New meat here!

[Mataman]

Hello to all. Just found this site and I'm excited to start reading all the great info previously posted. I'm currently in the USAF and I retire in a few years and would like to have something waiting for me instead of looking for something to do. I think I need to get equipped with an entry level hot/cold washer and other misc. to go with it. Trailer, wands, tubs etc... but here's me list of question if you have time.

Firstly what kinda license(s), insurance, and bonds would I need and how much is a good amount to start with?

What would you guys recommend? Gas, diesel, or ???.

Brand name?

Size? GPM's, PSI, and nozzle variations

Should I focus on residential initially? I've only done my house, friend's houses, driveway and dog.

Are flat surface washers worth it?

and any other advice would be greatly appreciated such as pricing and how do you advertise? Newspaper, flyers, yellow pages, directmail, any or all?

And I just like to say thanks again.

 

[mcelreaux]

New to the business myself. This is a great bbs. Lots of knowledge here. Read and learn, and participate. This is a straight forward group just steer clear of BIG BOY (jus kiddinnn). Be honest and do things right!

 

[Larry L.]

Welcome Mataman:

Slow down and ask one or two Q'tions at a time,to answer everything you ask would be like reading a newspaper .

Ok mcelreaux I guess I'll haveta teach you how to drive too,hey stepping in a mudhole goes along with this business.Careful as to what and how you word things,I can read between the lines ya know hahahahahahahaha

 

[Bob Warfield]

Hey Mataman,
I use to live in PC. 1969 thru 1972. We were down there just a few weeks ago during tropical storm Hanna. Rained the whole time we were there. From what I saw I would really look into residential roof cleaning in lower Ala. I think every home down there needs to have the roof cleaned. I thought the whole time, man I could make a killing down here!
Good Luck,
Bob Warfield
Restoration Specialties

 

[Chuck Richard]

welcome mataman, i think the best way to learn is to get you a part time job doing it for someone else. They make money, you learn, pretty fair trade. just be up front about your intentions as not to burn any bridges when you strike out on your own.

Good Luck!!!

 

[Jon]

Mataman what Chuck Richards said is good advice but take it one step more and ask on the boards if anyone in the not to close area to you would teach you for a week FREE.

Sure you would pay for a motel and meals but you would go home full of knowledge and ready to step out working.

Don't let Bigboy scare you, he BLUFF's and HUFF's a lot but he is good people. Uh that is he is a good ol boy from the hills

Jon

 

[Mataman]

ok, first question


What kind of license(s), insurance, and bonds would I need and how much is a good amount to start with for coverage?

 

[Flue Steam]

Welcome Mataman!
So tell us about the dog....

 

[Mataman]

geez,,, you guys are freakin nuts man!!! Roflmbo!!!

 

[Jon]

Mataman,

Licenses depend on your local and state requirements.

Insurance well you can never have to much of it but shop around for prices and coverage.

Couple million is a fair starting price.

Bonds would depend on the type of jobs, most government jobs require bonds, private companies usually don't but can, again depends on many factors.

Send me an Email.

Jon
opclean@earthlink.net

 

[Barry Loy]

you're always welcome here

Mataman,
One or two questions at a time will be better. Some really great information here, lots of help. I have family in Panama City, Fort Walton & DeFuniak Springs. Love your area!!!
Barry Loy

 

[Mataman]

Alrighty,,,
Got a call from a friend to wash his rental house/roof/pool area/and driveway. The whole shi-bang normally gets gets done every year or whenever he gets a new tenant so it was fairly clean and here's the approx. #'s.

Roof was roughly 3200sq ft
house was 35x75 = 220 linear ft, single story
all walk ways and driveways added up to something like 1015sq ft.

I used a pump sprayer with 50/50 bleach and water.

it took me a long, aggravating 6hrs, and I charged him, *gulp* $275.

I was generally pleased with the outcome, except for the soppy socks afterwards. He's out of town but his in-laws are locals and they do the inspecting and I haven't heard any comments, yet.

who got screwed? Are my prices way too low? I think with practice I can streamline a job like this down by an hour or so. Also borrowed another buds HomeDepot special, 3500psi 4gpm Delta(?)