Agency, company or independent?

You can hire help through a company (such as a cleaning service), an agency that places workers, an online marketplace, or directly. Each shifts responsibilities differently.

A company or service

• The company employs the workers, handles payroll and usually carries insurance
• Less paperwork for you; usually a higher price
• Ask about insurance, bonding, background checks and what happens if something breaks

A placement agency

• Finds candidates; you often become the employer once hired
• Fees vary; read what screening they actually do
• Ask about replacement guarantees

Hiring directly

• More choice and often better pay for the worker
• You handle vetting, agreements and, if they're your employee, taxes and paperwork
• Our guides and checklists are built for this route

General information about hiring household help in the US. Rules vary by state and city. House Help Crew isn't paid by any agency, marketplace or service mentioned here.