Residential Powerwashing Question

[Cut-Rite2]

Hi all.......I'm currently doing lawnmowing for residential customers, and I would like to add Powerwashing of houses, driveways, sidewalks etc. I see that someone has quoted a price of $1.00 per linear foot for house sides. What about driveways and sidewalks?

Also, I would like to know if a 3000 PSI Troy-Built portable washer would be adaquate for doing these jobs. It runs $449.00 at Lowe's. I have limited funds, otherwise I would buy a better one. Would this machine be OK for starting that part of the business, and then graduate to a better one later if the work becomes steady?

I would also like to know how you protect your clothes and skin from the chemicals. Do you wear some kind of rubber suit.....or what?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Noel

 

[PressurePros]

I'm going to say what a hundred guys are thinking and it's going to get my(butt)reamed...

Noel, I am not trying to be mean or discourage you in any way..but my advice is, when you can afford a bit better machine, you might be ready to enter the world as a pro washer. The machine is only the tip of the iceberg. You still need insurance, advertising, wands, extensions, X-Jet, and the list goes on. Consumer products give consumer results.

I applaud you for coming here to get answers, use the search engine and keep reading.

 

[5 Star Johnny]

Ditto!! If you're already bargain shopping for one of the most important tools in the pressure cleaning industry, you're not ready to start a business. Yes, this is a relatively "low start-up cost" business, but $499.00 ain't gonna' cut it.

However, you already do lawn service so I assume you have some business skills. I also assume you have insurance, employees, etc. Do a little more investigation before venturing into another aspect of your service.

Personally, I only wear rubber suits to bed. On the other hand, I will wear a fashionable, vinyl rain suit (construction grade of course), if I don't want to get wet.

Good Luck!

 

[Cut-Rite2]

Thanks for your replies. I realize the choice of machines is not the best, but I just want to get my foot in the door and pick up some extra money during the winter months here in Florida. I currently am mowing lawns, and I have noticed some of my customers need their driveways, sidewalks, and soffit trim powerwashed. I will stay away from the house walls for the time being, until I get experience. I want to try to get this business before they go to someone else. I have already gotten lawn business through word of mouth and advertising, and I may be able to get powerwashing the same way. I figure I'll use the cheapo model until it pays for itself and then I'll get a better one. There's a lot of mildew and rust stains on driveways here in FL. If I spend $450 on the washer I can still afford some accessories like a flat surface head and a few others. I can practice on my own home for the time being, because it needs the service, and then I can try it out on my customers once I get the hang of it (I learn fast). I am using the search tools for information and I want to make a decision fairly quickly, because I know of at least one of my lawn customers is already looking to get someone for his driveway, walks and soffit trim, and a couple of others who desperately need the service. I have Liability for my lawn mowing operation, so I just need to check on the rates for powerwashing. I didn't mean to appear naive about the pitfalls but I am still in the research stage and learning something new each time I come here. Mainly, I am interested in knowing whether the Troy-Built 3000 PSI machine will do the job long enough and good enough to get by until I can gain experience, and then spend more money on something better. I started my lawn business with a John Deere Lawn Tractor, and once I built a customer base, I got a professional commercial "Hustler Mini Z" mower. Thanks again for your answers.

 

[Aplus]

The rig you are describing is probably a 2.5 gpm machine. The psi is not as important as the gpm.

A surface cleaner probably wouldn't do you justice with a 2.5 gpm machine. I'd recommend a 4 gpm 3500 psi machine to start off with.

My instincts are that you're going to buy that $499 machine no matter what we say. I know about budget constraints, and I understand how it is, having been there myself.

Look around for a used 4 gpm machine if you need to keep costs lower. You'll thank us all for it later.

