Want to start a business, still in highschool...

[dave4washing]

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I really want to start a pressure washing business but I'm not really sure where to start. I'm still in highschool, but I'm homeschooled and I have a lot of free time in the morning and afternoon. I've worked for my uncle washing houses, and I'd like to do the same. I'm serious about this, I'd even sell my 300zx to buy a washer. I know there's a lot to it, but I'm willing to give it all I have and take a risk. I mean, I'm young so it wouldn't be that hard to bounce back. First, I guess I need to know what type of washer I need to get. i know that i want at least 5 gpm and 5,000 psi, but other than that I'm lost. Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[Mark]

Dave,

Welcome to Power Wash Network!

I have to admire your ambition, go for it!

5 GPM @ 5000 PSI ? <B>Sounds like overkill for housewashing!</B>

You may want to consider something like a 13 HP Honda Belt Driven Cold
water High Pressure Washer ( 3.5 GPM @ 3500 PSI. Should prove more than adequate for house washing, much more affordable too!

For a 5 GPM @ 5000 PSI cold unit you would be paying in excess of $3600.
(5@ 5000 PSI pictured below on 4 wheel cart.)


A quality 3500 PSI belt drive like the cool drive,you can find on sale for less than $1500 .

 

[Dixiedrifter]

Yup 5 GPM @ 5000 PSI is overkill for most everything except concrete. Then you would need a unit with a burner. Expect to spend a pretty penny on that one.

If it were me, and all I would be doing is houses, I would get a 3500 PSI direct drive unit at 4.0 GPM with a general or cat pump. Spend the diffrence between that and a belt drive on an x-jet setup.

Also, I would wait till early april to get it because its dead this time of year (at least in this area).

Later on when you get established, you can use it as a backup unit for your skid mount or if business doesn't turn out to be so good and you decide on something else, you won't be out a ton of money.

 

[anthony szabo]

Dave,
There is so much to learn, but if you are smart about it you can use us old timers as education. Do not rely on the net for all awnsers hook up with someone as a mentor program.

Good Luck,
Tony

 

[dave4washing]

actually, now I am employed with a pressure washing company. I figured this was probably the best way for me to learn, plus I'm making pretty good money to put towards my future business.

 

[timhays]

what company are you working for?
do they pay you well?

what do you clean the majority of the time?

what type of equipment do you use one your job currently?

 

[dave4washing]

I'm working for a company named "window gang" Most of the stuff is window washing which is o.k. work, but we do chemical cleaning and pressure washing. They pay me 30% of whatever I do, but if I'm working with another person i make 15. It's actually not bad cause a lot of the jobs are up in the 700s or 800s. I'm only making 10% right now because i'm in training though. My boss is a little weird and perverted, but it looks like it's good money.... We do have a hydroscrubber, but I haven't used it yet. I'm hoping it work out for me. i dunno though.......

 

[Michael T]

Dave, Even though you are getting a percentage make sure your "Employer" is paying his share of the taxes. You are an employee not a subcontractor. It might seem like a deal until you have to pay the taxes.

 

[tzahlman]

Dont pass up a chance to go to college if you have one. It could open some bigger doors for you either in powerwashing or anything else you may decide to do. At least you'll have somthing to fall back on or have as a extra tool. Of course you dont need a degree for pw but it wont hurt ya. If anything else its one less thing to look back on and coulda, shoulda, woulda. And I agree, dont just go off of what ya read on these boards. Its a GREAT tool but not the only

Just my 2cents worth.
Good luck

 

[timhays]

Dave,if they are paying you 30 percent for supplying labor,and charging those types profits,depending how efficient you are,you are among the top percent of payscale for an employee in your area.

we pay hourly rates and try to keep our payroll in the 10 percent of our total job cost.

there is one company in your area that pays 25 percent but there pricing is so low ther guys cant make any real money,they also offer a 100 bonus to the guy who produces the highest revenue each month. doesnt sound like a lot to me.

i dont like the idea of paying by percentage because the employees are always counting the money the company is making and it always causes problems,not to mention they know what you are charging which is one of the biggest trade secrets a company should have.

anyways if your making between 500-1500 dollars a week your within your area averages.
good luck.

 

[dave4washing]

thanks for your guys' input, I appreciate it. This is a great board and hopefully i'll be able to use it more in the future.