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