Category: Window Cleaning

When you’re looking to find a new window cleaning team, there are some important questions you should ask yourself, and the companies, to make sure you pick the right people to take care of your home. 1. Are they insured? This is one of the most important questions to ask. If somebody working at your home gets into an accident, and they aren’t insured, you could be liable. At IMAGINE all our our staff are fully insured and trained in the best safety practices. A reputable company will have an insurance policy of at least $2 million, but preferably $5 million, in general liability insurance. 2. Why are you looking for a new window cleaning team? Is it because you aren’t happy with who has been cleaning your windows, or did they suddenly “go dark”? If so, be sure to ask prospective companies about their processes to ensure they won’t leave you with unfinished or unsatisfactory work. 3. What is their policy if you aren’t happy? If any of our customers aren’t completely happy with the cleanliness of the windows we’ve worked on, we will come back to rectify any concerns. Not all companies understand how client happiness ties in with their brand so be sure to ask. 4. How high are they able to reach? Many companies only have the tools and training to work on lower levels. If your home or building is multiple storeys, be sure to check they are able to reach the full height of your building. 5. Do they have a website and reviews? This is something you can hopefully find the answer to with a simple Google search. Generally speaking, a company with a website is established and more experienced. However, if they have no reviews, this could be a red flag. Don’t feel uncomfortable about asking for references. We feature some of our customer testimonials on our website and also have many more across Facebook, Google, Homestars and Yelp. Find out what our customers think about our window cleaning services. 6. How much are they? Often, the answer to this question will be the deciding factor, but, we’ve listed as the last question to ask, as if you pick a window cleaner solely on the price, you could face some risks. If you receive a quote far cheaper than expected, it’s likely they aren’t insured, don’t have quality tools or many positive customer reviews. We’d always recommend going with something you feel you can trust, even if they aren’t the cheapest. If you end up paying for someone else to fix the cheaper workers’ work you’ll actually just double the cost. Unfortunately this happens way more often than it should. If you’d like to find out more about us, or get a window cleaning quote, call us on (888) 835-0008, or fill out our online contact form.

We pride ourselves on the service we provide at Imagine, but don’t take our word for it. Read some of the great reviews we have received from our Vancouver window cleaning customers over the years. “Maintaining a clean and professional image is important to any consumer facing business and GO Graphics Online are no exception. Our massive store front windows, while nice to look at, required a lot of maintenance. Imagine Maintenance made it affordable and convenient to keep them clean. Regular, pre scheduled cleanings are the way to go if you want to keep that sparkling clean exterior year round, with minimal effort.” Dave M 5* Google “We contacted Imagine Maintenance to clean the windows and awnings at our commercial strata in the Guildford area. Brent came out to meet on site the very next day in order to give us a quote. Overall, we were pleased with the quality of the work and the job was completed over 2 days without disruption to any tenants or owners. We will certainly add them to our list of preferred contractors and we will be in touch again the next time we schedule exterior cleaning.” Lyn P, 5* Google “We hired Imagine to do our 4 story, 10 unit condo building last month. Both Todd and his crew were wonderful. Todd’s response was timely and he answered all of the questions our strata council had regarding window/gutter cleaning. His crew also showed up as scheduled to the minute at 8AM. They encountered a small hangup on our part regarding screens being left on the windows. They stopped work and before proceeding they were incredibly professional and called me right away to discuss before continuing. We sincerely appreciate the work that they did and would not hesitate to hire them again in the future!” Mags K 5* Google “I had an all around positive experience with Imagine Maintenance. They really went above and beyond to make sure my store front windows were spotless. I will definitely call them again in a few months for a refresher.”  Veronica G 5* Google “Nitesh, our window cleaner always does a perfect job, but it is his customer service and friendly demeanor set him a par above his peers. We look forward to our continued business relationship w Nitesh. We at the Winking Judge Pub thank you.”  Winking Judge Pub 10/10 Homestars To schedule a visit from our Vancouver window cleaning team, call us on (888) 835-0008 or send us an email or message.

