House keeper vs cleaning service.

Marty Howard · **Posted:** Tue Jun 22, 2010 2:04 pm

So I am toying with the idea of switching from a cleaning service to a true house keeper. I have talked to a couple of people and most mentioned they liked having the same person all the time, plus the extras like laundry and dishes done for basically the same price.

Anyone who has had both have experiences or thoughts on the subject?

any recomendations for the RTP area?

steve remchak · **Posted:** Tue Jun 22, 2010 2:16 pm

you just can't f*** with money..................... :twisted:

i need to change careers to whatever it is you do Marty. :lol:

we have dabbled with both scenarios but never had someone to do the laundry & the dishes. my guess is that function will increase the cost considerably. unless of course you are sourcing undocumented labor.

considering a political career Marty?

the corporate services are less expensive but haphazard IMO, hiring a sole proprietar will be more expensive but usually the quality of work is better. sadly i have no recommendations as the woman we had got too expensive and less ambitous after several years.

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Tue Jun 22, 2010 3:23 pm

Why can't you still do all the work, set aside the money you'd spend on a service, then blow it all on something frivolous at the end of each year? No time to tend to household chores, or just don't like to do it?

Not being judgmental...just a thought. Actually, that's how I justify playing golf and autocross--by doing the housecleaning and yardwork and I then "pay" myself by having those hobbies. May seem dumb, but it works for me.

My neighbors all have had multiple housekeeper services, and they dislike them all---Merry Maids, Molly maids, whatever they call themselves...they all start out well, but get less and less thorough with each visit. Meh...seems like throwing away money on that. Hopefully you'll find a more consistently reliable service.

Keith Quistorff · **Posted:** Tue Jun 22, 2010 3:44 pm

Steven Carter wrote:

Why can't you still do all the work, set aside the money you'd spend on a service, then blow it all on something frivolous at the end of each year? No time to tend to household chores, or just don't like to do it?

Can't speak for Marty, but for me it's a no-brainer - my time is worth a lot more to me than something frivolous. I can't imagine trading the number of manhours involved with keeping my house acceptably clean for the few bucks I pay to have it done for me by professionals.

Steven Carter wrote:

My neighbors all have had multiple housekeeper services, and they dislike them all---Merry Maids, Molly maids, whatever they call themselves...they all start out well, but get less and less thorough with each visit. Meh...seems like throwing away money on that.

FWIW, I've had similar experiences in the distant past but have been fortunate enough during the past 6-7 years to have a consistently excellent group of gals cleaning my house. The key is finding the right person/people.

(BTW, Marty, if you have access to Angieslist, I'd think that would be a good place to search. Or, if you decide a basic house cleaning service is adequate for your needs, I'd be happy to refer you to the girls that clean my house - just let me know.)

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Tue Jun 22, 2010 3:51 pm

Obviously, there are philosophical differences in how individuals value time vs money. Everyone's different. I personally don't like paying someone to do work that takes no special training or expertise, allows total strangers into my home where they could a(and in some cases, do) take or break valuables, and requires of me only a little time each day. You've a different outlook and that's fine. My decision is equally a "no brainer" as yours is. Fair enough.

Keeping our house clean is part of my family's stewardship resonsibility. We've a decent house, and inculcate a sense of ownership and accountability in our kids by cleaning and maintaining it as a family. Obviously, the same goals and ideals can be achieved in different ways--this is our way of doing that.

steve remchak · **Posted:** Tue Jun 22, 2010 4:05 pm

Steven Carter wrote:

Obviously, there are philosophical differences in how individuals value time vs money. Everyone's different. I personally don't like paying someone to do work that takes no special training or expertise, allows total strangers into my home where they could a(and in some cases, do) take or break valuables, and requires of me only a little time each day. You've a different outlook and that's fine. My decision is equally a "no brainer" as yours is. Fair enough.

Keeping our house clean is part of my family's stewardship resonsibility. We've a decent house, and inculcate a sense of ownership and accountability in our kids by cleaning and maintaining it as a family. Obviously, the same goals and ideals can be achieved in different ways--this is our way of doing that.

inculcate? wow had to look that one up.

reality is.... two dogs, four cats, 2 horses, 7 acres of grass and two full time jobs...... takes a great deal of time around here. plus being self-employed means no such thing as a regular schedule. The Kid helps out when she is here but that is only part time. when the income is there a little help on the house-cleaning is a welcome addition.

I'm sure Keith has his hands full also.

Marty on the other hand is just an elitist. :twisted:

Marty Howard · **Posted:** Tue Jun 22, 2010 4:17 pm

Dude,
3 active kids, 2 dogs, three programs to help run.

Its clean the house, or do some quality time with the family on weekends.

Keith Quistorff · **Posted:** Wed Jun 23, 2010 10:46 am

Steven Carter wrote:

Obviously, there are philosophical differences in how individuals value time vs money. Everyone's different. I personally don't like paying someone to do work that takes no special training or expertise, allows total strangers into my home where they could a(and in some cases, do) take or break valuables, and requires of me only a little time each day. You've a different outlook and that's fine. My decision is equally a "no brainer" as yours is. Fair enough.

Absolutely, couldn't agree more, Steven - and sorry if my post above came off differently.

Believe me, I don't enjoy writing the check every two weeks, but it's the only reasonable option for my situation. Sounds like Marty (and Steve) happen to also be in similar situations.

Vincent Keene · **Posted:** Wed Jun 23, 2010 11:13 am

Keith Quistorff wrote:

Can't speak for Marty, but for me it's a no-brainer - my time is worth a lot more to me than something frivolous. I can't imagine trading the number of manhours involved with keeping my house acceptably clean for the few bucks I pay to have it done for me by professionals.

...and to think my co-workers/friends give me sh*t about paying someone to do my yardwork. At least the house cleaning can be done in the A/C!

Back on topic now...

Keith Quistorff · **Posted:** Wed Jun 23, 2010 11:26 am

Vincent Keene wrote:

...and to think my co-workers/friends give me sh*t about paying someone to do my yardwork. At least the house cleaning can be done in the A/C!

Yeah, but yardwork is "manly" work. :nana:

Vincent Keene · **Posted:** Wed Jun 23, 2010 11:43 am

Keith Quistorff wrote:

Yeah, but yardwork is "manly" work. :nana:

Even *I* am smart enough not to go 'there' Keith!

Keith Quistorff · **Posted:** Wed Jun 23, 2010 1:12 pm

Darn, Vincent - not even tempted to take the bait?

Oh well. Given all the heated discussions on THSCC forums this week, thought I'd at least give it a try.

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Wed Jun 23, 2010 1:57 pm

Keith Quistorff wrote:

Absolutely, couldn't agree more, Steven - and sorry if my post above came off differently.

Believe me, I don't enjoy writing the check every two weeks, but it's the only reasonable option for my situation. Sounds like Marty (and Steve) happen to also be in similar situations.

No problem! It's all good....

clinehall · **Posted:** Wed Jun 23, 2010 2:20 pm

1. I was thinking VK would have said something about getting married so he didn't have to do housework.

2. I am starting to learn that time is much more important than money, so I am increaingly paying people to do things I can so I can concentrate on more important things. That might be work (that makes me money), hobbies that make life better, and family that is the most important. Wow, I'm deep.

Jason Tower · **Joined:** Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:31 pm **Posts:** 1173

clinehall wrote:

I am starting to learn that time is much more important than money

the validity of that statement is directly proportional to how much money you have, and how little time in which to spend it.

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