Some encouragment needed!

[Jessicamarie]

I have worked with a Painting Prep Company my job was to Power Wash the areas to clean the surfaces from any dust or debris on the building. Being so young I thought I had an original idea of having a company specialize in cleaning surfaces with the power washers. Soon did I find out I had no clue!

Luckily I ran into this site. I would love to start a business power washing, but I know I need advice. I have many questions, the most important include;

Is there a Manuel I can buy that tells me whether to use cold or hot water? Or what kind of cleaners or degreaser I need to use on specific surfaces? (at Painting Prep we used WATER on all surfaces, nothing more)

What equipment should I buy when first starting out?

How will I know what to charge? Thanks Cody; Very useful information.

I am planning to first work only with;
House Exteriors
Mobile Homes
Decks
Driveways
Paint Preparation
Gutters

I havent had any support from friends or family, they all think its a waste of my time and that I cannot work in an industry like this because I am too young and a female. I dont care what I look like, or how old I am this is something I have been thinking about for some time now and will do anything to do it!

Thanks for Your time. [help]

 

[Kevin14606]

Jessica-

Welcome to the board. I have just started out this year as well. There is a ton of useful information here! Some of your concerns have been addressed already by other new people starting out, including myself. At the top of the page there's a search function.. If you need any answers right away and you think it may have been asked already, that's a good place to start. I've used it a lot. Feel free to shoot me an email and I'd be glad to help. Being young and relatively new to this myself, I'm sure we have some of the same questions!! All my info is below.

 

[Jessicamarie]

Thanks alot, I didnt realize there was a search function. I'll defenately keep you posted on my progress.

 

[TexasWash]

Jessica

Welcome to the board, and as far as inspiration you will get out of this business what you put into it. While some may see your gender as a disadvantage in this particular line of work, i see a potentially massive marketing tool and in many cases i think being a female in this industry will benefit u greatly. Good luck with your business i hope you "blast" away your colorado competition.


Texas Wash

Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 03

 

[Michael T]

Jessicamarie, You will do fine. Keep networking on a local basis. A lot of your business comes that way. Where in CO are you? There are some others from CO on the BBS. You're not one of those Wilderness Women are you? JK

How about a little encouragement then: "You Go Girl".

 

[Larry L.]

(Is there a Manuel I can buy that tells me whether to use cold or hot water? Or what kind of cleaners or degreaser I need to use on specific surfaces?)

You'll find several books on powerwashing if you'll search the net,but for up to date on how you should visit many of the powerwashing boards on the internet.Ask Q'tions when needed as to how and what to use,you'll get several different answers on some subjects as to to pick the one that meets your needs.



(at Painting Prep we used WATER on all surfaces, nothing more)


If you have been thinking about this for sometime now you'll be even more amazed in the real cleaning with chemicals and the out come of new like stuff.



(What equipment should I buy when first starting out?)


The eqt. will depend on what type trade or trades you choose to do.


(How will I know what to charge? )


You can ask the board(s) as to what to charge in your area,not all area's are the same as for pricing goes.After awhile you'll be able to judge it yourself....


(I am planning to first work only with;House Exteriors,Mobile Homes,Decks,Driveways,Paint Preparation,Gutters )

Some driveways,paint prep, will need hotwater and some times only hotwater is needed to clean driveways or none at all,depends.


(I havent had any support from friends or family, they all think its a waste of my time and that I cannot work in an industry like this because I am too young and a female. I dont care what I look like, or how old I am this is something I have been thinking about for some time now and will do anything to do it!)


We only know you by print which means your friends and family knows you better than we do.My last comment doesn't mean you cann't,,you'll get support from the boards nomatter how young and a female.Be careful useing the words "I don't care" and good luck to you.

 

[CaroliProWash]

From one female to another - GO CHICK! If you ever want to talk to another girl, give me a call

Celeste

 

[Aplus]

Another option is to find another powerwasher who would let you work with them for a few days for on-the-job training. Many will do it, kind of an exchange of labor for learning.

 

[Jessicamarie]

Thanks for all your advica and opinions..

Tony C.- Great idea.. I've been power washing for a year so know all about that. But I'm sure it would be good to learn about different surfaces and cleaners. Thanks!

Celeste- I'll defenately be talking to you very soon!

Lary L.- Very detailed good advice, You are right I need to be careful of the words I chose.

Michael T.- I am in the Denver/Aurora area. LoL.... no I am a very fem. But hard working

Texas Wash- Well I have to say I have never seen it in that way, but maybe your right. in all my other sales job I did fantastic!

 

[Mark]

Wellcome To The Power Wash Network!

Go Girl!