Ever thought about the incredible views Vancouver window cleaners get to see? On any given week, our window cleaning teams could be looking out across the ocean, up at the North Shore Mountains, or into Vancouver’s cityscape. These are a few of our favourite locations for window cleaning. West End For being in the heart of the city, it sure does feel scenic. With a mix of ocean views, mature trees and blossoming yards, it’s one of the most interesting areas to work in. Residents of West End also really feel the benefit of having freshly cleaned windows. They’re already lovely views are even more prominent after a fresh clean. Coal Harbour Just down the road, is the equally as beautiful, Coal Harbour. On any day working here we can see across to the North Shore Mountains, watch the Harbour Air planes take off and enjoy the buzz of the city. Many of our commercial customers rely on clean windows to keep their customers coming back. Whether their customers are looking out of their restaurant window at the views, or looking into their store windows to find their next treat. Fairview To get the best views of Downtown, we need to leave it. Working in Fairview gives us great views of the city. If you live or work in the area, you’ll know what we mean. The 2-5 storey residential buildings in the area are a real joy to work on, so we imagine they’re even more of a pleasure to live in. West Vancouver West Vancouver has all of the above, plus a charming suburban feel and the chance to see the occasional bear (which we would much rather see from the safety of the second or third floor)! But, we don’t have favourites really! If your home or business isn’t in this area, we know we’d love working on it just the same! To schedule in your next window cleaning appointment, contact our team today.

There are an array of bizarre window cleaning tips out there, some very true, but some no quite as much. We have rounded up the top three window cleaning myths that you should ignore. Window Cleaning Myth #1: Save It For A Sunny Day While DIY window cleaning can seem like a more attractive job on a sunny day, that’s about the only reason to ever favour hot, sunny days over cloudy cooler ones. Summer light seems to highlight every single flaw on your glass from surface dirt to tiny those tiny micro-scratches that seem to come from nowhere. There is absolutely no harder condition to clean windows in as the sun causes water to dry faster than it can be squeegeed off, thus forming streaks. Our professional cleaning teams do of course have ways to get around this, but for DIY window cleaning, you can certainly expect a better result saving the cleaning for a gloomier day. Window Cleaning Myth #2: Rain Doesn’t Dirty Windows Rain actually does dirty windows as it usually starts it’s life forming on dust in the clouds before it makes its way down to land on your windows. One of the tools we use to ensure windows are left 99% spot free, is a water purifier. It removes all of the minerals from tap water and creates a state that pulls the dust on your windows back into the water molecules and leaves your windows dust and streak free. The best way to ensure rain and snow doesn’t dirty your windows too much, is to maintain regular window cleaning habits throughout the year, at least every 3 months. Window Cleaning Myth #3: Glass Cleaner Is A Must There are plenty of other products that can clean glass just as well, if not better than, glass cleaner. If you’ve read our DIY window cleaning tips, you’ll have seen that we recommend using a mild dish soap solution. Not only is it often cheaper, but it tends to have fewer strong odours and chemicals. If you’ve used glass cleaner before, and noticed streaks appear shortly afterwards, we’d recommend either switching to using dish soap, or using a microfiber cloth. Glass cleaner also accumulates and becomes a hard to clean film over time. For those hard to reach exterior windows, the easiest way to clean those is by giving us a call. Contact our window cleaning team today to schedule in your next appointment.

