While heaps of expats have helpers here in Singapore, finding the perfect person to suit your needs isn’t always easy – or clear. Most families have live-in helpers, who do a little bit of everything, whether cooking, cleaning or looking after the kids. However, there are plenty of others who’d rather not have a maid full-time, instead hiring someone to come to the house on a part-time basis. Or perhaps mum’s got the homemaking covered, but she uses a regular baby-sitter for weekly date nights with dad.
How do you go about hiring them? While the ideal scenario would be to get a glowing recommendation from a friend who is leaving Singapore and leaving their helper behind, it doesn’t generally work that way. And living with someone can be complicated. Here’s a list of companies that can help around the house, from part time cleaners, technical help, and touching up furniture, to maid agencies where you can interview at your own pace.
A-Team Amahs & Cleaners
Since 2004, A-Team Amahs & Cleaners have specialised in house cleaning, babysitting and confinement services (help and care for mothers and babies post-partum). They also offer exit cleaning, housesitting, housekeeping and even pet sitting. The A-Team two-in-one house cleaning and babysitting service is a blessing – especially for working parents. You can leave your home and little ones (fur-kids too) in the capable hands of an experienced team and return to a spick-and-span house and a happy family.
“I speak very fondly about our helper Emily because she has taken under her wings the care and maintenance of my Chinese antiques. I’m truly thankful because Emily’s skills go way beyond maintenance and care of the home; she is very thoughtful to the children and is very much qualified to successfully run a home in every aspect.” – C. Ochoa
6100 6131 or 6100 6132 | a-team.com.sg
Wizard Home Services
Need a trusted plumber, electrician, mover, babysitter or pest-control person, or perhaps even a massage? Wizard’s online platform allows you to book over 15 different services to help around the home. All their service providers have been pre-screened and their skills assessed so you can be assured they’ll be the best person for your job.
“I’ve been using the services of Wizard for almost two years. I like the way they work, helping the providers to find employers. They take care not only of the quality of the service but also of the working conditions of the providers, being fair to everybody. I can very much recommend their services. Thanks, Sumirah, for helping to keep our house clean.” – Beatriz, Bukit Timah
Tekkie Help
For the last seven years, Sarah and Bo Pinel from Tekkie Help have been fixing, streamlining and repairing technology in homes all over Singapore. Their services include WiFi optimisation, support to set up home entertainment systems, software support, data storage and protection, new device management and repairs to hardware.
Special offer: From January to March 2019, quote “Expat Living” to enjoy ten percent off all services.
“I’ve been using Tekkie Help since they started about seven years ago. We’ve moved three times and I’ve used them each time, as well as for other IT issues. They get the job done right and are always professional, polite, accurate and reasonable. I wish more service providers were like them!” – James Henritz
iimafix
The task of managing home repairs and rental property inspections is simplified by iimafix, which allows you to track all your job requests on your own personal dashboard. There are no hidden fees, and an upfront agreement is made on the job and its cost; plus, the company’s work is guaranteed up to 12 months after completion.
Special offer: Receive two rental home inspections for the price of one. Book a move-in inspection and receive a complimentary move-out inspection; use coupon code ‘BUY1GET2’ when you book.
“Thanks, iimafix, for providing me with professional advice on what work needed to be done and arranging to have it done within budget.” – Mita Kelder
Inter-Mares Management Services
Looking for live-in help? Inter-Mares Management Services can assist in finding the perfect fit for you and your family. The agency has over 35 years of experience, and can also help with the renewal of work permits and arrangement of exit permits. It provides potential employers with a ‘Maid Profile’ where they can find out the helper’s experience, strengths and weaknesses. If any issues arise, you can engage Inter-Mares for counselling services or three-way consultations.
“I’ve had a very pleasant experience with this agency. Ms Melody Redes, who has been my helper for the past 10 years, wants to renew her contract. I’m very pleased as she has been an excellent employee. Our previous helper, Ms Daisy Sabale, who was also from Inter-Mares, worked for me for 15 years. She was hardworking, honest and loyal.” – Tan Suan Imm
Packeverything
Since 2006, Packeverything has been providing a wide range of packing supplies online and in-store. The good news is that the company’s packing materials are made from recycled materials, helping to reduce carbon footprints. You can also get your hands on reusable eco products such as non-woven bags, paper bags, biodegradable plastic bags and resealable packaging. They also carry a Move-It-Yourself Kit with everything you need for your move such as boxes and bubble wraps.
