househelpcrew

Hiring by role

What to look for, what to ask and what to know about status for the five kinds of household help families hire most. Use these alongside the general guides.

House cleaner

Weekly, every other week or a one-off deep clean.

Look for

  • Experience with homes like yours (size, pets, surfaces)
  • Clear about which tasks are included and which cost extra
  • Brings their own supplies, or is happy to use yours
  • Comfortable with a short paid trial clean

Ask

  • Which tasks do you do in a standard visit, and what's extra?
  • Do you bring supplies and equipment? Any products you won't use?
  • How do you handle breakages or something you're unsure about?
  • What happens if you're sick or need to cancel?

Employee or contractor?

A cleaner who runs their own business with many clients, sets their own rates and methods and brings their own supplies is often self-employed. Someone who works only for you, on your schedule and your way, may be your employee.

Agency, company or independent? · Start with a paid trial · Keys, codes and home access

Babysitter or nanny

Occasional evenings, after-school care or a full-time nanny.

Look for

  • Recent childcare references you can call
  • CPR and first aid training, ideally pediatric
  • Calm, specific answers to "what would you do if" questions
  • Your children's reaction during a paid trial

Ask

  • Tell me about a hard day with a child you cared for. What did you do?
  • How do you handle tantrums, screen time and bedtime?
  • What would you do if a child had an allergic reaction or a fall?
  • Are you comfortable with our rules on phones, visitors and photos?

Employee or contractor?

A nanny who works in your home on a schedule you set is usually your household employee. A sitter who cares for your child in their own home generally isn't your employee.

Interview questions that reveal a good fit · Background checks for household help · Household employer taxes ("nanny tax") basics

Pet sitter or dog walker

Midday walks, drop-in visits and overnight stays.

Look for

  • Experience with your type, size and temperament of animal
  • A meet-and-greet before the first booking
  • A clear plan for emergencies and a vet authorization
  • Their own pet business insurance, if they run a business

Ask

  • How many dogs do you walk at once?
  • What would you do if my pet seemed unwell or escaped?
  • How do you send updates during a visit?
  • How do you handle keys and alarm codes?

Employee or contractor?

Most walkers and pet sitters with several clients, their own rates and their own booking system run their own business. Someone who does daily walks only for you on your schedule may be an employee.

Where to find good household help · How to check references properly · Keys, codes and home access

Handyperson

Small repairs, furniture assembly, hanging shelves and odd jobs.

Look for

  • Photos or references for similar jobs
  • Honest about what needs a licensed electrician, plumber or contractor
  • A written price or hourly rate before work starts
  • Liability insurance for work in your home

Ask

  • Have you done this kind of job before? Can I see an example?
  • Is any part of this something that needs a permit or a licensed trade?
  • How do you price it, and what if it takes longer?
  • Do you carry liability insurance?

Employee or contractor?

Most handypeople are independent businesses. Many states require a contractor license above a certain job size or for electrical, plumbing and gas work, so check your state's rules for bigger jobs.

Writing a job post that attracts the right people · Insurance when someone works in your home · Write a simple work agreement

Companion for an older relative

Company, errands, light meals and help around the house.

Look for

  • Patience and warmth with older adults
  • Reliable transport if errands are part of the job
  • Clear limits: companions don't provide medical or personal care
  • References from similar roles

Ask

  • What do you enjoy about working with older adults?
  • How would you handle my relative refusing help?
  • What would you do if you noticed a change in their health or a fall?
  • How would you keep the family updated?

Employee or contractor?

A companion who works in the home on a schedule the family sets is usually a household employee. If someone needs hands-on personal or medical care, talk to licensed home care agencies or your relative's doctor.

Work out exactly what help you need · Setting fair pay · A good first week

General information. Worker status depends on the facts of each arrangement; see IRS Publication 926 and your state labor department.