Start a Pressure Washing Business

If you're interested in starting your own business but don't have thousands of dollars to invest, why not find out how to start a pressure washing business?

As people get busier and busier, they are turning to professionals to handle many of their cleaning jobs.

For sidewalk or driveway cleaning, deck or siding washing, customers turn to pressure washers.

Pressure washers use equipment and chemicals to wash down surfaces, but with power. Think of a garden hose on steroids.

How To Start A Pressure Washing Business - Getting Started

Although you will need to invest in some specific equipment, overall you can develop a low cost business strategy that will allow you to upgrade your equipment as your business grows.

Training is available through different companies. Pressurenet.net, a pressure washing business network, provides some good background about getting into the business. A quick online search will yield you a number of additional leads.

When learning how to start a pressure washing business, it is important to know how to use your equipment, what chemicals and water temperature work best with specific surfaces (i.e. warm water on wood is not advised).

You will also need to have customer service skills, financial planning and marketing ability.

Pressure Washing Equipment Needed

Obviously, you'll need a pressure washer. These come in many different price categories, from several hundred dollars to thousands. Get the best quality one that you can for your budget.

You also will need to choose a hot water or cold water pressure washer. Keep in mind that hot water devices are more effective in the winter, if you're in an area that has freezing temperatures.

Also consider size. The larger pressure washers will contain more water. If you're focusing on residences, you may be able to start with a smaller pressure washer, but if you're working on businesses, you may need a larger one.

The amount of pressure the washer has is also important. The higher the psi (pounds per square inch), the harder the water will come out of the hose, which will make the work quicker and more effective.

In addition to the pressure washer, you'll need a truck or van for hauling it to clients, hoses, and various chemicals for cleaning.

When planning how to start a pressure washing business, research your local city codes for water runoff restrictions. Your city may have laws that govern what chemicals may be used with pressure washers.

Click Here to See A Manual for Starting Your Own Pressure Washing Bizop!

Growing Your Power Washing Business

Now that you're in business, you'll need to find customers! You can start by cold calling businesses and sending business cards and flyers to neighborhoods. Offer to pressure wash driveways in your neighborhood for free, and ask that owners pass your name on to their friends.

Don't forget to put ads in the free neighborhood flyers. Word of mouth can be your best source for business, so always network wherever you go.

Winter can be a difficult time for the power washing business. Consider expanding to kitchen exhaust cleaning for restaurants as well. Kitchen exhaust cleaning, done well, helps prevent grease fires.

In owning a business, it is imperative to know every facet of what make your product and/or service operable! So let’s dive into the heavy world of pressure washing! Owning a business consists of lifestyle of decision making and running a pressure washing business they are many choices to be made! First, you must decide what type of business you want to own, there are two main types of pressure washing business being either residential or commercial. Then you must decide what type of washer your business is going to clean with. Lastly you must know how to safely and correctly operate an actual pressure washer! We will now take a look at each sector of this business individually! In starting a business of this magnitude it is best to seek information from a current business owner to see what the economy is like, someone who owns a pressure washing business to see what the costs are, and the business associations in your area!

What type of Business You Want to Have?

There are two many types of pressure washing business: residential and commercial washing services! Residential deals with houses, driveways, sidewalks, roofs and gutters! Average industry guidelines suggest that the average residential pressure washer receive a flat rate between $100-$300 and has the ability to earn up to $.50-$2.00 per linear feet or $.10-.$20. In dealing in the residential market it is very necessary to have communication skills being that you deal with people in their personal environments! Commercial washing deals with businesses (windows and parking lots), construction sites, and mobile homes! Average industry rates for commercial washing pay are much higher due to the larger scale of the properties!\

What type of Pressure Washer Your Business Will Use?

If you operate a versatile pressure washing business, your business is going to have versatile equipment for the job! Pressure washers come in different style for the different functions! The most common type of washers includes air pressure, cold water, and power pressure washers! Air pressure washers you a build of up air to clean and are commonly used in auto shops, aircraft hangars, and in areas ravished by floods! Cold water washers use cold water to get the job done, are safer for the environment, and saves time, money, and labor! Power pressure washers uses just that power, in fact they are only intended for commercial use or heavy household use!

How to Operate a Pressure Washer

Operating a pressure washer depends on what type of washer you company needs! The most important thing about operating them overall is becoming very familiar with the safety guidelines, making your self acquainted with the correct way to handle the chemicals need in the process (if any), and how to keep your washer clean and properly working and maintained!

Moreover, learn your craft and market very well and your experience as a business owner will be a great one!