Since 1974, Household Staffing International has been placing top quality, carefully screened Domestic Couples for fine homes and estates. We group Domestic Couple jobs into three categories: the Inside Domestic Couple Model, the Outside Couple Model and the All-Around Domestic Couple Model.
The Inside Domestic Couple Model
In the inside couple model, the domestic couple’s role involves keeping the interior of the home immaculate and well organized.
The housekeeper is responsible for deep cleaning of the entire home, laundering, ironing, preparing either good family cooking or gourmet cuisine, shopping and errands.
The houseman is usually responsible for doing the heavier cleaning, having the ability to serve formally or informally at the table as well as setting the table properly, driving and chauffeuring for his employer, using the car to pick up the children or do errands, and servicing the family car.
The Outside Domestic Couple Model
In the outside couple model, the domestic couple job involves different tasks. For instance, the role of the houseman is different. In this model, he is primarily concerned with the upkeep and maintenance of the outside property. His duties may include:
- Repairs
- Gardening
- Light landscaping
- Painting
- Carpentry
- Replacing and installing windows
- Similar tasks related to handyman/grounds man duties
In this domestic couple model, the housekeeper is needed to perform a similar role to that of the inside couple model, but she may be required to perform additional house management duties. These additional responsibilities may include:
- Calling in outside help and vendors
- Shopping
- Errands
- Making sure things are operating smoothly within the home
The All-Around Domestic Couple Model
The domestic couple in the all-around couple model is needed to perform similar duties to those in both the inside and outside models.
In this model, the houseman is required to work both inside the home with his partner and outside doing more limited – but still significant – outside chores. These chores might range from:
- Outside cleanup
- Maintenance of the tennis court or pool
- Mowing the lawn and other light landscaping
- He might also be required to assume the role of serving at the table or assisting with the heavier cleaning
The housekeeper’s duties in the all-around domestic couple job are pretty much unchanged from her prime responsibilities:
- Being meticulous
- Housekeeping
- Laundering, ironing
- Either good or gourmet cooking
Some domestic couples also manage private motor yacht and private aircraft if the family requires this task.
Changing Domestic Staffing Trends
In recent years, we have experienced a changing trend with some of our clients looking for domestic couples but an increase in clients hiring butlers, housemen, chefs, estate managers, grounds men, babynurses, nannies, and housekeepers. There are a variety of reasons that may help explain why we are seeing this shift. First, a number of families who have employed couples in their homes and estates over the years have become frustrated with the prospect of losing both members of the team when one is unhappy with the job or unhappy with their employer.
Added to this, many of our long time clients have voiced dissatisfaction when they are paying a salary and health insurance for two people when only one is doing the job effectively, particularly when the other is a “weak sister” who allows his or her partner to do the majority of the work. As a result, some of our valued clients who formerly employed domestic couples for their homes and estates have instead opted to have two separate people do the job, such as a housekeeper/cook and a houseman who may do outside work, heavier cleaning and chauffeuring.
Picking Specific Household Staff
From time to time, we receive requests for three distinct types of domestic or household staff, such as a chef or cook, a housekeeper and a houseman who are all total strangers to one another. Another possible explanation for this trend may relate to when our clients are trying to fill multiple positions within their home. To be specific, we often receive a request for a chef, a housekeeper and a laundress that might be more easily filled by getting three specialists who excel in each of their specific areas.
Despite some fluctuations in preference, experienced domestic couples remain highly sought after and continue to be a great option for many homes and estates that require specific care and security. We assist many domestic couples with new employment. Hopefully, the above information will help give you an understanding of the benefits and trends of Domestic Couples within the Household Staffing Industry. To find a domestic couple position or hire a domestic couple call 212-683-7722 or contact Household Staffing International online.