Getting all the Ducks in row..

F

FreshLook

New Member
Hey everyone,

Let me first start by telling everyone what a wonderful resource this has been in researching. I'm currently a nurse working in the middle tennessee area, and have been for some time now pondering the idea of getting into this line of sidework. Money to some point isn't such the issue, as I can make a good living just doing what I am, yet the fact remains I am just not happy sitting on my butt at home when I feel I can be productive. Working overtime is good $$$ but one get's really burned out and patients run thin when one really overdoes it.
My current startup budget is around 7k which must include a means of transporting the equipment. Adding a trailer to my 06' Accord isn't really a viable issue as I would burn the tranny up in no time beings it has a 1000lb towing capacity with a 200lb max tongue weight. So a truck.. I figure in 4k for a decent 01 Ford Ranger, leaving me 3k to play with in equipment.
My main focus while starting is going to be cleaning, and sealing driveways and other various flatwork, Eventually moving into deck/wood work as well. I've searched and searched for over 2 months now trying to find the right setup for a reasonable price.. I keep hearing everyone saying a min of 4gpm 3200psi..for flatwork and a higher gpm for woodwork as possible with lower pressure. SO... while looking online without a single result I ask the forum for help. My ideal setup is based on simplicity. I would like to find a unit that would have the tank and everything included as a complete rig. Yes, i understand that I would need to purchase things such as attachments and chemical reserviors. I would just like a setup that could basically squirt water after I apply gas and fill the tank up with water. I did however come across this in my searches and would like to hear anyones opinions. If you can think of something to fit my needs better I would greatly appreciate it as well. Experience is the best teacher, so I'm looking to those with lots of it.

4.0 GPM at 4000 PSI
Engine : 13 HP Honda (2 year warranty)
Pump: General (5 Year Warranty)
16000 Cleaning Units
Chemical Injector
Adjustable Pressure
100 Gallon Water Tank with Bands (tie downs)
Aircraft Aluminum Skid Frame
Aluminum Hose Reel Support Assembly with Mounting Hardware
Float Valve Assembly
Trigger Gun and 36" Wand
50 FT Steel Braided Pressure Hose
Hose Reel (100 FT x 3/8" Capacity) with Hardware
3 Quick-Connect Spray Nozzles and 1 Chemical Nozzle
Thermo-Sensor
Tank Feed Unloader Bypass Return and Jumper Hose Assembly
Direct Drive
Weight: 260 lbs

So. now as I just completed my last shift for the week I'm anxiously awaiting everyone replys.. You all are awesome, and taking the time to help someone is a good gauge of a persons charecter. [hello]
 
F

FreshLook

New Member
PressurePros said:
You should start a new thread with this topic as it may get lost here.

Your budget is VERY tight. Mark at www.pressurewasherzone.com would be the guy to talk to. You are going to need at least 200 ft of hose (non-marking) if you are going to keep your machine on your truck.

If I were you I would spend less on the vehicle and budget more to equipment. A '98 E350 extended van might run you $2500. Four gpm/cold water machine $1500. Hose reels, supply hose, pressure hose, wands, guns,a decent downstreamer, and an X-Jet will set you back about $750. Insurance is going to be another $1200. Graphic design for your logo and business cards, printed marketing material and a decent starter campaign are going to be $1200. QuickbooksPro will be another $200. Starter chemicals, figure about $250. Oddball accessories like chemical application pumpups, extension wands, brushes etc factor about $200. Optional: Surface cleaner for concrete add $600.

This is a mediocre setup that will get the job done for housewashing and residential concrete. Your total is already $8400 if you include the surface cleaner. If you are going to do decks you will need tools specialized for that (sanders etc)

I also didn't factor in any licensing costs or legal fees to set up your business entity. It sounds like you want to do things right. Do it right now, write a business plan and you may actually be still around doing this next year and making money.
Click to expand...


