| If you are looking for a quick and thorough way | | | | -three to six gallons per minute (GPM) of water |
| to clean your house's exterior, consider pressure | | | | flow. |
| washing. Pressure washing is best left in the hands | | | | A rating of 2000 PSI and two GPM is residential-, |
| of a professional. However, a pressure washing | | | | rather than industrial-grade equipment. |
| job done incorrectly or by an unqalified pressure | | | | 6. Ask providers to give you a demonstration. Not |
| washing contractor can cause damage to your | | | | many providers will accede to this request, as it |
| home or property. The damage can be costly. | | | | often requires much time and effort to undertake. |
| Outlined below are ideas to guide you in your | | | | It does not mean you should never ask, though. |
| search for a quality pressure washing contractor. | | | | Often, the provider will respond by asking the |
| Additional advice is provided as well on how to | | | | client to be there during setup instead. During this |
| deal with the contractor of your choice when the | | | | time, do not think twice to inform the contractor |
| cleaning work is in progress, and when it is | | | | of any qualms you may have about the work to |
| completed. | | | | be performed. |
| 1. Equip yourself with a clear understanding of the | | | | 7. See that the estimates are formalized in writing. |
| risks involved in pressure washing and how to | | | | This record should protect both you and the |
| minimize these risks. Taking the time to educate | | | | service provider you are hiring. A written estimate |
| yourself thus will enable you to distinguish | | | | provides clarity to the desired service, details |
| between the mediocre outworker from the | | | | expected results, and itemizes cost of labor and |
| quality contractor. | | | | materials. |
| 2. Arrange to meet the contractor in such a way | | | | 8. Obtain References. Obtaining references is |
| that they evaluate the site to be worked on | | | | important. Make sure that referrals are for |
| together with you. Establishing clear | | | | pressure washing projects and not for other |
| communications at this point will help limit the | | | | contracted services such as deck cleaning or vinyl |
| possibility of errors in the estimating process. | | | | siding cleaning. Make sure to use the references |
| 3. Consult. A sound pressure washing contractor | | | | once the contractor has provided them to you. |
| will welcome the opportunity to examine your | | | | Ask questions in regards to the quality of the |
| site, ask questions and note any potential areas | | | | work such as project outcomes, workmanship |
| of concern. These contractors will pay attention | | | | and professionalism. |
| to your needs and decide what type of service | | | | 9. Guarantee and Financing Policies. Read over the |
| you need and expect. In addition, they will also go | | | | financing or billing policies and customer guarantee |
| over with you the advantages and limitations of | | | | or satisfaction papers. Make sure that you |
| the service that they provide. As you meet with | | | | understand policies in regards to payment |
| different contractors, be sure to question them | | | | schedules and deposits. What type of satisfaction |
| on the specifications of the service, exact | | | | and guarantee does the contractor offer on the |
| procedures, outcome and potential for damage. | | | | finished project? |
| You will then be able to get a clearer picture of | | | | 10. Coverage. Make certain that the contractor |
| the service and decide which contractor to award | | | | has liability coverage. Professional pressure |
| the job. | | | | washing contractors will have coverage for their |
| 4. Request for an outline of the cleaning | | | | customers and themselves. Liability insurance |
| procedure. This summary of work steps that | | | | should cover potential on-site mishaps, injury or |
| may come with the estimate or as a separate | | | | property damage. |
| sheet should prove to be a helpful tool for | | | | 11. On-Site Inspection. During the pressure washing |
| comparing the different pressure washing services | | | | project, be present on-site to inspect the work |
| you consult with. | | | | and keep an eye on the work being done. You |
| 5. Question Equipment Status. Does the pressure | | | | should be available to talk with the contractor |
| washing contractor own the equipment or are | | | | should any problems arise. |
| they rented? Contractors that either own or lease | | | | To sum up: Educate yourself about pressure |
| their equipment are typically more reliable and | | | | washing and how it is done. Ask questions and get |
| committed to their pressure washing business. | | | | references for each pressure washing contractor. |
| Contractors who rent equipment may be an | | | | Do a thorough cost comparison of the project, |
| indication that they are not as reliable. | | | | materials and labor and use commonsense. |
| Most pressure washers that are for real will be | | | | Eliminate potentially poor quality pressure washing |
| outfitted with apparatus that have at least the | | | | contractors. A qualified professional will be more |
| following specifications: | | | | than happy to help you through the entire |
| -11 to 15 horsepower (HP) | | | | selection process and provide you with the |
| -3000-4000 pounds per square inch (PSI) of | | | | necessary information you need to make an |
| pressure, and | | | | informed decision. |