Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Every job is different. There are many variables: type of window, size of window, number of windows, age of windows, height above ground, landscaping, etc. Plus, each customer has a different budget and different expectations about exactly what the job should entail. We work closely with every customer to achieve the best balance and highest quality. We give free estimates. Basic job site information can be taken over the telephone or through this web site. A visit is then scheduled, if needed. You do not generally have to be home. We will leave a written estimate at your door or call you later.
Are you insured?
Yes, we are! That is a VERY good question! AND it is a very important question! You should know the types and levels of insurance for any contractor you allow in and around your home or business. This information is found on a "Certificate Of Insurance" (COI). We will be happy to have our insurance agents send you a COI showing our types and levels. Or, if you prefer, you can call any of the friendly, helpful people at Nixon Insurance Agency directly (309-691-1300 or www.NixonAgency.com). They will be glad to provide you with our COI. You can get the COI via email, fax, or regular mail, your preference. If we, or any other contractor, provides you with a COI then you should call the insurance provider to verify the coverages.
Now, just so you know, a sole proprietor, with no employees, should at least have "General Business And Vehicle Coverages" (GB&V). If a company uses employees (like we do!) then the COI MUST show "Workers Compensation Insurance" (WC), as well as GB&V. If it does NOT, and there is more than one person involved, then the company uses sub-contractors. You should get a COI for each sub-contractor because the lead company's insurance does NOT cover them. Insurance can get very complicated and you can't really sum it up in just a few sentences. You are safest using a company with employees, who has both GB&V and WC, at reasonable levels (like we do!). Your own personal insurance agent would be very happy to help you with any details.
Furthermore, in order to feel more comfortable about your choice of any contractor, we encourage you to contact a local consumer reporting organization like the Better Business Bureau (309-688-5124 or www.BBB.org).
How soon can you clean my windows?
In order to provide high quality service to all of our customers, we prefer at least two to three weeks advance notice. Shorter times can sometimes be arranged. Certain times of the year, mostly due to weather, your wait could be longer.
Do you clean the insides of the windows?
We will clean whatever you want. But, for the best results, all sides should be cleaned at the same time. All windows have an in-side and an out-side. Many, like windows with storms or some newer insulating glass units that have removable panes, will also have more sides in-between.
How long will it take?
That depends on the work involved. After estimating the work, we can give you a good idea of the time it will take.
Do I need to be home while services are performed?
That is up to you. Many of our customers are not home during the cleaning, even during inside work. Some make private arrangements ahead of time (instructions, keys, codes, pets, etc.).
What happens if it rains, or looks like rain, at the scheduled time?
It is not safe for us to work in the rain. We may complete interior work while waiting for the rain to stop and/or postpone as necessary. Re-scheduling is, of course, dependent on previously scheduled work. Generally, a rain or two will not harm freshly cleaned windows.
When is the payment due?
Most customers pay upon completion or send their payment soon after the work is completed, using their job ticket as an invoice. These are the preferred methods. Others are billed.
Do I need to move my furniture, curtains, etc.?
No, you do not have to. We will move most things, for an additional charge. We can work around heavy items. However, most of our customers prefer to move their own valuable, antique, or hard-to-clean items. Moving items is not included in our estimates unless noted.
How do you clean the windows?
Very well, thank you!
But, seriously, most people clean their windows with some kind of spray-and-towel variation. This only moves the dirt around on the window and leaves streaks that can be very frustrating to remove. We use professional solutions, and tools, designed to suspend the dirt in the solution and remove the solution from the window. You will be surprised at how clean your windows will be!