Window cleaning is certainly not a job for those with a fear of heights. Even less so when working on some of Vancouver’s tallest residential buildings and offices. When it comes to cleaning windows on any building over one or two stories high, we break out our special technology and techniques. High rise window cleaning is not for amateur window cleaners. It takes years of training and on the job experience to be able to safely and effectively clean windows at height. When hiring people to perform window cleaning on your high rise building, we’d recommend checking they have the right experience, and most importantly, that they’re insured, up to date with WCB, and that they prepare Fall Protection Plans. All of our IMAGINE team are fully insured to give our clients peace of mind. Our window cleaning teams have years of high rise window cleaning experience under their belt. There are two methods of window cleaning they use when cleaning tall buildings. Window Cleaning From An Aerial Lift For buildings with several floors, an aerial lift (or boom lift) can be a useful piece of equipment. The platform provides space for all the necessary cleaning equipment and the barriers provide security. We can arrange appointments outside of core business hours so not to inconvenience office staff, or during the daytime for residential buildings so not to wake or disrupt people in their homes. Window Cleaning By Rope-Access When there is no room for a crane at the base of a building, we use ropes. For tall buildings with an easily accessible roof, we can rig up a rope system at the top, and abseil down to each floor. Not only does this method give our team a great view of the area, but it also allows them to stay close to the work area which means they can reach all corners of the windows. Whether we’re using ropes or a boom lift, or even by ladder, it’s important to make sure building residents know when we are visiting so that they can close windows to avoid water entering the home or office, and so they don’t get startled. We would generally recommend that property managers or landlords give their tenants a minimum of a week’s notice. To get a quote or schedule in your next window cleaning appointment, call us at (888) 835-0008 or send us a message and we’ll be in touch shortly.

In Vancouver, the heavy winter rains can make you feel as though window cleaning would be pointless. You’ll be surprised to hear, winter is a prime time for window cleaning in Vancouver. Here’s why. You’ll Be Warmer Or at least the cat will. A clean window allows more of the sun’s rays into your home which in turn, keeps the place warmer. If you have a cat, you’ll notice how they enjoy snuggling up next to the window on a sunny day. We’re sure they’ll enjoy it even more, against clean windows. British scientists have actually been developing self-cleaning smart windows that could cut heating bills dramatically. Until those self-cleaning windows are on the market, leave the window cleaning to us. Enjoy Fewer Streaks It is actually better to clean windows on a cloudy day. On a sunny day, as the water dries, the sun’s rays can cause it to dry in streaks. People often think that rain leaves streaks on windows too, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Rainwater is free of chemicals and generally has very few minerals so if windows are clean, when rain comes in contact with them, they dry with no streaks. If you see streaks on your window after it rains, it’s a sign that the rain is reacting with dust spots on the window, in which case some window cleaning is due. Save Yourself Time You’ll notice the need to schedule awning cleaning and gutter cleaning appointments throughout the winter so why not ask us about our curb appeal package. We can complete all the exterior cleaning services you need in one swift visit. This save you having to make arrangements multiple times plus, you’ll know that the work we’re doing is going to make sure your homes curb appeal will turn the neighbours green with envy! ENJOY THE VIEW Vancouver recently had some beautiful snowy days and who’s to say we won’t get a few more before spring arrives? Don’t waste the lovely winter sites by putting up with dirty windows. Book yourself a window cleaning appointment and appreciate the beautiful city you call home. To find out more about our curb appeal package or to schedule your next window cleaning appointment, contact our friendly team of cleaning experts today.

