What it is like to work with us, from first photo to clean surface
Working with us starts with a few photos and an approximate area, and ends with you seeing the clean surface on site or in pictures. In between come an honest assessment, a clear quote, agreed access, a tested clean and, if you want it, repairs and a recolour. This article walks through the real process, without testimonials or ratings.
Send us a photo and the m²What happens when you first get in touch?
When you first get in touch, we ask for photos, an approximate area and your town. That is enough for most cleaning jobs to get an initial view and, often, a quote.
- Wide daylight shots of each area to be cleaned.
- Close-ups of oil stains, rust marks, moss or peeling paint.
- The approximate square metres; a rough figure is fine.
- Anything we should know: steps, slopes, a pool, gated access, no water on site.
If you are abroad, your property manager, gardener or key holder can take the photos. Communication is in English by email or WhatsApp.
What does the assessment tell you?
The assessment tells you what a clean will achieve on your surface, what it will not, and whether anything else should be considered. Typical questions we answer at this point:
- Is the surface dirty, faded, or both?
- Which stains are likely to come out, and which may leave a shadow?
- Are there joints, coatings or soft materials that need special care?
- Where will the wash water go, and are there residues to collect?
If something cannot be judged from photos, we say so and check it on site. The guide on oil stains on concrete is a good example of how we explain realistic outcomes.
How are access and timing arranged?
Access and timing are arranged with whoever holds the keys or the gate remote. For gated developments, we coordinate with the administrator or security as required by the community's rules.
For holiday rentals, we look for a gap between guest stays. For communal garages, the administrator agrees a zone plan and informs residents; the communal garage cleaning page explains how that works.
If a gardener, pool technician or cleaner is due on the same day, tell us. Two teams working the same terrace slow each other down, and wet, freshly cleaned paving is not the place for someone to wheel a barrow of cuttings.
What happens on the cleaning day?
On the cleaning day, the area should be clear of cars, furniture and pots. We check the surface again, test a small patch to set pressure and distance, and then clean in a steady pattern.
Stains get the targeted treatment agreed in the quote; see the oil stain removal page for how that works on driveways. Paint flakes and solids are collected as the work proceeds rather than washed away.
If something unexpected appears, such as weak concrete or loose blocks, we stop and tell you before doing anything outside the agreed scope.
What happens after the clean?
After the clean, the surface is inspected in its true condition. We point out what we noticed: open joints, cracks, faded areas, damp spots where growth will return. That is information for you, not a sales pitch.
If you only wanted a clean, the job ends there, with before-and-after photos if you asked for them. If a renovation is part of the plan, the next stages follow: repairs, edge cut-in by brush and two coats of synthetic resin paint.
What questions might you have along the way?
The same questions come up on most jobs, so it is worth knowing the answers in advance.
- Will the oil stain come out completely? Sometimes; we say in advance when a shadow is likely.
- Will the moss come back? Where the shade and damp remain, yes, over time.
- Do I need to be there? No; access through a key holder is fine.
- Can you do the terrace too while you are here? Usually yes, if planned in advance.
For a broader view of what to know before booking, see the article on what owners wish they had known, and for the standard clean, the patio and driveway cleaning page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I arrange everything without being in Spain?
Yes. Photos, quote, access and before-and-after pictures can all be handled by message. Your key holder or property manager lets us in and we keep you informed in English. You never need to meet us in person.
Do you reply in English?
Yes. All communication can be in English by email or WhatsApp, which suits owners who live abroad or are only on the coast part of the year. Quotes and job descriptions are written in plain English, so you know exactly what is included. If someone else needs to be copied in, just tell us.
Do you visit before quoting?
For most cleaning jobs, photos are enough for a quote. If something cannot be judged from pictures, such as the condition of old paint or the depth of a stain, we check it on site. The photo route is usually quicker and easier.
What do I need to do before the cleaning day?
Clear the area of vehicles, furniture, pots and mats, tell us about ground-level lights and delicate planting, and make sure access is arranged if you will not be there. If you are away, ask your key holder to do this before the agreed day.
Will you send photos of the result?
Yes, if you ask for them. Before-and-after photos are especially useful for owners abroad and for administrators reporting to a community. We take them from similar angles so the change is easy to compare. Split images showing the same area half cleaned can also be arranged.
What if you find something unexpected?
We stop and explain what we found before doing anything outside the agreed scope. Nothing extra is done without your agreement. You decide whether to add the work, leave it, or plan it for later. We document what we found with photos, so you can see it even if you are not on site. That helps you decide calmly.
Can the clean be the start of a renovation?
Yes. After cleaning, cracks and small holes can be repaired, edges cut in by brush and two coats of synthetic resin paint applied. You can decide once you see the clean surface. Seeing the clean surface first gives you an honest basis for that choice.
Do you work with property managers?
Yes. We can coordinate access and timing with property managers, key holders and administrators on behalf of owners who are abroad. They often hold the keys, know the drainage and can check on the work for you. We send them the same information we send you, unless you prefer otherwise. This keeps everyone informed.
How do you handle communal garages?
The administrator agrees a plan of zones and dates, residents are informed, and we clean zone by zone so only part of the garage is closed at any time. The ramp is usually scheduled when traffic is lowest. Owners abroad can follow progress through the administrator.
Why don't you show reviews or ratings?
We prefer to show the real process and real photos of the work rather than quotes or star ratings. Our gallery and the Marbella project show what we do. We think photos of real surfaces tell you more than words. You can judge the work for yourself.