by Marcus P Weeks

This post is a combined with another article Choosing a Window Cleaning Company, also written by Mr. Weeks.

I have written a book, How to Get the Most from your Window Cleaning Contractor, to help with selecting and managing commercial window cleaning contractors. I have been in the window cleaning business for more than 30 years and have run my own successful business for more than 25 of those years. We have cleaned windows at most types of commercial premises including high rise office blocks, factories, warehouses, supermarkets, hotels, universities, historic buildings, schools, hospitals and residential units.

During that time I have learned a huge amount about the business. I have come across some extremely professional people and, in truth, some rogues. I have worked closely with a wide range of people who have been responsible for managing window cleaning on their sites. Some have been more experienced and knowledgeable than others, but they have all shared many of the same objectives, keeping windows clean, preserving the safety of their people and protecting their property, keeping personal input to a minimum, keeping costs reasonably low. If, like me, you expect a good job for a fair price, then my book will help you to achieve all of these objectives.

So what should you expect from your window cleaning contractor? Much will depend, of course, on the nature of your building and the constraints you are under financially. The usage of the building can also play a large part in the extent to which you need your contractor to perform.

Communication. Are all aspects of their business geared to providing you with the information you need, when you need it? Is that communication at the standard you would hope for?

A really thorough proposal is a sign of a well organized business that will be more likely to deliver on its promises. The cheapest price does not always mean the lowest cost.

Since access is the main factor affecting costs, think about this in particular.

• Can a contractor gain access to all parts?
• Is access going to be from the bottom or the top?
• What access methods might be suitable?

If the contractor will be operating from the ground, working up, they will need access to all elevations. If the building is more than five levels high you may need a cherry picker, so you’ll need access to a road around the building clear of trees and overhead cables.

If they’ll be cleaning from the top down… You’ll need to check.

• Has the building got a flat roof?
• Is there access to the roof?
• Do you have a metal framework for attaching rope access instruments? This should be pre-tested before anyone makes use of it.

Draw Up A Shortlist. At this stage it is worth creating a list of around 10 companies. Where should you go to find a list of possible companies?

• Speak to any contacts you have who are in similar roles in other similar buildings and ask them for recommendations.
• Do a web search for Commercial Window Cleaners.
• Visit the Federation for Window Cleaners website ‘Find a Window Cleaner’ section
• Check your files for details of any companies that have contacted you (they have shown interest and have made the effort to provide you with some information)

UBM understands that clean windows create a positive first impression of your business, commercial property and home by providing an inviting, fresh atmosphere that will please customers. We handle commercial and residential jobs of all sizes in the Kansas City area. For a Window Washing estimate , call 913-322-6200 or Contact UBM.