A pressure-washing business owner aims to please, and there’s no time like the present to get into that line of work. It may also be called a power washing business.
People are working from home. Businesses that focus on property enhancement – such as hardscaping, decks and backyard pools – are booming. Lots of structures around a home need the services of a pressure washer.
In addition to private individuals, corporate customers need your services. In the post pandemic environment, keeping work and home properties clean – and disinfected – is more important than ever.
How Does a Pressure Washing Business Work?
A power washing company serves a diverse range of customers. Cleaning services may be required for business fleet vehicles, swimming pools and decks, residential exteriors, boats, and agricultural equipment.
When you have your own pressure washing business, you’re your own boss and you can choose a specialty. The main specialties are residential owners, commercial property owners, marine, and agricultral. Recent statistics put the pressure cleaning business at $2 billion annually, growing at a steady rate of 3.5%.
The Pressure Washing Industry in the US.
There are 135,000 companies employing about 187,000 people. The industry is $2 billion annually with a steady growth of 3.5%.
Pressure Washing Business Starting Cost
As you might anticipate, pressure washing businesses require a significant amount of equipment, and the costs can differ widely. This is why your startup checklist needs to be comprehensive. You may already possess some essential items, like a heavy-duty truck, van, or trailer.
If you have a truck or van, find out the maximum number of weight it can carry. A full-size one-ton pickup truck can tote more weight than a 1/2-ton pickup truck, for example.
Also, find out how much weight your vehicle can tow. A truck with an engine size greater than 5.0 can tow about 6,000 pounds (including the weight of the trailer), while a smaller 3.0 will have less towing capacity. Whenever you’re towing more than 3,000 pounds (total of trailer and load), you’re required by motor vehicle law to have electric brakes for your trailer. In some states, you may also be required to have sway bars to help control the trailer.
Here are some other basic equipment needs:
High power washers – Of 3,000 psi (pounds per square inch) and greater. These can be electric or gas. You’ll have to weigh the cost of gas to run the pressure washer, versus the cost of gas to run a generator for an electric pressure washer. Customers, especially residential customers, may not be happy when you tap into their power to run your equipment.
Hot water units – At least 18 horsepower.
Wand tips of various angles.
High and low-pressure hoses.
Telescoping extension wands.
Cleaning soaps, chemicals, and additives.
A generator – If you’re using an electric power washer and working at an off-grid site. A 2,000-watt inverter isn’t going to be able to handle the work; you’ll need a 5-6,000 watt generator, and the associated oil and gas for it.
Pressure washing gear such as protective clothing.
Steps to Starting a Pressure Washing Business
Before you consider the steps, consider your level of physical fitness and the climate where you plan to work. Pressure washing skills are challenging, and physical work is done in various weather conditions.
Learn the Required Skills for Power Washing
It’s not simple. Too much pressure for the job, and you could inadvertently strip paint or damage items.
Use the wrong cleaning agent or additive, and you could also damage a surface.
Practice with your equipment on your own property and on property owned by family and friends. Can you apprentice with someone who owns a pressure-washing business? That’s not likely if you’ll be competing for work in the same geographical area.
Create a Business Plan
Creating a business model is a necessary step for all businesses. When starting a pressure washing company, you’ll need a business name and separate personal and business accounts at the bank. A separate business bank account can also help you establish your company’s credit history, when you’re ready to get a loan to expand.
You should also put pen to paper to write out a general plan. Don’t worry about too much focus on long-range plans. A plan is a moving target, that you can adapt to your needs as the business climate and your success rate change.
Research office or retail space if you need it. Get a business credit card.
The preferred business structure is a limited liability corporation for your business, which will protect your personal assets. Personal asset protection is important, since you’ll be providing a service to items owned by others. You’ll need equipment insurance and liability insurance.
Think about who or what you consider as your ideal customer. Do you want to clean agricultural equipment? Residential decks and patios? Tailor your business plan to that customer.
Also, research CRM software. A great program can make life so much easier, with appointment scheduling, tracking expenses, keeping personal and business expenses separate, accounting and tax filing. All these things should be part of a business plan that is well thought out so it can answer the questions investors or lenders might have.
Price Pressure Washing Services
A lot of pressure wash services are priced by the square foot, especially for home siding. Prices range from .35 to .77 per square ft.
Some price the service by the job, with prices for house siding jobs ranging from $170 to $225.
For small jobs, such as decks, you may need to add a minimum service charge.
Get Licenses and Permits
Check with your local licensing office to see what’s required. You’ll be operating potentially dangerous equipment and there will be run 0ff, either onto land or into storm drains.
Here’s a basic list:
- Business License
- Bonding
- Sales tax registration
- Contractor Permit
- Environmental permit
Buy the Necessary Equipment
You can start with inexpensive equipment but you’d likely have to replace or repair it in a short time.
Those in the business advise – Buy the best quality you can afford. If you can’t afford the best quality, save money towards the purchase and wait.
Invest in Quality Cleaning Solutions
Along with purchasing the necessary equipment, invest in high-quality, environmentally friendly cleaning solutions and additives. The right cleaning agents are crucial for effectively removing dirt and grime without harming surfaces or the environment. Research and select products that are effective and safe for various surfaces and that comply with local environmental regulations.
Hiring Employees
Based on the numbers, many businesses are sole proprietors. There are 135,000 businesses and 187,000 employees nationwide.
If you plan to hire one or more employees, you will need to obtain an employer identification number (EIN). Many businesses choose to hire seasonal workers during their peak periods.
