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Domestic bliss - the growth in outsourcing chores

Personal, household and hospitality task outsourcing is booming in response to the increasing pressures on personal time. As so many of us race back to work in the face of recessionary times, the burden placed upon working couples with children who are also caring for ageing parents, continues.

As Australians work longer hours and become increasingly time poor, they have been obliged to outsource many household and domestic chores. The market has been quick to answer increased demand with a range of household outsourcing options. Whether you require oven cleaning, window cleaning, or laundry service, an army of specialised cleaning services are waiting to meet your demands. From basic dusting and vacuuming to the utilisation of special equipment, clients may select from a wide selection of options. The list of household chores that have been outsourced in the last decade is long and growing longer by the day. What started with lawn mowing and garden maintenance has moved on to include cleaning, antenna installation, painting, rubbish removal, pool care, car washing and pet care.

Household cleaning was the first major area to be outsourced and grew in popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s however, general cleaning contractors had their beginnings in Australia in the 1930s. Although this industry has been in existence for over 70 years, it did not begin to develop until the late 1950s. DIAL-AN-ANGEL^® Pty Limited was created in 1967 to fulfil a need in the home market identified by Dena Blackman as she struggled to manage three active children under the age of six. Since then the company has expanded nationally to meet the growing demands of an ever-increasing population.

Dena has some words of advice when outsourcing your household tasks. Here are three key issues to think about.

Proof of insurance:

Inquire whether the company has a valid insurance policy! Without this piece of paper, you may unknowingly be paying the rates of an insured company, while putting yourself potentially at legal risk, every time the uninsured worker is on your property. A clear sign of professional conduct is when the company willingly volunteers to provide you with a valid proof of insurance.

References:

Make sure that anyone you let into your home has been reference checked and thoroughly screened. DIAL-AN-ANGEL police screens every applicant and in those States where it is allowed, applicants must complete a Working with Children Check. What sets DIAL-AN-ANGEL apart is that all workers are thoroughly security screened prior to being accepted for registration as Angels. They maintain their registration with the Agency by adhering to a written Code of Conduct.

Cleaning Checklist:

The company you are opting for should provide you with a ready-made list of services, down to the tiniest detail. If the prices are not clearly stated, do not assume that all is included!

Finally, a glance at the company's written policy and Terms of Business will inform you about payments, cancellations and guarantees; topics that the service provider's representative may not willingly discuss on your first enquiry to the company.

About DIAL-AN-ANGEL Pty Limited

DIAL AN ANGEL provides Angels for home & garden maintenance, pet care, caretaking, childcare & babysitting, care by nannies, aged care, in-home nursing, home & corporate functions. Medico-legal reporting may be requested and a wide range of services is available through our Corporate Services department. Gift Vouchers are also available.

For further information call 02 9362 4225 or administration@dialanangel.com