Hi Monterey,
Is this a cedar sidded home? If so, why has it turned black? Is the rought side out or the smooth side out? Is there a finish on the home? Do you know what the finish is? Are you going to apply a new finish after it's cleaned? Did you just test one place or several places? Did you test an area just below the eves? What does the customer expect? This is allot of questions, right. You have to ask allot of questions before you can make a bid on a cedar home or a log home. Every question I have asked you, should have an impact on you bid. I belive you are in Calif., right. If so then you must be registered with the contractors board. If this is the case then you will be legally responsable for that home for one year, the same as it is here in Oregon. I trust you understand what that means? As for using bleach. After reading the post on this site, you are going to be be told that it's OK. Using bleach is OK if your not concerned about long term effects to the wood. Using bleach is OK if you want to blame the finish if it fails in a short period of time ( remember that one year under the law ). Using bleach is OK if you want to use a band aid and only cover up the problem instead of removing the problem. I have been in the wood restoration business for a good many years and we have never and we will never, use bleach on a cedar or log
home. Just to give you an idea of the differant cost factors. You say your going to go in at $1200.00. My bid to clean and seal that house could go as high as $12,000.00. I won't do a house unless I know it's done right. Well, I guess that's it for now. You have a great day. How far are you from Santa Cruise Calif.? I have three houses to bid there next week.
Jim Bilyeu
Exterior Woodcare
