Is Adding Pressure Washing Right for You?

Pressure washing can be an excellent profit center to adjunct and compliment your core services. Think about looking at this from your customer’s eyes. They are going to contract the pressure washing work to someone else or do it in house, using their own resources (if available). Typically, that type of work is best suited to being contracted out to professionals. So if your business is already there and an approved contractor, you’re trusted and proven; why should your business not be the logical choice for this work? Let’s be honest, the activity associated with pressure washing flat horizontal surfaces or vertical walls, is not really rocket science. It does require some working knowledge of the various types of cleaning applications, some thoughtful effort on pricing the job, and the right tools to get the job done. When you get right down to the facts, it’s not much different than what you do now. It is hard work but you and your staff already do that in the performance of your daily activity. In fact, hard work is part of the success story, regarding any type of contracting: window cleaning, building services, and property maintenance among other trades. Why would your customer’s contract with another company to pressure clean, when you are already there and you can do that work?

So let’s ask a fundamental question but not overthink this. Does adding PW cleaning services to your existing business model make good business sense?

What type of budget do you have? Remember, this is an investment in your business, not an expense. Return on Investment or ROI is the real question. How much income can this equipment help you earn from existing customers and new prospects? The acquisition of PW equipment and the caveat “time is money” translates into billing additional revenue to existing customers. Pressure washing services can easily be integrated into your existing services and this service adds real value to your offering and profit to your bottom line, while elevating you offering and your company above the competition.

What type of equipment do you need? This equipment will be “your tools of the trade”. Don’t compromise on quality. This is your livelihood and these tools will help you grow your business and make a profit. This acquisition should be made from a reliable source that can answer your questions before, during and long after your initial purchase. Consider this; when your machine is down (for whatever reason) how much time, labor and money are you losing? Partner with a reputable dealer that can offer high quality PWs and support you when needed. The Big Box stores do not have contractor grade PW equipment and they cannot get you back on the job when you’re down.

How about maintenance? PWs are machines and when cared for with minimal attention and time, will last you a life time. Preventive maintenance is key. Oil changes are cheap and probably the best means to extend the life of the pump and motor, Air cleaner and sn occasional spark plug replacement are simple and necessary maintenance. O-rings, quick couplers and nozzles wear out, so be proactive and have backup parts onsite. Minimizing downtime is the goal and along with proper maintenance these simple routines will keep your investment up and running when you need it. When time comes to store your machine: winterize it and add fuel stabilizer to prevent issues when spring returns and your PW equipment returns to use. Freezing conditions can damage or destroy your equipment.

At the end of the day, ask yourself this question. Who can you trust and rely upon, when sourcing this type of equipment and who can support and consult with you while undertaking this value added service into your existing business model. Buy a quality pressure washer from a reputable source and one, built by a reliable manufacturer.