Frequently asked questions about hem & hushåll

Expect $30–$55/hr per cleaner, with coastal metros at the top of the range. A one-time clean of a two-bedroom home usually runs $120–250, and recurring visits cost less per hour than a one-time deep clean. Move-out and deep cleans are quoted per job, typically $250–450 for a two-bedroom.

A company carries liability insurance, covers vacations and sickness, and handles payroll and background checks. Hiring someone directly is cheaper, but once you pay a household worker above the IRS annual threshold you become a household employer with Social Security, Medicare and unemployment tax obligations, and many states require workers' compensation. Decide which arrangement you're in before the first visit.

Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathrooms, kitchen surfaces and trash. Inside the oven and fridge, interior windows, laundry and baseboards are usually extras. Ask for the checklist before the first visit and agree anything you want added in writing.

General liability for damage to your property, a janitorial or dishonesty bond covering theft, and workers' compensation for their employees. Ask for the certificate of insurance from the carrier, not a verbal assurance — established firms send it without being asked twice.

Ask for a recent background check including the sex offender registry and a driving record if they'll be driving your kids, infant and child CPR plus first-aid certification, and at least two references you actually call. Agencies should run these checks and show you the results. Confirm who carries auto insurance when your child is in the car.

A dependent care FSA through your employer lets you pay with pre-tax dollars, and the Child and Dependent Care Credit offsets part of what's left. For senior care, check long-term care insurance, Medicaid home and community-based waivers, and VA Aid and Attendance if the person served. Eligibility and waiting lists vary by state, so check before you commit.

Continuity of caregivers, a written care plan, documented training, coverage for sickness and vacation, and a clear after-hours escalation route. Check that the agency holds the home care license your state requires and ask how they screen and supervise caregivers. Review the plan every few months as needs change.

Boarding at the sitter's home typically costs $40–75 a day for one dog. Sitting in your own home costs more, roughly $60–100 a day, and overnight stays are priced separately. Drop-in visits run $20–35. Food is rarely included, and holidays usually carry a surcharge — confirm both in advance.

For a family of three or four, a thorough clean every two weeks plus daily upkeep works well. Singles and couples usually manage with every three or four weeks plus weekly tidying. Homes with pets, allergies or young children benefit from weekly visits.

Use a key safe, smart lock or one-time code rather than handing over a loose key, and note who has access in writing. Reputable firms have documented key procedures, secure storage and named employees rather than rotating subcontractors.