extra work and get it in writing.

Be a little cautious of advertisements in your local paper or online directory. First ask to see public liability and worker’s compensation certificates of currency and get a complete exact quote in writing before going ahead with the services. For larger commercial jobs also ask for a JSA and quality policy at the very least. Better safe than sorry!

There are generally two categories of window cleaners, the experienced long-term business owner and the new start-up or casual basis window cleaner. The latter tend to offer their services on online quote platforms that require minimal experience, accountability, and investment.

What are your company requirements? You may need to request a JSA (Job Safety Analysis) or HRA (Hazard Risk Assessment) or SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement). If the window cleaning will take more than a day then a daily PSRA (Pre-start risk assessment) is always recommended.

Again, check your company requirements for contractors. Are Material Safety Data Sheets for any chemicals used on site required? This may be particularly important if window stain removal is involved. Chemicals by nature are not without risk and some chemicals window cleaners use for hard-water stain removal could potentially cause damage.

In this economy the buyer is king and like almost anything, window cleaning comes in a wide range of prices. The final price much depends on the number of windows, kind of job, type of materials used, and the total number of team members involved.

Make sure the window cleaning firm is experienced and capable of accomplishing a decent job. To cut down your risk, first do your research. Check reviews and past job experience.

A professional company should have no difficulty in presenting you with a detailed written quote form. Always, always, always, get it in writing. If in the rare event anything changes by word of mouth throughout the job and both parties agree to it, still get it in writing. In this case a simple email may well suffice. Keep in mind though that depending on the change in the scope of works some documentation may need to be revised and resubmitted.

A work health and safety policy, quality policy, and environmental policy may be requested. Much depends on your requirements and current governing policies.

Adequate certification for window cleaning in Perth will much depend on the building size and choice of equipment. For anything that requires the window cleaner to stand above ground level – a working at heights certificate may be requested. For boom-lift use above 11 meters – a high risk work license WP class. For rope access – appropriate levels of IRATA certification. Current senior first aid certification is always recommended.

Finally – A written guarantee. What is their quality guarantee and is it in writing? If they are not prepared to come back and fix up anything that is not up to scratch – Find someone who will.