The differences between a housekeeper and a maid service.

The tasks in the home may be getting too stressful and you need a set of helping hands immediately, so what do you do? Do you hire a housekeeper or maid service? Let’s review what the differences are.

Housekeeper

Housekeepers generally keep the house running. As simple as that may sound it can be a bit confusing. Housekeepers do what is required to have the home running at its ultimate best. This may include running errands, performing tasks for the customer, while also performing the task of a maid. Some housekeepers depending on their clients can also be considered the nanny, the pet sitter and even house sitter while their clients are away. They do not only specialize in cleaning like a maid service would. Housekeepers do laundry, fold clothes, wash dishes and even do minor home repairs. Their skillset is special it is more than a specialty service it is a customized service that the private client expects. Unlike maid services the housekeeper builds a relationship with the family, they become part of the family. The housekeeper is intended to alleviate stress from the family so they may spend more time together or doing things that they enjoy. Because they are more of a bespoken services they tend to be hard to find and so that effects the price point of this type of service. The larger skillset is the defining factor of your choice of service.

Housekeeping services are charged based on:

· Travel such as time, mileage or gas

· Business licenses/certifications

· Labor

· Square Footage

· Condition of the home

· Meal cooking or special task request

· Laundry/Ironing

· Shopping Reimbursement

· Family Size including pets

Maid Service

Maid Services focus on the upkeep of the house and strictly work “on the house” not for the house. Maid services perform cleaning projects such as deep cleanings and for some clients they may only come on a need bases. Maid services may or may not be consistent and their rates may change based on availability. There is usually not a time commitment with the families they serve. Maid services may focus on cleaning as clean as possible as quick as possible. They may operate in teams therefore may be able to get in and get out faster thus they are able to take on more projects in one day. The maid’s job here is to keep the house sanitary and presentable. This is a great option for a person who needs their oven deep cleaned after the holidays.

Maid services are charged based on:

· Travel such as time, mileage or gas

· Car and Insurance

· Cleaning Supplies

· Cleaning Equipment

· Business licenses/certifications

· Labor

· Number of employees in a team

· Square Footage

· Condition of the home

· Add on services

· Family Size including pets

So as you see the services are similar but not the same. Housekeepers are more like employees you want to keep for years. Someone who you can trust to be a part of the family. Housekeepers are also used more often in estates or large properties. Housekeepers will get familiar with the property and treat it as their own. But one of the biggest factors in deciding on which service you obtain is usually based on pricing. Pricing is a deciding factor and so this dictates how available the housekeeper will be. Housekeepers will not give up an appointment for a new client. Even if the new client is offering more compensation. Housekeepers tend to keep long term clients and it shows stability which is one of the many rewards of loyalty to the customer. On the other hand maid services will go where the higher paying client wants and squeeze as many clients in a day as possible. This is a more “get in, get out service.”

No matter which service you decide on based on budget, availability or tasks it is important to be clear on what is expected not only for the client but for the service provider as well. The value of these services is to create an environment for yourself and your family so take in consideration the service descriptions that best fit your needs.

Family is priority to us here at The Lifestyle Concierge Midland and we are ready to assist you with your housekeeping needs. We'd love to evaluate your needs and see how we may serve you.

We also provide other services that can give you back some time for the things that really matter. Check out our professional organizing, concierge errand, and home management services. Contact us if you have any questions or if you'd like fill out this form

We will review your needs and contact you with a price quote.

"Time is our greatest asset!"