Aside from the graphic design, which I'm decent at that's not completly out of my range. I'm quite skeptical of starting with doing houses, as one can really damage someone elses property without experience. Yes I've done my own, and several family members, but it's the chemical aspect which has left me in quesion. Does anyone have a good reference as to what to use and what not to use on misc. exteriors? I would much rather do the research than talk to an insurance company.
Oh.. and since I will be doing my own vehicle maintenance I reallly don't want a van. They aren't the easiest of things to work on.. I think I'll just spend the extra on the vehicle and bump my startup cost to around 9k.
 
Last edited:
F

FreshLook

New Member
Thank you so much Mr.Fenner for your assistance, I have to talk to my accountant today to get all the legal tax/buisness dealings straight, and I'll probably shoot you an e-mail either today or tomorrow depending on time constraints. Another "Q" thou, I've already been getting calls from word of mouth for prospective buisness "cleaning and sealing driveways". When dealing with water supply is my only issue. I know some who use hydrants for water via contracts with the city. Also some who use the clients water, and then there are some who fill their tanks from their homes and pretty much use their waterbill as a buisness expense. HOWEVER.. these are all viable options, but what is the most feasable options. filling up a 250gal tank and hauling it 30 minutes is quite a burden on most vehicles, but can still be done. So I was just in question as to how everyone else is supplying and resourcing their water supplies.

I know it's pretty aggrivating sometimes to help a new guy out, but I just want everyone to know that im really just trying to do things the RIGHT way. [hello]
 
G

grasshawg

New Member
Hey, Greg. I'll jump in w/my .02 cents. It's basically a matter of personal preference when dealing with water issues.
Will you be recovering wastewater? Will you be doing numerous remote jobs? Remote jobsites may not have a nearby water supply, i.e., const equipment, new construction where water hasn't been connected yet. You'd have to get a big tank and haul water to jobsite.
To abbreviate my answer, first consider how you will be set up, and what areas of pw'ing will you be concentrating on? Then equip yourself accordingly. Don't get caught on a remote site w/nothing more than a 250 gal tank. You'll spend more time driving & refilling than washing.
Hope that helps. Take care.
Randy
 
PressurePros

PressurePros

New Member
If you are just doing residential and you decide to go with a 4 gpm machine (and the majority of your area is served by municipal supply) you won't need to haul water. A 10 gallon reserve tank plumbed through your unloader will keep things safe for you. Don't worry about using customer's water. Even on a huge all day job you may use about $5 worth.
 
F

FreshLook

New Member
Well this past month has been very eventful, I had put my buisness model on hold due to my little baby boy being born. Ken, you have been awesome in giving insight and your advice I take as solid.

Doing a little more research does anyone have anything positive or negative to say about generac? I have a chance to buy a 3800psi 4gpm model from a relative for $575 and I'm trying to do all the research I can before I spend any $$$ IT'S A HABIT OF MINE. Drives my wife CRAZY!!! I've also got my logo finished and I'll post it soon as for all to see and give me their opinions.
 
Last edited:
C

Clean County

New Member
Greg,
There's a guy who I've done work with in the past and who also happens to be a nurse. He has a nice Powerwashing business and he's pretty successful at it while still keeping his Nurse job. His name is Matt Johnson and his business is located in Upstate NY. You may want to email or call him to get some more insight on this business since you two have alot in common.

Here's his website that has all of his contact info. http://www.pwscleaning.com/

John T.
 
D

douseahouse

New Member
hey greg,

welcome to the business. first off, i would probably recommend something that i do not have myself...a hot water machine. without a hot water machine i think that you are going to restrict yourself to residental work only. commercial work includes malls with sidewalks that are usually coated with sticky stuff especially chewing gum. this is a hot water requirement. 4gpm is a good thing as you'll need it to run a surface cleaner. a telescopic wand is also something good to have...it'll help keep you off those ladders. that would probably be my first suggestion...hot water.

good luck,

rando
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Sponsors

Top