Advice on pressure washing business

[Socalx09]

Wow…This is so much useful information! This is why I love RDP.

I’ll respond to the comments more in depth, just had a long day. I appreciate all the advice and knowledge you all have provided!

So just to give a little more insight. My husband and his friend work early am jobs, so they are use to a grave shift type of schedule. This is why they want to focus on the commercial side as residential won’t work with their hours. They also have one on call weekend a month which limits their schedule even more. They just decided they want to roll the dice in this side hustle to see what may come of this. I think they see the struggle the older guys in their industry have. Robert(husband) already feels like he is having carpal tunnel issues. If something were to come from this, he could go to the AC side of the trade and work a straight 40 a week and not worry about OT. Hearing what they talk about, they are trying to set up their future a bit so they don’t have to work as hard in 10+years. They would rather sacrifice their weekends right now to see if this turns into anything. One day, they hope they could potentially have employees running the jobs instead of them. It’s the end goal of it. Since the major cost of acquiring a trailer isn’t there, they feel like they could give it a shot and if it doesn’t work out, they lost a little bit of money each and then we can sell the trailer, but they want to try.

Also, as many of you guys know, I take care of my grandma which does provide an income. But, that all ends once she’s gone. I have health issues that require 4 days of month of infusions (4-5 hours a day) and doctor visits. If this does turn into something, I could handle the business side that will allow me the flexibility to work from anywhere. Which will reduce the stress of having Robert trying to handle all the income on his own.

I know it takes a lot of time and research to set this up properly. I need to learn all the regulations of this business so we don’t get fined or break any laws.

Here’s the picture of the trailer set up.

 

[Orange Juice]

$400 gets a DeWalt pressure washer on Amazon.

 

[Orange Juice]

Wow…This is so much useful information! This is why I love RDP.

I’ll respond to the comments more in depth, just had a long day. I appreciate all the advice and knowledge you all have provided!

So just to give a little more insight. My husband and his friend work early am jobs, so they are use to a grave shift type of schedule. This is why they want to focus on the commercial side as residential won’t work with their hours. They also have one on call weekend a month which limits their schedule even more. They just decided they want to roll the dice in this side hustle to see what may come of this. I think they see the struggle the older guys in their industry have. Robert(husband) already feels like he is having carpal tunnel issues. If something were to come from this, he could go to the AC side of the trade and work a straight 40 a week and not worry about OT. Hearing what they talk about, they are trying to set up their future a bit so they don’t have to work as hard in 10+years. They would rather sacrifice their weekends right now to see if this turns into anything. One day, they hope they could potentially have employees running the jobs instead of them. It’s the end goal of it. Since the major cost of acquiring a trailer isn’t there, they feel like they could give it a shot and if it doesn’t work out, they lost a little bit of money each and then we can sell the trailer, but they want to try.

Also, as many of you guys know, I take care of my grandma which does provide an income. But, that all ends once she’s gone. I have health issues that require 4 days of month of infusions (4-5 hours a day) and doctor visits. If this does turn into something, I could handle the business side that will allow me the flexibility to work from anywhere. Which will reduce the stress of having Robert trying to handle all the income on his own.

I know it takes a lot of time and research to set this up properly. I need to learn all the regulations of this business so we don’t get fined or break any laws.

Here’s the picture of the trailer set up.
View attachment 1277819 View attachment 1277821 View attachment 1277820

Steam and Pressure.

 

[lakemadness]

$400 gets a DeWalt pressure washer on Amazon.

What's your point? That does ok for a small patio. Anything bigger and you'll be working at it all day with less than acceptable results, compared to a commercial machine.

 

[lakemadness]

Wow…This is so much useful information! This is why I love RDP.

I’ll respond to the comments more in depth, just had a long day. I appreciate all the advice and knowledge you all have provided!

So just to give a little more insight. My husband and his friend work early am jobs, so they are use to a grave shift type of schedule. This is why they want to focus on the commercial side as residential won’t work with their hours. They also have one on call weekend a month which limits their schedule even more. They just decided they want to roll the dice in this side hustle to see what may come of this. I think they see the struggle the older guys in their industry have. Robert(husband) already feels like he is having carpal tunnel issues. If something were to come from this, he could go to the AC side of the trade and work a straight 40 a week and not worry about OT. Hearing what they talk about, they are trying to set up their future a bit so they don’t have to work as hard in 10+years. They would rather sacrifice their weekends right now to see if this turns into anything. One day, they hope they could potentially have employees running the jobs instead of them. It’s the end goal of it. Since the major cost of acquiring a trailer isn’t there, they feel like they could give it a shot and if it doesn’t work out, they lost a little bit of money each and then we can sell the trailer, but they want to try.