 

[Christopher]

I think the minimum gpm for most surface cleaners is 4 gallons per minute. I realize that you want to jump in and start making money but it would benefit you more than you realize if you wait or look around for the better machine. Using a small machine with a surface cleaner will probably be slower than using a wand and using a wand on a driveway will take hours and then figure your time and how much you want to make and your price will probably be more than the customer wants to pay that is why we are suggesting a bigger machine. Example: A couple of years ago I wanted to clean up my driveway and home for the appraisal for re-financing my home. I purchased 3 different electric pressure washers from Wal-Mart and each one did not last more than 40 minutes. I purchased the Gasoline powered machines and one crapped out and I took it back and got the bigger and the same thing. A lot of personal time wasted and then I went to Home Depot and got a bigger one. This one was 2500psi and 3 gallons per minute. It took 5 hours to clean my driveway. Whatever you are thinking of earning per hour just multiply that times 5 and it will probably be more than what they are willing to pay for the job. With a professional machine and professional surface cleaner this job takes about an hour because the gallons per minute are higher so you can use the surface cleaner which most say is about 60% faster than a wand but the more gallons per minute make the bigger difference so instead of cleaning with a 1 or 2 inch wide fan you can clean with a 4 to 8 inch wide fan when using a wand but large areas you use the surface cleaner which is faster. Then if you use chemicals on bad areas it speeds things up more. Don't kill yourself with the little machine and wand. I know it is tempting to do it but if you ever have taken good advice and trusted people before, do it now. You will not regret it. The comments made towards you by the others is very good advice and from professionals that have been in the business and do this everyday and are trying to help you if you let them. Hope this helps.

 

[Josh Spoehr]

Kärcher Pressure washer
Item: 816507
Price: $987.00

The most affordable 4 gpm machine I have found is at Sam's Club

 

[Larry B]

Karcher machines were mentioned on another post. Very expensive parts and service on them. Look for an 11-13 h.p. honda unit with a General or Cat pump, those will be cheaper to repair and can be serviced by most shops. Karcher is serviced by only a few places.

 

[Josh Spoehr]

they offer a 3 year service agreement for 80 bucks, I don't know if its void if you use it for a business?

 

[Larry B]

That would most likely void any service agreement. You also have to consider the down time of the equipment as they would not be doing repairs in house.

 

[Cut-Rite2]

I think the minimum gpm for most surface cleaners is 4 gallons per minute. I realize that you want to jump in and start making money but it would benefit you more than you realize if you wait or look around for the better machine. Using a small machine with a surface cleaner will probably be slower than using a wand and using a wand on a driveway will take hours and then figure your time and how much you want to make and your price will probably be more than the customer wants to pay that is why we are suggesting a bigger machine. Example: A couple of years ago I wanted to clean up my driveway and home for the appraisal for re-financing my home. I purchased 3 different electric pressure washers from Wal-Mart and each one did not last more than 40 minutes. I purchased the Gasoline powered machines and one crapped out and I took it back and got the bigger and the same thing. A lot of personal time wasted and then I went to Home Depot and got a bigger one. This one was 2500psi and 3 gallons per minute. It took 5 hours to clean my driveway. Whatever you are thinking of earning per hour just multiply that times 5 and it will probably be more than what they are willing to pay for the job. With a professional machine and professional surface cleaner this job takes about an hour because the gallons per minute are higher so you can use the surface cleaner which most say is about 60% faster than a wand but the more gallons per minute make the bigger difference so instead of cleaning with a 1 or 2 inch wide fan you can clean with a 4 to 8 inch wide fan when using a wand but large areas you use the surface cleaner which is faster. Then if you use chemicals on bad areas it speeds things up more. Don't kill yourself with the little machine and wand. I know it is tempting to do it but if you ever have taken good advice and trusted people before, do it now. You will not regret it. The comments made towards you by the others is very good advice and from professionals that have been in the business and do this everyday and are trying to help you if you let them. Hope this helps.

Yours and everyone else's point is well taken. I am going to have to rethink this issue. As someone suggested, maybe purchasing a used one will get me what I need to start with, without spending a fortune on it. Does anyone have suggestions for inspecting used equipment, as to what to look for, so I don't get burned buying it? I appreciate everyone's responses....thank you.

Here are the specs on a washer from Lowe's that might qualify: $999.00
What do you think of this one?

