Rates/Frequently Asked Questions

If you do not find the answer to your question, please feel free to call me: 1.800.437.9714 or email: Diane@RiversEdgeStudios.com.

How Much Will It Cost To Clean My House?
My rate is $22/hour with a four-hour minimum. Included in that rate is my wage PLUS business expenses: self-employment taxes, employer AND employee Social Security of 15%, Federal and State taxes, cleaning supplies, accountant fees, mileage, insurance, partial premiums for health insurance, disability, retirement, etc. etc. If you have been self-employed you can appreciate how long this list actually is. If you have always been an employee and wish to have a more detailed list I’ll be happy to supply one.

Every house is unique.. Things that will affect your house cleaning estimate include the size of your home, number of residents, pets or bathrooms and lifestyle. Please allow for a minimum of four hours.

Will All Visits Cost the Same Amount?
Yes. Your reservation on my calendar will be for the same amount of time each cleaning. If you have a special event, please call or email me as the schedule can be flexible for additional time. Once the initial house cleaning has been completed, I will consult with you as to a regular schedule and number of hours.

What If I Need to Reschedule a Cleaning?
Simply call or email two days to two weeks prior to your cleaning day.

If you need to reschedule a cleaning without proper notice, I will not be able to, potentially, trade time slots with another client (only with their permission). This decreases my pay. Without a consistent paycheck, I cannot guarantee low, overall rates to clean for you. I do have a 24-hours-or-less cancellation policy and will assess a cancellation fee of 50%. If a family member is contagiously ill, please call or email asap. This is understandable so let’s work with each other for a mutually agreeable solution.

I am going on vacation? Could we skip this time?
We will need to keep you on a regular schedule. This is a perfect opportunity for catching up on ceiling fans, light fixtures, baseboards, windows, coat closets, kitchen cupboards or wall washing.

What If I Accidentally Lock You Out on My Cleaning Day?
Just as with short-notice cancellation fees, if you lock me out on cleaning day, you will be assessed a 50% lock-out fee. Please understand, this is my livelihood. Imagine if you worked at 3M and would not be paid for that morning because no-one opened the door! Where could you immediately find work to create wages for just that one day or half day?

Most clients either provide a key or hide one on the premises on cleaning day.

What Should I Do About My Security/Alarm System on Cleaning Day?
Please make necessary arrangements to give access for your scheduled day. Some clients establish a guest or temporary code for me.

What Should I Do With My Pets During the Cleaning?
Please advise me if you have pets and provide any information regarding them that would be helpful. A kennel may be necessary to keep your pet safe from buckets of cleaning water or escaping while I bring equipment in. Some happy, friendly pets also require a kennel as they can become a bouncing, furry, tripping hazard for me.

Are My Valuables Safe?
If you have any special valuables, heirlooms or irreplaceable items, please discuss their care with me or we will agree which items I will not dust, clean or move. Please leave instructions if you do not want an area or item to be cleaned. Although I take the utmost care, if an accident should occur, your homeowners insurance covers tradespeople working on or in your home.

How Shall I Pay for My Cleaning?
You may pay by cash or check. Payment is due at time of service. If you do not intend to be at home, please leave payment on your kitchen counter the morning of your cleaning. Please make your checks payable to Diane Rogers. A fee of $35 will be assessed for all returned checks.

How Do I Know I Can Trust You?
I pride myself on being hired to clean in some of the most exclusive areas of Minneapolis: North Oaks, Maple Grove, White Bear Lake, Edina, Wayzata, Kenwood and now The Lakes Area of Alexandria. Many are filled with valuable art from worldwide travels. Just in North Oaks are ten satisfied homeowners – all referred neighbor to neighbor – which demonstrates their great confidence in me. You, too, can have the highest confidence to trust me with the care of your home.

Do I Need to Provide House Cleaning Equipment or Supplies?
I provide all cleaning solutions unless you have a special product request such as silver cleaner or hypoallergenic solutions. In general, I will use your carpet vacuum -except for those nasty Kirby monsters. I do bring a small one just for hard surfaces. My favorite specialty vacuum in one home is a Rainbow with water filtration. Try one if you have allergies.