Also, as many of you guys know, I take care of my grandma which does provide an income. But, that all ends once she’s gone. I have health issues that require 4 days of month of infusions (4-5 hours a day) and doctor visits. If this does turn into something, I could handle the business side that will allow me the flexibility to work from anywhere. Which will reduce the stress of having Robert trying to handle all the income on his own.

I know it takes a lot of time and research to set this up properly. I need to learn all the regulations of this business so we don’t get fined or break any laws.

Here’s the picture of the trailer set up.
View attachment 1277819 View attachment 1277821 View attachment 1277820

Looks like standard-issue equipment, should do you well. Do you have another tank for the recovery water? or does it pump recovery water into the tank on the trailer? Usually, you'll have two separate tanks. The pressure washer needs a tank (buffer tank) because it will use more water than what will come out of a standard hose/supply. A good commercial machine will pump 7-8 gallons per minute.

 

[LuauLounge]

The more regulations they put on you drives the price up. Low overhead operation can do very well competing with large operations.

 

[D19]

Don't do a google business number. Get a real business phone system. Hit up @gqchris.

Get a domain too an have your own email. It makes you look a lot more legit which is important if you want to go after commercials accounts.

My good friend started one of these companies about 5 years ago and is slammed with commercial accounts. Just got to get out and talk to business owners. The water capturing requirements he has to comply with are an absolute joke. LOL Got to love CA.

 

[gqchris]

pressure washing on roofs = a head start to needing a new roof, seen it way too many times. Honestly panels dont require pressure washing and is actually frowned upon. regular hose and a soft brush at most.

I took my new to me travel trailer once to a Truck Wash, and tipped the guys very nicely. They pressure washed my roof. I was a dumbass and new to RV Ownership.

Needless to say I had NO ROOF membrane left after that. And the thing leaked from that day forward.

Idiot! LOL

 

[gqchris]

Don't do a google business number. Get a real business phone system. Hit up @gqchris.

Get a domain too an have your own email. It makes you look a lot more legit which is important if you want to go after commercials accounts.

My good friend started one of these companies about 5 years ago and is slammed with commercial accounts. Just got to get out and talk to business owners. The water capturing requirements he has to comply with are an absolute joke. LOL Got to love CA.

Thanks Dennis! Yup I can handle the phone and domain things when needed. @Socalx09

 

[Socalx09]

I've got a building in Placentia for you when you're ready.

PM me if you get set-up.

Appreciate this! Will definitely message you when the guys get this figured out.

 

[Socalx09]

Thanks Dennis! Yup I can handle the phone and domain things when needed. @Socalx09

Thanks @gqchris . I will definitely hit you up. I was trying to keep the start up costs low, but can see now with all the advice, it needs a more professional front since they are focusing on commercial.

 

[Socalx09]

Looks like standard-issue equipment, should do you well. Do you have another tank for the recovery water? or does it pump recovery water into the tank on the trailer? Usually, you'll have two separate tanks. The pressure washer needs a tank (buffer tank) because it will use more water than what will come out of a standard hose/supply. A good commercial machine will pump 7-8 gallons per minute.

I believe it just pumps back into the tank on the trailer. The tank on the trailer does have a small leak they were going to attempt to repair on Sunday. I’ll let Robert know about the possibly of needing two tanks. Is it possible for Robert to call you at your convenience to pick your brain about the business? Really appreciate all the advice you have given.

 

[Socalx09]

Trash Cans--Had these guys come out and do my green waste can and my trash can.. https://cmaxwash.com/one-time-cleaning.html, just left the cans out and they were like new. they have trucks that pull up though. Some kids in Rancho/Fontana had business cards and are starting to do the same thing, a little less then this company and people seem happy with them.

My dad use to use pay one of those companies and loved it. Then, the price shot you after the first year special. They had a pretty cool truck system. I noticed a lot of neighbors still use them.

 

[Socalx09]

Trailer cleaning day.

 

[whiteworks]

When I was in Spain a while back every morning they would come through and pressure wash the streets and sidewalks of the main strip where all the cafes and bars were. In our local downtown the city can’t get out of its own way with red tape and the streets of the local downtown are distrusting. The merchants try to hire someone to pressure wash and by the time the city fucks them around with reclaiming water bullshit it’s not financially viable. So they just keep it filthy

 

[HBCraig]

Wow…This is so much useful information! This is why I love RDP.

I’ll respond to the comments more in depth, just had a long day. I appreciate all the advice and knowledge you all have provided!

