The evaluation call is where you learn whether a contractor actually fits your building, or is giving you a generic sales pitch. These are the questions worth asking before you commit.
1. Can I See a Sample Written Scope of Work?
A contractor should be able to show you what a written scope actually looks like, not just describe services verbally.
2. What's Your Experience With Buildings Like Mine?
A contractor with real experience in multi-tenant, medical-adjacent, or mixed-use properties similar to yours will answer this specifically, not generically.
3. Are You Insured and Bonded?
Ask for a certificate of insurance, not just a verbal confirmation. See our insured and bonded page for what this should cover.
4. How Do You Handle Staff Turnover and Coverage Gaps?
A contractor with crew depth can cover a route if a team member is out. A very small operation may not be able to.
5. What's Your Process for Reporting Issues Between Visits?
Confirm there's a real channel for reporting a missed area or urgent issue, not just waiting for the next scheduled visit.
6. Do You Adjust Frequency Seasonally?
Relevant in the Scottsdale market specifically — does the contractor account for monsoon-season dust in their standard scope, or is that an unplanned add-on later?
7. What's Included vs. Billed Separately?
Confirm floor care, window cleaning, and consumable supplies are clearly scoped as included or separate before comparing price against another bid.
8. Can You Provide References From Similar Properties?
A contractor confident in their work should be able to connect you with an existing client managing a comparable property.
9. What's the Contract Term and Cancellation Policy?
Month-to-month flexibility matters if service quality doesn't meet expectations.
10. How Quickly Can You Start?
If you're switching providers, ask about onboarding timeline and whether there's a walkthrough before the first visit.