According to the Home Cleaning Centers of America, a national franchise business, residential house cleaning has become one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. It is approaching $20 billion in annual revenue, with a projected annual growth rate of 20 percent.

I disregarded the first two ads. But about the time the third flier arrived on my front porch, I realized that my many family and work obligations were quickly taking priority over dusting and vacuuming.

Apparently, I'm not alone.

This year, the local Better Business Bureau has received 4,831 inquiries about cleaning companies.

During the past 12 months, there have been only six complaints, said Beverly Baskin, president of the Eastern North Carolina bureau.

But she cautioned consumers not to read too much into the low number.

"People should always check with us first, because any single company might have a problem," she said.

To get some advice on finding a good cleaning company, I checked with Angie Hicks, founder of online-rating service Angie's List, and Bruce and Sarah Vance of North Carolina, who have run a cleaning business for 16 years.

Their advice:

• Get quotes from at least three companies. You will get a wide range of prices based on the size of the home, number of bathrooms, type of decor, amount of clutter, number of pets and number of people living in the home. At the Vance's business, a 3,000-square-foot home would cost $85 to $115 for service every other week. But don't just compare fees; compare the services that are included in the price.

• Avoid taking an estimate over the phone. Under most circumstances, a cleaner will need to walk through your home to give you a realistic estimate.

• Ask for a business address, not a P.O. box. If problems arise, authorities will need a physical address to contact the company. Don't fall for the excuse that the company doesn't want to give an actual address because cleaners work out of a home. Remember, the cleaning company knows where you live.

• Ask to see a copy of the company's certificate of insurance. If the company declines, you should move on to the next one. The certificate should show proof that the company is bonded and has workers' compensation and insurance coverage. The workers' compensation coverage will ensure that you are not responsible if the worker has a work-related accident in your home. A lot of people forget to ask about that, the Vances said.

• Ask if the cleaners subcontract the work or use temporary employees and make sure they perform background checks on employees.

• Request references. Make sure the reference is a repeat or longtime customer.

• Ask whether the company has its own cleaning supplies or if you should provide them. If you provide the supplies, the price should reflect that.

• Communicate with the company. Tell the cleaners what you expect and find out exactly what the fees cover. Ask what is considered basic coverage and what is extra. Get an agreement in writing.

• Try to be there the first time your home is cleaned to offer feedback and make sure things are going as expected.

So how do you find the right cleaning service?

First, decide whether you prefer an individual cleaner or a chain or franchise.

An individual is often cheaper and will do customized work. If you hire an individual, it's important to do your own criminal background check. Make sure you are not obligated to withhold taxes or make Social Security payments. It could come back to haunt you.

You might consider a large company if you want to have a regular cleaning time: The service company can send a substitute if the regular cleaner is out. Service companies also might know more about cleaning products. They also tend to have more insurance coverage. However, they often cost more because of their overhead expenses.

A few more tips:

• Ask friends and neighbors for references.

• Contact a national cleaning service franchise. Larger ones include Merry Maids (www.merrymaids.com), Molly Maid (www.mollymaid.com), Maid Brigade (www.maidbrigade.com), Home Cleaning Centers of America (www.homecleaningcenters.com) and The Maids (www.maids.com).

• Check Web sites that rate service companies, such as Angie's List (www.angieslist.com/AngiesList/) and Service Magic (www.servicemagic.com). Note that there is a nominal fee to get access to Angie's list; Service Magic is free.