Special offer: New in store is the Reno Ready Kit that comprises corrugated rolls of paper, plastic sheets for dust and paint covering, a range of tapes, garbage bags, storage cartons, markers, labels and more. A handy option for home improvement and renovation works, the kit is currently priced at $88 (usually $111).
“I got everything I needed for packing from Packeverything. It saved me plenty of time and energy, and the prices are reasonable too.” – Audrey Pritchard
Comfy Homes
Comfy Homes offers home cleaning, air-conditioning, plumbing and laundry services as well as dry cleaning. Opt for either a weekly cleaning service or one-time spring cleaning. Their two helpers will get everything done within just two hours. Weekly cleaning even includes the dreaded ironing and laundry! Keep your marble or parquet flooring clean and sparkly with their floor maintenance service that polishes and removes stains. While you’re at it, let them help you get rid of accumulated dust from your mattresses, sofas, cushions and carpets. No time to do the washing? Just give them a call and your laundry will be returned clean and fresh within five working days.
“I was introduced to Comfy Homes by a friend. They not only met my expectations but went beyond them. When I forgot my keys, their supervisor rushed down to open my door for me. They always go the extra mile!” – Steve
Retro Dec
Looking to give your home a makeover? A good place to start is by refreshing your tired-looking furniture. Retro Dec has 25 years of experience in helping homeowners up-cycle existing pieces by giving them a new lease of life. Items such as TV consoles, nightstands, cabinets and dining tables can all take on a fresh look with a new coat of paint; within a week, your furniture will be transformed to capture the eye. Complete your styling mission with the company’s home painting, varnishing, polishing and wallpaper installation services.
“What a difference Retro Dec’s wood care makes, transforming furniture from old to absolutely gorgeous! I recommend them to anyone wanting to refurbish their furniture to look great and new. They offer first class service and produce outstanding results.” – Jennifer Fox
@bsolute Services
Keep your house in good shape with @bsolute Services. Offering a range of home services including part-time maids, cleaning, laundry and dry cleaning, their professional team has got you covered. Got a stubborn stain you can’t remove? Let them give your couch, carpets, curtains or mattresses a good steam. Upkeep your air-conditioners and keep the air fresh with their air-con servicing and cleaning. Too busy for laundry? Don’t fret, their laundry and dry cleaning services allows pick up and drop off at your convenience.
“We have just moved to Singapore and found @bsolute Services very professional and reliable. Our cleaner Grace is polite and thorough in everything she does. I would recommend this company to others looking for good service and a good clean!” – Tenille Jamgotchian
8488 8444 | absoluteservices.com.sg
CleanAndFix.sg
CleanAndFix.sg provides house cleaning, painting, floor polishing, electrical, plumbing and handyman services. Their team will turn your kitchen into a sparkling clean haven – no more oily floors, dirty dishes, stoves or countertops. They can even clean your fridge, cabinets and degrease your oven! Keep your marble and parquet floors in move-in condition with their professional floor polishing services. The company prides themselves in supporting animal welfare and special needs organisations.
“We can always trust them to charge fairly with no hidden costs. Excellent service and their staff are always friendly and a pleasure to work with!” – Roger Sim
DomesticONE
Get an extra pair of hands with cleaning, babysitting and nanny services at DomesticONE. Opt for either part-time or regular maid services, depending on your needs. Get your ironing settled and have them safely clean hard-to-reach areas such as windows, ceiling lights and fans. If you want a one-off, book their ad-hoc cleaning service. Moving in the near future? Get them to clean your new home pre-move or after renovation.
“DomesticONE relieves me of the hassle of doing housework, allowing me to spend more quality time with my family. Our cleaner Mdm Peck Gek is professional and her ironing skills are superb! She is reliable and committed. We are glad that she is friendly to our doggies too.” – Jac Wong
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