13 HP Honda OHV commercial engine: maximum engine life & performance for frequent use.
Professional grade triplex pump with adjustable pressure regulator.
0, 15, 25, 40 and low pressure quick connect spray tips.
50' industrial grade hose with 3/8" quick connects.
Chemical pressure injection stainless spray gun.
Cleaning detergent injector included.
1 Year Limited Warranty.

Type: Contractor Grade
HP-Volts: 13
PSI (Max): 3700
GPM:: 4
Hose Length: 50' Industrial Grade High Pressure

 

[Larry L.]

Why didn't you buy a cheaper mower to start your lawn service?,look at buying a powerwasher the same way you looked at buying dat John Deere.Just a few dollars more and the cost of the powerwasher will last like the John Deere as to a Home D or sears.Your best savings would be a belt drive unit,no less then 4 gpm,I think anything less you'd make more mowing grass.They are people going out of bussiness in this trade as they are people getting into this trade,just like the lawn trade.Poor judgement in Eqt. and size can break you or make you,any John Deere guy knowns that huh.........Good Luck

 

[Aplus]

Here are the specs on a washer from Lowe's that might qualify: $999.00
What do you think of this one?[/B]

13 HP Honda OHV commercial engine: maximum engine life & performance for frequent use.
Professional grade triplex pump with adjustable pressure regulator.
0, 15, 25, 40 and low pressure quick connect spray tips.
50' industrial grade hose with 3/8" quick connects.
Chemical pressure injection stainless spray gun.
Cleaning detergent injector included.
1 Year Limited Warranty.

Type: Contractor Grade
HP-Volts: 13
PSI (Max): 3700
GPM:: 4
Hose Length: 50' Industrial Grade High Pressure

Yes, that machine will do fine for you. Check Sams because I'd seen the same one there for $799.

Sure a belt drive would be better, but the direct drive will do the job if you keep it maintained.

I've got two of the HD specials, and both have at least 2000 hours and are still running strong.

Check out the frame. A well built frame is all that really differs on most direct drive models. The typical arrangement is : Honda 13hp Engine, and an AR, or Cat, or Comet, or General pump. Most around here have the AR pump.

You'll need to get additional nozzles for varying pressure, or even a dual lance.

 

[Sonlight]

Yours and everyone else's point is well taken. I am going to have to rethink this issue. As someone suggested, maybe purchasing a used one will get me what I need to start with, without spending a fortune on it. Does anyone have suggestions for inspecting used equipment, as to what to look for, so I don't get burned buying it? I appreciate everyone's responses....thank you.

Here are the specs on a washer from Lowe's that might qualify: $999.00
What do you think of this one?

13 HP Honda OHV commercial engine: maximum engine life & performance for frequent use.
Professional grade triplex pump with adjustable pressure regulator.
0, 15, 25, 40 and low pressure quick connect spray tips.
50' industrial grade hose with 3/8" quick connects.
Chemical pressure injection stainless spray gun.
Cleaning detergent injector included.
1 Year Limited Warranty.

Type: Contractor Grade
HP-Volts: 13
PSI (Max): 3700
GPM:: 4
Hose Length: 50' Industrial Grade High Pressure

I have that same machine and don't have any complaints. It has an Anno Reverberi pump and mine works well. So far, I am very happy with it.

 

[north coast]

Words to live by

How can any of us compete with a guy that mows lawns and washes house. I do power washing not grass cutting or tree trimming or anything else. The worst part of the whole thing is for me to compete with a guy that buys his equipment from a box store or at a garage sale and then calls himself a power washer. Do one thing and do it well. Always buy the best you can or you will continue to buy the cheaper model over and over and over.

 

[Cut-Rite2]

How can any of us compete with a guy that mows lawns and washes house. I do power washing not grass cutting or tree trimming or anything else. The worst part of the whole thing is for me to compete with a guy that buys his equipment from a box store or at a garage sale and then calls himself a power washer. Do one thing and do it well. Always buy the best you can or you will continue to buy the cheaper model over and over and over.

