How to choose a Service Provider

When a traumatic event happens, there are many important decisions to be made, usually in a short period of time. These decisions can come at a high cost and have a lasting effect on family members or the estate representatives. As a Funeral Director, I often advised people that making pre-arrangements would save family members from making difficult decisions at a time of great emotional stress. Rarely can we predict a crime, medical emergency or sudden death and there is usually little time to make good decisions.

Our business is very specialized and most people would never know that this type of cleaning service even exists. When I make a major purchase or hire a service contractor, I like to be able to research all the options first. This usually includes internet research, a referral from trusted professional or personal recommendations from friends. The internet is a good resource, but there is little control on what information is presented. Virtually any claim can be made about the quality of a company’s service and the overall value to its customer. A professional recommendation from a Doctor, Coroner, Police Officer, Funeral Director or Lawyer is a tremendous benefit. Most time, related professionals have knowledge and experience with various service providers and can offer an accurate opinion of a company and its employees. Most professionals are proud of their reputations and are very careful of who they might recommend. A personal recommendation from a friend can be equally important, but can be difficult to come by.

Each situation is different. When a traumatic event occurs, the resulting damage may require immediate cleaning services or the required services may be delayed pending further investigation or other legal requirements. Either way, protection can be afforded by using the following guidelines:

For Immediate Need:

1. Determine who is legal responsible to authorize services and the related expenses.
2. Where possible, obtain a referral from a friend or trusted professional. Your Funeral Director or Transfer Service Provider, Police
3. Officer or local Coroner is usually the best source of information.
   • When contacting a cleaning company, ask the following questions:
   • Does your company have a website?
   • How long has your company been in business?
   • Does your company specialize in only trauma remediation work?
   • When can you be here? When can you begin the work?
   • Is your company fully insured for general liability, environmental protection and employee dishonesty? Can you provide current proof of insurance now?
   • Does your company maintain WSIB (Workplace Safety & Insurance Board) coverage? Can you provide a valid clearance certificate now?

When there is Time to Decide:

1. Insist on a written or (at the very least) verbal estimate, before any work begins.
2. Determine who is legal responsible to authorize services and the related expenses.
3. Where possible obtain a referral from a friend or trusted professional. Your Funeral Director or Transfer Service Provider, Police
4. Officer or local Coroner is usually the best source of information.
5. When contacting a cleaning company, ask the following questions:
   • Does your company have a website?
   • How long has your company been in business?
   • Does your company specialize in only trauma remediation work?
   • When can you be here? When can you begin the work?
   • Is your company fully insured for general liability, environmental protection and employee dishonesty? Can you provide current proof of insurance now?
   • Does your company maintain WSIB (Workplace Safety & Insurance Board) coverage? Can you provide a valid clearance certificate now?
6. Insist on a detailed, written estimate before any work begins.
7. Contact at least 2 recommended companies. Request an personal meeting, onsite inspection and written estimate to be provided.
8. Request a guaranteed estimate of the total costs.

Have more questions? Please feel free contact us anytime at 416-518-6922.