Essential Steps On How To Start And Run A Successful Pressure Washing Business
Generally, you can practically never go wrong when you start a pressure washing business. It will not require you to undergo a long certification or learning process. On top of that, you can put it up even if you have little to no money since the upfront costs for entry equipment, gear, operation, and staff are considerably low.
Meanwhile, cleaning services are always in demand. So if run the right way, the flow of income for business owners is pretty much solid. Hence, it may be an excellent decision on your part to start a pressure washing company or business.
Nevertheless, you have to prepare yourself and ensure that things are right from the start. Like with any business, there are challenges that come with starting and running a pressure washing cleaning service, from employee management to securing vital documents.
In this article, we’ll provide you with information and vital steps on how to start and grow a profitable pressure washing business. These include the basic equipment you need to kickstart your company, the license needed, and a whole lot more.
How Much Do I Need To Open Up A Pressure Washing Business?
If you still don’t have the budget to get the best pressure washer for the job, you have an option to rent one. Aside from this, the principal cost will also include transporting your tools to the location of your clients. Using a van with the logo of your company painted on the side is the usual way of transporting your pressure washing equipment.
Putting your business logo out there can help entice more potential clients when you’re in action. It is not required to put up a work or office space except you’re also offering a power washing service for vehicles passing by on the main road.
Some of the start up cost when starting a power washing business include the following:
- Downpayment for the lease of water tanks and equipment.
- You also have a choice to invest in reliable equipment by opting for a commercial-grade electric power pressure washer or gas-powered washer. Keep in mind that the upfront cost for this is higher, so make sure to carefully consider which pressure washer type is suitable for your business needs. Nevertheless, you will save money down the road.
- Van that can accommodate your power washing equipment.
- Monthly vehicle maintenance, including gas.
- Ads for your business, such as business cards and flyers.
Make sure that your credit standing is good if you’ll lease the van and equipment. Additionally, you must have enough budget to pay your leases during the first six months of operation while you’re finding clients.
On average, you need at least $10,000 in investment or cash to start a pressure washing business. For the rest, you can use credit. Furthermore, to sustain your business, you need to aim for a monthly revenue of $2,000.
How Do I Make Money With This Type Of Business?
Most successful power washing companies have a lot of repeat customers. Their flat rate for something as simple as washing and detailing cars ranges from $50 to $100. Detailing refers to the finishing job once you’re done with pressure cleaning. It covers waxing and making the car looking handsome and brand new again.
Cleaning service for a home’s exterior surfaces is another backbone in this type of business. In fact, pressure washing both commercial and residential properties are quite profitable. And you can charge your clients per square footage of the exterior surface you’ll wash.
How Much Can I Charge My Clients?
Homeowners spend around $180 to under $400 for the cleaning of their homes, including the exterior.
The typical prices of the services are the following:
- $100 – $300 for the home’s exterior siding
- $250 – $500 for the patio or deck
- $80 – $200 for the driveway
On the other hand, the average fee per square foot for the exterior facades of commercial properties is between $0.25 and $1.50. The costs for buildings with numerous stories are a little higher. It will cover the rental fee for the equipment you need to reach high areas, including window washing tools and scaffolding.
In terms of pressure washing vehicles, the charge is approximately $50 – $100. Meanwhile, larger vehicles and boats are double the cost.
Simple Steps On How To Start A Pressure Washing Business
Here’s how you can start your own pressure washing company in 5 simple steps:
Step 1: Understand The Basics Of Pressure Washing By Researching And Practicing
Understanding how to operate a pressure washer is simple. On top of that, it is powerful enough to take care of almost all kinds of surfaces. However, you have to use it with utmost care since that extreme pressure can also damage not only surfaces but also foliage with ease.
Although pressure washing is easy to learn, a lot of amateurs tend to make mistakes. That’s why it’s vital to do your research first before operating a power washer. Fortunately, you can find plenty of videos that can teach you different techniques.
Moreover, you must practice your skills and improve them to ensure you’ll only offer top-notch services before going opening your business. You can even ask your neighbors if you can wash their home exteriors, driveways, or patios.
Then, ask them afterward for feedback and how they’d rate the service you provided. If you don’t get a thumbs up, don’t be discouraged. Keep on practicing to hone your pressure washing skills.
Step 2: Set Up Your Pressure Washing Company Properly
You must acquire the proper licenses, permits, and insurance before opening up your business. The permits you need will vary depending on the regulations and laws in your area. Hence, make sure to visit the county clerk or local licensing to know the requirements
Aside from registering your business, you also want to set up how it will run and come up with a plan on how to ensure its growth and success.
- Give your business a name
One of the first steps in building your pressure washing company is to give it a name. Additionally, you may want to check out the available domain names with the business name you have in mind before making a final decision. This is to ensure that they match.
When thinking about the name of your company, it is a good idea to consider its SEO value. Google and other search engines may likely place your business higher in search results if its name has the phrase pressure washing in it.
- Apply for a business license
Get the necessary business license required by your local and the state you’re in to kickstart your company.
- Register your company for tax purposes
Check the possible taxes you may need to pay along the way to avoid any problems down the road. This may include sales and self-employment taxes.
- Get an insurance
Purchasing liability insurance is crucial, along with equipment insurance and worker’s compensation. These will protect you and your business against unexpected damage to property while on the job, as well, equipment damage and accidental injuries.
- Open a business account at your local bank
Having a business bank account can help you separate the assets of your company from your personal assets and protect it as well. Likewise, it will make accounting and filing of taxes easier.
- Set your rates
Pricing your cleaning services can be pretty challenging. You can either price it per job completed or as per hour basis. Both of these come with their own sets of pros and cons.
For instance, you may miss out on more income if you opt to charge per hour if you can finish the job in a short period. On the other hand, you may lose some money when you misquote a job that needs more time to complete. So make sure to weigh everything out carefully before making a final decision.
Step 3: Invest in the proper pressure washing equipment
When starting out, it’s sensible to rent the equipment you need to get your pressure washing services going. But once your business is in full swing, it is better to buy your own.
Here’s a list of the basic equipment to consider:
- Pressure washing tools and accessories. These include the pressure washer itself, nozzles, pumps, engines, surface cleaners, chemicals, and so on.
- A van or small truck with decals at the side for transporting your equipment.
- Work shirts or uniforms and protective gear like gloves, rubber boots, and safety goggles.
Step 4: Create a marketing plan
In this day and age, one of the best ways to market any business is through social media and making your presence known. Doing so can help you:
- Attract potential clients and a new market.
- Drive organic traffic to the official website of your company.
- Build a reliable and credible reputation.
- Engage with your current customers.
- Expand your marketing efforts.
Aside from this, you can also use flyers, paid ads, and good old word-of-mouth advertising.
Step 5: Plan in advance
If you want your business to grow, you have to plan ahead. Make sure you know where it is going in six months, after a year, or in five years. All companies review their business plans periodically since this enables them to see where their business stands and what areas they need to improve on.
