Hiring a window cleaner should be simple, but not every company is the same. Some are fully insured professionals with trained crews and proper safety equipment. Others are one person with a bucket and no insurance at all. In a city like Brooklyn, where many homes have tall, older windows and many buildings require proof of insurance, choosing the right company really matters.
Before you book, ask these ten questions. The answers will tell you whether a company is reliable, safe, and worth your money.
1. Are You Fully Insured?
This is the most important question. Window cleaning involves ladders, heights, and work around your property. If an uninsured cleaner is hurt or damages your home, you could be responsible. A professional company should carry liability insurance and, if they have employees, workers’ compensation coverage.
Many Brooklyn co-ops, condos, and managed buildings also require a certificate of insurance (COI) before any contractor can work in the building. A good company can send a COI quickly, naming your building or management company if needed.
2. How Do You Handle Upper-Floor and High Windows?
Ask how the company reaches windows on the second, third, and fourth floors, and what safety equipment they use. Professionals use stable ladders, extension poles, water-fed pole systems, and, for tall buildings, specialized rope or rig access with trained technicians. For buildings with many stories, look for a company that offers dedicated high-rise window cleaning with proper safety planning.
3. What Exactly Is Included?
Some companies clean only the glass. Others include frames, screens, tracks, and sills. Make sure you know what you are paying for. Ask whether the price covers:
- Interior and exterior glass
- Screen cleaning
- Track and sill wipe-downs
- Storm windows
- Hard water spot or paint speck removal
4. How Do You Price the Job?
Reputable companies explain how they price work, whether it is per window, per visit, or by crew time, and they give a clear written quote before starting. Be cautious of anyone who refuses to give a price until the job is done. If you want to understand what affects pricing, read our guide on window cleaning cost in Brooklyn.
5. Do You Have Experience With Homes Like Mine?
Brooklyn has a huge variety of buildings: landmark brownstones, Victorian houses, prewar co-ops, waterfront condos, converted lofts, and glass storefronts. Each needs a slightly different approach. Ask whether the company regularly works on your type of property and in your neighborhood. For example, older wood sashes in a brownstone need gentler tools than modern condo glass.
6. What Products and Tools Do You Use?
Professional cleaners use squeegees, microfiber, purified water systems, and mild cleaning solutions that are safe for glass, frames, plants, and pets. Ask whether they use harsh chemicals, and whether they use razor blades on glass. Razor scrapers can be fine on some new glass but can scratch tempered or coated glass if used incorrectly.
7. Will You Protect My Home and Belongings?
A good crew will lay down drop cloths or towels, move furniture carefully or ask you to, wear clean shoe covers or remove shoes when needed, and clean up after themselves. This is especially important in homes with hardwood floors, rugs, or delicate window treatments.
8. Do You Offer a Satisfaction Guarantee?
Even the best cleaners occasionally miss a streak. Ask what happens if you are not happy with the result. A trustworthy company will come back and fix any issue, usually within a few days and at no extra cost. Many also do a final walkthrough with you before they leave.
9. Can You Work Around My Schedule?
For homes, look for a company that offers weekday, evening, or weekend appointments. For businesses, ask about early-morning or after-hours service so cleaning does not disrupt customers. Our storefront window cleaning is often done before shops open for the day.
10. Do You Offer Recurring Service?
Windows stay cleaner and cost less to maintain when they are cleaned on a regular schedule. Ask whether the company offers monthly, quarterly, or seasonal plans and whether recurring customers get a better rate.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- No proof of insurance or reluctance to provide a COI
- Cash-only payment with no written quote or invoice
- Unsafe ladder use or leaning out of windows
- No reviews, references, or local address
- Prices that seem far lower than every other company
Why Brooklyn Homeowners and Businesses Choose Us
We are a local Brooklyn window cleaning company with insured, experienced crews and the right equipment for every type of building. We clean homes, apartments, and businesses in Park Slope, DUMBO, Sunset Park, and every other Brooklyn neighborhood we serve. We give clear quotes, show up on time, and do a final walkthrough with you on every job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do window cleaners need to be insured in NYC?
Hiring an insured company protects you if there is an injury or damage, and many NYC buildings require a certificate of insurance before work can begin.
How do I know if a window cleaner is trustworthy?
Look for proof of insurance, a written quote, local reviews, clear communication, and a satisfaction guarantee.
Should I tip my window cleaner?
Tipping is not required, but many customers tip for excellent work, especially for large or difficult jobs.
Can you provide a certificate of insurance for my building?
Yes. We can provide a COI for your co-op, condo board, or management company before your appointment.
Book an Insured, Reliable Brooklyn Window Cleaner
Get a clear quote from a local team that answers all ten questions the right way. Call (240) 230-7581 or request a free quote online.