So just to give a little more insight. My husband and his friend work early am jobs, so they are use to a grave shift type of schedule. This is why they want to focus on the commercial side as residential won’t work with their hours. They also have one on call weekend a month which limits their schedule even more. They just decided they want to roll the dice in this side hustle to see what may come of this. I think they see the struggle the older guys in their industry have. Robert(husband) already feels like he is having carpal tunnel issues. If something were to come from this, he could go to the AC side of the trade and work a straight 40 a week and not worry about OT. Hearing what they talk about, they are trying to set up their future a bit so they don’t have to work as hard in 10+years. They would rather sacrifice their weekends right now to see if this turns into anything. One day, they hope they could potentially have employees running the jobs instead of them. It’s the end goal of it. Since the major cost of acquiring a trailer isn’t there, they feel like they could give it a shot and if it doesn’t work out, they lost a little bit of money each and then we can sell the trailer, but they want to try.

Also, as many of you guys know, I take care of my grandma which does provide an income. But, that all ends once she’s gone. I have health issues that require 4 days of month of infusions (4-5 hours a day) and doctor visits. If this does turn into something, I could handle the business side that will allow me the flexibility to work from anywhere. Which will reduce the stress of having Robert trying to handle all the income on his own.

I know it takes a lot of time and research to set this up properly. I need to learn all the regulations of this business so we don’t get fined or break any laws.

Here’s the picture of the trailer set up.
View attachment 1277819 View attachment 1277821 View attachment 1277820

When you get it going let me know. I need some pressure washing done at my house

 

[Socalx09]

Rust removal and rattle can spray job. And, they tried some plastic welding for the crack on the water tank. We will see if it holds the pressure of water after it cures in a few days.

The Yxz was covered at the time with a tarp for overspray.

 

[Your ad here]

Have you added the cost of what it's going to cost to just have the privilege of having a business? Insurance, contractors license, bond, LLC cost or similar, SWPP permits, other permits, ect. Remember the goal is to make money, not just make enough to pay the privilege of staying you're a business owner.

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

I'd be mindful on where your runoff will be at some of these places you work. There could be hefty fines and such in some places. You may have to have means of capturing it....ex... storm drains. Waddles, mesh...yada yada

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Include solar panel cleaning as an add-on.

You should NEVER pressure wash panels, light basic soap and water or the windex glass cleaner hose attachment. You can easily blow out seals and ruin a panel...those of us that know what to look for will catch it in a second if a defect/failure claim is made. On a commercial job a few years ago a "panel cleaner" ruined 35 panels on a 160 panel array. I'm sure his insurance was happy about that one.. Have seen damage on resi jobs as well.

 

[Socalx09]

Update-

The guys are finally getting some momentum going. The trailer is fully operational, a new tank was added for water reclamation with the vacuum. They are collecting supplies to prevent water runoff and figuring out the sanitary disposal of wastewater portion now.

My backyard looks pretty awesome. They have been practicing on our block wall, and concrete- different tips, pressures and treatments. The rain hasn’t helped as they can only practice on weekends. They are finally getting a good groove going with procedures and steps. Going to try to get some business drummed up with the neighbors just to get some cash flow in. We are not going to do roof cleanings or solar cleanings. I don’t think the liability is worth it. There are some leads on commercial cleanings with friends, but they’d like a little more practice especially with the strict water laws here in California.

I’m trying to figure out what other companies are charging per square foot. I only know how much a company would charge when my dad worked at a fast food chain and that was $350-450 a store. The pressure washing company is doing 35+ stores a month just with that chain.

What would you guys pay for a 3 car driveway to be cleaned or backyard?

For residential- when I factor in taxes, supplies, gas and insurance costs. The number I’m getting at is $300-350 for a 816sq ft driveway. Which seems high. I would have thought it would be in the $200-250 range. Would like some real world feedback. They both have good jobs, and I don’t want them doing this just to break even- it won’t be worth it. But, they both are hoping this can help both of them down the line. I’m here to support them and help.

Any feedback is helpful.

 

[Havasu blue label]

Update-

The guys are finally getting some momentum going. The trailer is fully operational, a new tank was added for water reclamation with the vacuum. They are collecting supplies to prevent water runoff and figuring out the sanitary disposal of wastewater portion now.

My backyard looks pretty awesome. They have been practicing on our block wall, and concrete- different tips, pressures and treatments. The rain hasn’t helped as they can only practice on weekends. They are finally getting a good groove going with procedures and steps. Going to try to get some business drummed up with the neighbors just to get some cash flow in. We are not going to do roof cleanings or solar cleanings. I don’t think the liability is worth it. There are some leads on commercial cleanings with friends, but they’d like a little more practice especially with the strict water laws here in California.