I don't see anything wrong with buying at the so-called box store, like Home Depot or Lowe's, as long as the equipment will do the job....and that's what I was trying to find out by asking the questions. As far as buying used, I could spend the next year going to garage sales, and not find the right washer set-up. I don't consider myself a fool, just uninformed, so I'm trying to change that. I would have searched the classifieds for a machine being sold by a former powerwasher to find a decent used model. As far as being a competitor to other powerwashers, I don't see anything wrong with trying to make a little extra money in the winter when the lawn mowing slows down. I'm in the perfect position to find the work that's needed, because I have the customer base in lawn mowing, and can see all the driveways, etc. that need to be cleaned.

And to Larry L.......It turns out that the John Deere ($2200) was the cheap model. The Hustler commercial mower I recently purchased cost $6,000. I don't mind spending money for quality, I just wanted to save some initially, until I could build up the washing business to supplement the lawn mowing.

As I said before, I appreciate all the opinions expressed here.

 

[CaroliProWash]

I don't see anything wrong with buying at the so-called box store, like Home Depot or Lowe's, as long as the equipment will do the job....and that's what I was trying to find out by asking the questions.

Something to consider when buying from one of these stores is your repair issues. You can't take them back to these guys - they'll ship them off for heaven knows how long and hey, you've got no equipment again. If you have enough mechanical aptitude to jump right in and fix whatever may go wrong with any pressure washer - you're in the wrong line of work already!! Reputable dealers have lease programs, used or refurbished equipment that will fit your needs and you'll get the back up support that you will inevitably need on your machine.

Just my .02 worth

Celeste

 

[Dave Ott]

How can any of us compete with a guy that mows lawns and washes house. I do power washing not grass cutting or tree trimming or anything else. The worst part of the whole thing is for me to compete with a guy that buys his equipment from a box store or at a garage sale and then calls himself a power washer. Do one thing and do it well. Always buy the best you can or you will continue to buy the cheaper model over and over and over.

What is wrong with a guy who cuts lawn and washes a house. In this day and time you need to expand you business to offer other services or go under. I'm pretty sure the guys who have lawn businesses get pissed with all of the guys who undercharge using smaller hardware store machines.(The same problem we have , but we deal with it and help them). Also the powerwasher who expands his business to cut lawns. Or the plow company's who have to put up with the powerwasher who plows in the winter. Or the gutter companies who put up with the powerwasher who now installs gutter guards. The list goes on, and some day this little guy might just pass your company up, because you didn't want to expand you resources into another field. Please don't get me started, I am so tired of some people belittling the other guy who wants to try. Pick on someone your own size and leave the little guys alone. Teach them now or they will teach you.

Celeste keep up the good work and keep teaching I'm leaving for vacation LOL

 

[CaroliProWash]

I'm going to echo Dave on the expansion......we're getting into other services as well....pwing homes into igloos doesn't pay my house payment in the winter.

Although yes, it does cut into our collective incomes everytime someone wants to become a pwer overnight, it is pretty much our responsibility as an industry to make sure that they get educated so that they don't crucify what credibility this profession has built up. We've taken the stance that it is definitely the lesser of two evils to educate you competition and level the playing field than to let them run amuck and ruin the reputation of the industry.

Off my soapbox now

Celeste

 

[north coast]

I am not picking on anybody. I want people in this industry and all other industries to have a level of professionalism. If a guy came to my house to cut my grass with a push mower in the trunk of his car I would tell him to get lost. Just the same as I would a guy with an off the shelf cart pressure washer and a garden hose wanting to wash my house. I know that my views are not the same as everyone else but that’s why this is America. Many of us have lost customers to "fly by night" companies that are offering much lower price (because they have no investment in what they do) but in the end it turns out to be much lower service. Those customers will always come back, it may cause us to tighten our belts a little bit but it will never kill us. I help many other usually smaller contractors and home owners in my area on a daily basis they bring there units in or call on the phone many times repairs are made at no charge or at the cost of the parts. I like the little guys because they keep us on our toes.