Window Cleaning

When to Do It

Most Associations plan window washing at least 1x per year, in the spring (April – June). For those Associations that do it 2x per year, May and October are good months. For those that do it 3x per year, April, July, and October are good months.

Planning

List of questions you should know the answer to in advance of requesting the proposal:

1. Are there any externally mounted storm windows that the vendor needs to remove?
2. Are there external screens that the vendor needs to remove and/or clean?
3. Are all windows and patio doors on the building included in the scope of work, including any commercial space?
4. Should homeowners have the option to have the vendor clean windows from the inside? If so, homeowner is responsible for providing access, and the additional charge will be paid by homeowner directly to the vendor.
5. How do the cleaners access the windows? Ladders, a lift (requires permit), or dropping down from the roof? If dropping down from the roof, need to verify that they have an OSHA-compliant tie-off.
6. Make sure to get a certificate of insurance form the vendor that names Association and Westward360 on a primary non-contributory basis.
7. If you have several buildings, you can sometimes get a bulk discount from a vendor.
8. Encourage unit owners to look and verify that all windows have been cleaned, notify us immediately if they missed any.
9. If the building has gutters, inquire whether window cleaners can also clean gutters.
10. Schedule in March for late April cleanings (6-8 week lead time). Vendors book up in peak season.
11. Are there any special instructions we need to provide for homeowners when we announce window cleaning (i.e., make sure patio screen door is unlocked so that vendor can access patio door glass).

     

Bidding

Vendor bids are typically short, don’t contain a lot of details.

Execution

Sample Communication:

Dear Residents of Example Condominium Association,

On Thursday, April 7th, starting at 8am, A-Reliable Window Cleaning will be washing the windows at Example Condominium Association. We ask for your cooperation in advance by please removing your screens so that the crew can access your window. 

If you are unable to remove your own screens, please contact our team at Association@westward360.com or call my office line at 773.572.0890 no later than Tuesday, April 6th and we will arrange for someone to provide assistance. Please unlatch your screen doors so that the window washers can access all parts of your patio door. 

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

PLEASE NOTE: the Association does not take responsibility for any damage to the screens that are caused by their removal or replacement.

Vendors:

• A-Reliable Window Cleaning (Javier), 708-268-2444.
• Corporate Cleaning Service, (312) 573-3333.
• Shine-on, 773-227-4522.
• Windy City Window Washing, 312-335-1300.