I’m trying to figure out what other companies are charging per square foot. I only know how much a company would charge when my dad worked at a fast food chain and that was $350-450 a store. The pressure washing company is doing 35+ stores a month just with that chain.

What would you guys pay for a 3 car driveway to be cleaned or backyard?

For residential- when I factor in taxes, supplies, gas and insurance costs. The number I’m getting at is $300-350 for a 816sq ft driveway. Which seems high. I would have thought it would be in the $200-250 range. Would like some real world feedback. They both have good jobs, and I don’t want them doing this just to break even- it won’t be worth it. But, they both are hoping this can help both of them down the line. I’m here to support them and help.

Any feedback is helpful.

750 per average driveway if you are close to Pasadena and valley village we could do business

 

[hallett21]

Update-

The guys are finally getting some momentum going. The trailer is fully operational, a new tank was added for water reclamation with the vacuum. They are collecting supplies to prevent water runoff and figuring out the sanitary disposal of wastewater portion now.

My backyard looks pretty awesome. They have been practicing on our block wall, and concrete- different tips, pressures and treatments. The rain hasn’t helped as they can only practice on weekends. They are finally getting a good groove going with procedures and steps. Going to try to get some business drummed up with the neighbors just to get some cash flow in. We are not going to do roof cleanings or solar cleanings. I don’t think the liability is worth it. There are some leads on commercial cleanings with friends, but they’d like a little more practice especially with the strict water laws here in California.

I’m trying to figure out what other companies are charging per square foot. I only know how much a company would charge when my dad worked at a fast food chain and that was $350-450 a store. The pressure washing company is doing 35+ stores a month just with that chain.

What would you guys pay for a 3 car driveway to be cleaned or backyard?

For residential- when I factor in taxes, supplies, gas and insurance costs. The number I’m getting at is $300-350 for a 816sq ft driveway. Which seems high. I would have thought it would be in the $200-250 range. Would like some real world feedback. They both have good jobs, and I don’t want them doing this just to break even- it won’t be worth it. But, they both are hoping this can help both of them down the line. I’m here to support them and help.

Any feedback is helpful.

Id say 400 minimum for a driveway.

 

[CoolCruzin]

You will need a city permit(s)

 

[C-Ya]

FWIW……..

I pay $200 every 4 months to have the bottom of my floating boatlift pressure washed. Takes a diver to do it.

As a bonus……… I have him blow out the sediment under boatlift with the pressure washer. It really clouds up the canal when I have this done.

 

[NicPaus]

You will need a city permit(s)

? To pressure wash a driveway? Or city business license to operate in each city?

 

[hallett21]

Update-

The guys are finally getting some momentum going. The trailer is fully operational, a new tank was added for water reclamation with the vacuum. They are collecting supplies to prevent water runoff and figuring out the sanitary disposal of wastewater portion now.

My backyard looks pretty awesome. They have been practicing on our block wall, and concrete- different tips, pressures and treatments. The rain hasn’t helped as they can only practice on weekends. They are finally getting a good groove going with procedures and steps. Going to try to get some business drummed up with the neighbors just to get some cash flow in. We are not going to do roof cleanings or solar cleanings. I don’t think the liability is worth it. There are some leads on commercial cleanings with friends, but they’d like a little more practice especially with the strict water laws here in California.

I’m trying to figure out what other companies are charging per square foot. I only know how much a company would charge when my dad worked at a fast food chain and that was $350-450 a store. The pressure washing company is doing 35+ stores a month just with that chain.

What would you guys pay for a 3 car driveway to be cleaned or backyard?

For residential- when I factor in taxes, supplies, gas and insurance costs. The number I’m getting at is $300-350 for a 816sq ft driveway. Which seems high. I would have thought it would be in the $200-250 range. Would like some real world feedback. They both have good jobs, and I don’t want them doing this just to break even- it won’t be worth it. But, they both are hoping this can help both of them down the line. I’m here to support them and help.

Any feedback is helpful.

I also just wanted to add that your prospective clients are looking for a service that they cannot do themselves. If someone tells you that they can do it themselves for $6 and a few beers run, do not walk away lol.

If they already own a pressure washer you probably wont be able to be cheap enough to get the business. Same goes for when they say they could go rent the machine for the day, Just run!

 

[Your ad here]

I also just wanted to add that your prospective clients are looking for a service that they cannot do themselves. If someone tells you that they can do it themselves for $6 and a few beers run, do not walk away lol.

If they already own a pressure washer you probably wont be able to be cheap enough to get the business. Same goes for when they say they could go rent the machine for the day, Just run!

Or the ones that want to help so you can charge them less. There is always the one that acts like they're top shit and expect you to rent your equipment to them.

