Hiring a window cleaner seems simple. But the wrong choice costs you more than streaky glass — it can mean property damage, liability exposure, or a company that disappears after collecting payment.
We've seen it all in the GTA. Here's the 10-point checklist that separates professionals from problems.
The 10-Point Checklist
- Do they carry $2M+ liability insurance? This is non-negotiable. Ask for their Certificate of Insurance (COI). A legitimate company produces it in minutes. If they hesitate, stall, or say "we're covered" without proof — walk away. Without insurance, YOU are liable for any injuries on your property. In Ontario, a ladder fall lawsuit can exceed $500,000.
- Will they give you a firm price before starting? "We'll figure it out when we get there" is a red flag. Professional companies quote based on window count, home size, and service level — before arriving. You should know the exact price before anyone touches your windows. No surprises.
- What water system do they use? This is the question that separates premium from amateur. Toronto tap water contains 100-130 mg/L of dissolved minerals. When it dries on glass, those minerals leave white spots and streaks. Purified water (0 mg/L) evaporates clean. Ask: "Do you use purified water?" If they don't know what you're talking about, they're using tap.
- What's included in the price? The cheapest quote usually excludes screens, tracks, sills, and frames. You end up with clean glass surrounded by dirty everything else. Ask specifically: "Does your price include screens, tracks, sills, and frames?" If not, what's the add-on cost?
- Do they have a satisfaction guarantee? What happens if you're not happy? A professional company guarantees their work and will redo it. Ask: "What's your guarantee?" and listen for specifics. "We stand behind our work" is vague. "We'll redo any window you're not satisfied with, free of charge — or you don't pay" is a guarantee.
- Can you see Google reviews? Check their Google Business Profile. Look for: 4.5+ stars, at least 10 reviews, reviews that mention specific details (not just "great job"). Be wary of all 5-star reviews with generic text — those can be purchased. The best sign? Detailed reviews mentioning the company's response to problems.
- Do they take before and after photos? This protects both you and them. Photos document the condition before work starts (pre-existing chips, scratches, seal failures) and prove the quality after. If they don't photograph, you have no proof of what was done — and no leverage if something goes wrong.
- How do they handle rain? An amateur says "we'll reschedule." A professional says "purified water means rain doesn't matter — your windows stay clean." This is actually a great litmus test for water system quality. If they panic about rain, they're using tap water.
- Do they have a physical presence? Website, Google Business Profile, business phone number, branded vehicle or uniform. A professional company isn't hiding behind a personal cell phone and a Kijiji ad. This doesn't mean they need a storefront — many legitimate window cleaners are mobile. But they should have a real web presence and business identity.
- What's their response time? Text or call them. How fast do they respond? A company that takes 3 days to return your inquiry will take 3 days to address a problem. Professional companies respond within 2 hours during business hours. That responsiveness continues after they have your money.
Red Flags (Walk Away Immediately)
🚩 "Cash only, no receipt"
No insurance, no taxes, no accountability. If something goes wrong, you have no recourse.
No insurance, no taxes, no accountability. If something goes wrong, you have no recourse.
🚩 Won't give a firm quote
"Around $200-400 depending" means you'll pay $400. Professionals count windows and give exact numbers.
"Around $200-400 depending" means you'll pay $400. Professionals count windows and give exact numbers.
🚩 Demands full payment upfront
Legitimate companies bill after the work is done. A small deposit (10-20%) for large jobs is reasonable. Full payment before work starts? Never.
Legitimate companies bill after the work is done. A small deposit (10-20%) for large jobs is reasonable. Full payment before work starts? Never.
🚩 No online presence whatsoever
No website, no Google profile, no reviews. In 2026, this means they're either brand new or hiding something.
No website, no Google profile, no reviews. In 2026, this means they're either brand new or hiding something.
🚩 Pressure to decide right now
"This price is only good today" is a sales tactic, not a real deadline. A confident company lets you compare quotes.
"This price is only good today" is a sales tactic, not a real deadline. A confident company lets you compare quotes.
Green Flags (Signs of a Professional)
✅ Sends insurance proof without being asked
Proactive transparency. They know it matters and don't wait for you to ask.
Proactive transparency. They know it matters and don't wait for you to ask.
✅ Detailed quote with line items
You can see exactly what you're paying for — windows, screens, tracks, add-ons.
You can see exactly what you're paying for — windows, screens, tracks, add-ons.
✅ Same-day or next-day quote response
Speed = professionalism. If they value your inquiry, they'll value your property.
Speed = professionalism. If they value your inquiry, they'll value your property.
✅ Before and after photos on their website/social
They're proud of their work. And they have proof it's real.
They're proud of their work. And they have proof it's real.
✅ They ask YOU questions
How many windows? What floor? Any accessibility issues? Specific concerns? A company that asks questions is a company that does the job right.
How many windows? What floor? Any accessibility issues? Specific concerns? A company that asks questions is a company that does the job right.
Cheap vs Professional: The Real Cost Comparison
| Factor | Budget Service ($150) | Professional Service ($300) |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance | Usually none | $2M+ liability |
| Water system | Tap water (streaks) | Purified (streak-free) |
| Screens & tracks | Extra $50-100 | Included |
| Sills & frames | Not included | Included |
| Guarantee | None | Written guarantee |
| Before/after photos | No | Yes |
| How long results last | 2-3 weeks | 8-12 weeks |
| True cost per clean day | $7.14-$10.71/day | $3.57-$5.36/day |
| Risk of damage | Higher (no insurance) | Covered |
| Callbacks needed | Often 1-2 | Zero |
The math: A $150 cleaning that lasts 3 weeks = $7.14/day. A $300 cleaning that lasts 12 weeks = $3.57/day. Professional cleaning is actually 50% cheaper per clean day.
Questions to Ask (Copy This List)
Save this and ask every company you contact:
- Are you insured? Can I see your Certificate of Insurance?
- What's the exact price for my home? (Give them window count and storeys)
- What water system do you use?
- Are screens, tracks, sills, and frames included?
- What's your satisfaction guarantee?
- Do you take before and after photos?
- What happens if it rains?
- How quickly do you respond to issues?
- How long have you been in business?
- Can I see recent before/after photos?
A professional company will welcome these questions. A scammer will get defensive.
How MANTLE Scores on This Checklist
We built MANTLE to pass every point on this list. Here's how we stack up:
| Checklist Item | MANTLE |
|---|---|
| $2M+ insurance | ✅ Certificate available on request |
| Firm price before starting | ✅ Quote within 2 hours, exact price |
| Water system | ✅ ClearCoat™ purified water (0 mg/L) |
| Screens, tracks, sills included | ✅ Always included |
| Satisfaction guarantee | ✅ Redo it free or you don't pay |
| Google reviews | ✅ Check our profile |
| Before/after photos | ✅ Every job, same day |
| Rain policy | ✅ Purified water = rain doesn't matter |
| Physical presence | ✅ Website, GBP, branded presence |
| Response time | ✅ Under 2 hours |
Ready to See the Difference?
Get a firm quote in under 2 hours. 10/10 on the checklist. Guaranteed.
Get Free Estimate →Or call (416) 206-3274