Define the scope in writing
List the rooms, the tasks and what is excluded. A “deep clean” means different things to different companies.
Hourly, fixed or per-item
An hourly rate rewards speed; a fixed price shifts the risk to the provider. Ask which one applies and what happens if the job takes longer.
Materials and equipment
Cleaning products, paint, spare parts and access equipment may be extra. Ask whether the provider supplies them and whether the price includes them.
Insurance and vetting
Ask whether the provider is insured and whether the staff are vetted. For work inside the home, this matters more than a small price difference.
Cancellation and damage
Check the cancellation window and the damage policy. A low price with no insurance can be expensive after an accident.