What to avoid when you hire a window cleaner. Hiring a cleaning company is not an easy task. Most people might be surprised to learn there is a relatively small barrier to entry in the industry. Purchase some basic tools, print some business cards and you’re in business. Add to that, the lack of accredited, professional training and you’re sure to expect a variety of approaches, both in customer service and the fulfilment of the scope of work. Use these warning signs as a way to weed out cleaners who may not live up to your standards. 1. No references The first thing you’ll want to do is look to local resources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Other sites like yelp and homestars are also great places to get a feel for a company. Ask the contractor to provide a list of references from projects of similar scope. Any reputable contractor should have a deep list of satisfied clients for you to connect with. 2. Poor communicationCommunication comes in many forms, and should be your first indicator of a worthy cleaner. Do they answer the phone with their company name? This gives you insight into how they feel about their service and your business. Do they respond to emails and phone calls within 24-48 hours? What is the quality of their written communication? Are the quotes well written and easy to understand? Someone who values their business takes every opportunity to represent themselves positively to a potential client. Good communication will be prompt and detailed, not delayed and vague. If their communication is lacking this might be an indicator to move on. 3. They work alone. While some people love having “their guy” who comes regularly to clean their windows, the advantages of an “owner/operator” relationship can soon be outweighed by the disadvantages. The person who does all the cleaning is also the person who answers all the phone calls, does all the quotes, handles all the marketing, the office work, and deals with all the gear repairs. Imagine going to a restaurant and the person who seats you, is also the only waiter, bartender, chef, manager and dishwasher. It doesn’t take much for this person to take on too much work and be spread thin. In our society, having to wait too long is an indicator of poor service and lack of respect for our business. Whether it be the return of a phone call or email, or the scheduling of an appointment, when our attentions are so divided its very easy to let something slip. Which brings us to the important issue of site safety. A very real hazard of an owner/operator-style business is the inherent lack of safety checks. Working in teams allows a contractor to have more eyes on safety and quality of work. 4. No web presence Reputable window cleaners have an online reputation, end of story. Window cleaners who do a lot of business, and do it well, have a presence on the web. They should have a website and reviews on sites like Google+, homestars and Yelp. Great companies usually have social media pages as well – these are all a sign that the business has been around for a while and works on maintaining their reputation through quality work and customer service.If you don’t see a strong internet presence, they may be a new company. Though this isn’t necessarily a bad sign in itself, it’s hard to determine the quality of a brand-new contractor. It’s best to hire someone who has a proven track record of success. 5. No insurance We all love a bargain, its what drives us to get a “friend” to work on our car. Many people are tempted by low rates and put themselves at great risk by hiring uninsured window cleaners. Consider that 42,000 Canadian workers are injured annually in falls, and that a ladder is one of the most used tools in a window cleaners kit. Reduce your exposure to this liability by requesting a copy of the cleaners insurance directly from the insurance company. Don’t accept a copy, it might not be legitimate. Do not rely on your homeowners insurance. Your homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover damage caused by a contractor. Why? You invited that contractor into your house, so the insurance company classifies the damage as intentional. Here’s a BC law that might surprise you. Let’s say you hire a contractor to fix your roof. The contractor slips while on the job and is seriously injured. The contractor is not covered by WorkSafe BC insurance. Who is liable for the contractor’s injuries? You. The homeowner. Anyone working on your property for more than 48 hours must have insurance coverage with WorkSafe BC. For those not insured, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to register their workers, pay their premiums, and provide a safe and healthy work environment. Most homeowners are completely unaware of this responsibility. But failure to follow these steps might find a homeowner liable and responsible for paying costs associated with a worker’s injury or death. Below is an excerpt from the WorkSafe BC website: When you hire someone to work in your home to meet your personal or domestic needs, you are considered a residential employer. Whether you hire the worker on a full-time, part-time, or casual basis, you may need to register for WorkSafe BC insurance coverage if you hire: Nannies, companions, or other personal caregivers Domestic workers such as household cleaners Construction or repair workers or contractors Gardeners or landscapers You do not need to register if you hire a person: For an average of less than eight working hours per week For a specific job to be completed in less than 24 working hours. In determining how long a job takes, it is the total person-hours for the job that is relevant. For example, if three workers work for nine hours each, WorkSafe BC considers that job to be for a period of 27 hours. To

The absolute easiest way to clean windows. If a professional service is not in your budget, or you’re just the DIY sort of guy or gal, this easy step-by-step guide from the pros at Imagine will get your windows looking great in no time. What you’ll need: – Large bucket – Soft bristle deck brush – Extension pole – Dish soap – Ladder – Hose & nozzle Fill your bucket with water, and put in a few squeezes of dish soap, just enough to get a bit of suds going. Take a moment and inspect your ladder and familiarize yourself with basic ladder safety. Always start with the highest windows and work down. Dip your brush into the bucket of soap and scrub the window. Rinse the soap before it dries. Voila, clean windows! Notes: • If possible, clean your windows on a cool, cloudy day. Direct sun heats the glass and leads to streaks. • Avoid ladders where ever possible by using the reach of the pole. Never extend your reach past your ladder placement. • You can clean your screens with this same technique. Just be sure to fully rinse the screens with an overlapping technique. – See more at: https://imagineservices.ca/blog/diy-window-cleaning#sthash.8JFnpuYc.dpuf