I’ve worked when the owner was home, yes, but usually they aren’t for me; it is common though. I’m not against cleaning with the owner there; I just don’t get calls much in my area from those that are home during the day.

I mostly just do general maintenance cleaning these days. I don’t think there’s any cleaning service that will turn you down or not clean for you if only one room at a time, and with you home; unless there’s a safety hazard: such as rodents and insects or major electrical issues or something along those lines. I have cleaned homes in the past that had those issues and there are services that will clean in homes that have those problems, but it does get much more expensive if that’s the case.

With maintenance cleaning it’s usually 2-3 hours at one stop for me alone. People with all sorts of dwellings call for cleaning services, so you really don’t have to worry so much about it. The only thing would be if you have a substantial amount of clutter; I do some organizing from time to time, but a home organizer may be someone you’ll want to call if there’s a lot of that needing to be done.

I’ve never had experience with any home organizers so I don’t know rates or anything for their services. Otherwise just call, if it’s a reputable cleaning person or company, insured and bonded!, then there shouldn’t be an obligation to pay for an estimate. I’m paid after services are complete, and I don’t charge for estimates. I don’t know of any company that charged for estimates, and if you get someone who’s pushy then you don’t want them in your home!

I think you’re worrying too much about it. Just call, and if you end up with someone who’s rude or doesn’t feel right, call somewhere else. You have to be comfortable with them.