 

[CoolCruzin]

? To pressure wash a driveway? Or city business license to operate in each city?

I should have said business license.

 

[Socalx09]

750 per average driveway if you are close to Pasadena and valley village we could do business

I’ll message you today.

 

[Socalx09]

I also just wanted to add that your prospective clients are looking for a service that they cannot do themselves. If someone tells you that they can do it themselves for $6 and a few beers run, do not walk away lol.

If they already own a pressure washer you probably wont be able to be cheap enough to get the business. Same goes for when they say they could go rent the machine for the day, Just run!

I feel like a lot of people may own a pressure washer now because of the new electric ones make it easy. But, unless they have a surface cleaner attachment, it would take them a while to clean their property.

They are going to walk the neighborhood here in a few weekends and see how it goes. I’m going to look into sending direct flyers with USPS. Haha yeah that’s what I think is going to happen with some neighbors. Also, most of our neighbors know us since Robert brought his childhood home. So it’ll be interesting to see what kind of feedback they get.

They also got the minimum requirements for insurance from the commercial side and I’m getting pricing on that today. I’m sure it’ll be expensive

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

I feel like a lot of people may own a pressure washer now because of the new electric ones make it easy. But, unless they have a surface cleaner attachment, it would take them a while to clean their property.

They are going to walk the neighborhood here in a few weekends and see how it goes. I’m going to look into sending direct flyers with USPS. Haha yeah that’s what I think is going to happen with some neighbors. Also, most of our neighbors know us since Robert brought his childhood home. So it’ll be interesting to see what kind of feedback they get.

They also got the minimum requirements for insurance from the commercial side and I’m getting pricing on that today. I’m sure it’ll be expensive

I would focus on businesses. I knew someone that had a pressure washing company and he did really well on new construction sites, businesses and elderly people. Younger people typically can do it themselves or just don't do it at all. Older people tend to take care of their stuff a bit more.

 

[BHC Vic]

Or the ones that want to help so you can charge them less. There is always the one that acts like they're top shit and expect you to rent your equipment to them.

That’s too funny! I got the quote but what’s the price if I help lol take what I have you and double it

 

[Socalx09]

I should have said business license.

So far we have applied for the city we are working out of. That was a bit of a mess because our home falls on SB county lines, but we are in chino. I have had business owners tell us just to get the license in where the business is located and they have never had someone check if they had a license in the area they were working in, and have had others say to obtain one in each city and factor that into the costs of operation.

 

[Socalx09]

I would focus on businesses. I knew someone that had a pressure washing company and he did really well on new construction sites, businesses and elderly people. Younger people typically can do it themselves or just don't do it at all. Older people tend to take care of their stuff a bit more.

Thats their main goal. I did email the contractors board because there is a license requirement for jobs over $500. I talked to someone that has been in the business and they said they do not have that license and have never been asked to provide it as they believe they do not fall in that category defined. But, from my research, some do obtain the license. One person online says he just doesn't have advertisement and puts NOT FOR HIRE on his equipment. So I am waiting on a response to see if it is a requirement or not rather then listening to people online.

"D-38 - Sand and Water Blasting Contractor​

California Code of Regulations
Title 16, Division 8, Article 3. Classifications

A sand and water blasting contractor uses the force of compressed air in conjunction with abrasive materials or water to clean or prepare surfaces for any protective, decorative and/or functional treatment."


We have quite a few leads in that direction of commercial. I came up with the idea of doing some work in the neighborhood to get some cash flow in the business. I have to send out a $800 check by April 15th for the LLC. I was hoping if they received some income in March and April, we could have a cushion for the commercial cost of insurance without coming out of pocket too much.

 

[OCMerrill]

Just don't let any of the wash water enter any kind of city drain. That's an expensive lesson to learn.
Contain the wash water and pump it onto the grass or in you own holding tank.

I still have both my 4500 psi washers but don't offer the service any longer.

 

[spectra3279]

I learned this from one of the guys here in ky doing it. He bought a vtwin motor from horrible fright. Got the warranty. Every spring he pays 120 bucks for a new engine.

That's all I got

 

[Socalx09]

Update-

This never really got started. Sometime in March-our good friend had decided he would really like to do this full time. Robert was never going to give up his job even if it became a success. He just wanted a little bit of side money to help with the hobbies. We are focusing on boating season. Maybe we will get it started in the fall and do small jobs or just sell the rig and be done with it. It’s really my dad’s pressure rig so unsure on what to do with it currently. We have time to figure it out.

Our friend is buying a much bigger rig and we hope he fulfills his dreams! Nothing happened to the friendship and everyone is good!