Develop a Comprehensive Training Program for Employees
If you decide to hire employees, develop a comprehensive training program. This program should cover the technical aspects of pressure washing, safety procedures, customer service, and the proper handling of equipment and cleaning agents. Well-trained employees are essential for maintaining the quality of service and for the safe operation of the business.
Consider Joining Pressure Washer Associations
There are two main ones: Pressure Washer Manufacturers Association and Pressure Washers of America.
Market Your Business
You can set up partnerships with business owners to get your foot in the door with fleet sales, real estate, agriculture, and construction companies.
Regardless of the segment you choose to focus on, nothing conveys your story more effectively than Before and After images. Make sure to showcase them on your website or Facebook page.
Utilize Digital Marketing and Social Media
In addition to traditional marketing methods, leverage digital marketing and social media to promote your business. Create engaging content, share before-and-after photos of your work, and interact with potential customers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Utilizing digital marketing can broaden your reach and attract a diverse customer base.
Make Sure Your Business Complies with OSHA Regulations
There are proper safety precautions to follow for pressure washing equipment outlined in OSHA regulations. For instance, any piece of equipment exceeding 3200 psi must have a 24″ hose guard on the hose nearest to the operator.
Consistently review and update your safety protocols to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations. Stay informed about any changes in safety standards and implement them promptly. Regular safety audits and meetings can help reinforce the importance of safety among your employees and maintain a safe working environment.
Scale Your Business
Set fees for common jobs such as driveways, houses, and decks.
Have an adjustable budget for your business, making room for equipment maintenance and purchase.
Explore Diversification of Services
As your business grows, consider diversifying your services to cater to a broader market. This could include adding related services such as window cleaning, gutter cleaning, or deck restoration. Diversification can provide additional revenue streams and help balance seasonal fluctuations in your primary service offerings.
Establish a Customer Feedback System
Implement a system for collecting and analyzing customer feedback. This can provide valuable insights into areas of your business that need improvement and help identify opportunities for growth. Satisfied customers can also provide testimonials and referrals, which are invaluable for business expansion.
Tips to Run a Successful Pressure Washing Business
Here are a few quick tips for running a successful pressure-washing business:
- Use promotions and packages, as well as advertising and promotions, to attract new customers.
- Stay in touch with customers, reconnecting with them after the job.
- Use top notch CRM software. The cost will pay off in high profit margins, since you’ll have more time to work on getting new business.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use promotions and packages | Utilize promotional offers and package deals to attract new customers to your business. |
| Stay in touch with customers | Maintain communication with customers after completing a job to build lasting relationships. |
| Utilize top-notch CRM software | Invest in high-quality CRM software to streamline operations and focus on new business leads. |
What is the average business income?
The average income is $40 to $60 an hour and about $28,000 a year (after expenses).
In good markets, the top salary range is close to $40,000.
What is the best pressure washer for a pressure washing business?
Gas washers offer greater power. The range for consumer power washing equipment typically falls between 1200 and 2500 watts, which makes them suitable for tasks like cleaning fences and grills.
Commercial pressure washers range from 3,000 to 4,000 psi. Those can handle boats, siding, driveways, industrial equipment and paint/graffiti stripping.
Marketing Strategies for a Pressure-Washing Business
As a pressure-washing business owner, one of the most critical aspects of your success is effective marketing. With the right marketing strategies, you can attract new customers, build a strong reputation, and increase your revenue. Here are some marketing strategies to help you grow your pressure-washing business:
- Create a Professional Website: Your website serves as the online face of your business. It should be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly. Include essential information about your services, pricing, contact details, and customer testimonials. Showcase before and after photos of your work to demonstrate your expertise.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Implement SEO strategies to improve your website’s visibility on search engines like Google. Use relevant keywords, create valuable content, and build backlinks to your website. Local SEO is particularly important as it will help your business appear in local search results when potential customers look for pressure washing services in your area.
- Google My Business (GMB) Listing: Create and optimize your Google My Business listing. This ensures that your business appears on Google Maps and in local search results, providing valuable information to potential customers, such as your contact details, operating hours, and customer reviews.
- Online Reviews and Testimonials: Positive online reviews and testimonials are powerful tools for building trust with potential customers. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Respond to reviews, both positive and negative, in a professional manner to show that you value customer feedback.
- Social Media Marketing: Leverage social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to showcase your work, engage with potential customers, and run targeted advertising campaigns. Use eye-catching visuals and videos to demonstrate the effectiveness of your pressure washing services.
- Local Advertising: Consider traditional advertising methods like flyers, door hangers, and local newspapers to target homeowners and businesses in your area. Local community events and sponsorships can also help raise awareness of your brand.
- Referral Program: Implement a referral program to incentivize satisfied customers to refer their friends and family to your business. Offer discounts or free services for successful referrals.
- Email Marketing: Collect email addresses from your customers and website visitors and use email marketing to stay in touch with them. Send newsletters, promotions, and updates about your services to keep your business top-of-mind.
- Networking: Attend local networking events and join industry associations to connect with potential customers and other professionals who might refer clients to your business.
- Seasonal Promotions: Offer seasonal promotions and discounts during slow periods or during peak times when customers are more likely to seek pressure washing services.
- Branded Vehicles: Whenever feasible, consider investing in professionally branded vehicles that can act as mobile advertisements for your business while you are working on-site.
- Online Advertising: Utilize online advertising platforms like Google Ads and social media ads to target specific demographics and geographic locations with your marketing message.
Remember that consistency is key in marketing. Develop a comprehensive marketing plan that combines multiple strategies and consistently monitors and analyzes your marketing efforts’ performance to refine your approach over time. By effectively marketing your pressure washing business, you can attract more customers and increase your business’s profitability and reputation.
Image: Depositphotos
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