Contracting a Pressure Washer to Clean Your Home’s Exterior

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 unqualified pressure washing contractor can cause damage to your home or property. The damage can be costly.

Below are a few pointers that can help you in your search for a pressure washing service contractor that will get the job done correctly. There are also additional tips for dealing with the contractor you choose while the job is ongoing and when it is done.

1. Become Educated. It pays to have a clear understanding of what is involved in pressure washing. Be aware that exterior damage can possibly occur with pressure washing, this is especially true for deck restoration jobs. This will help you assess the risks and know how and where to minimize those risks. In addition, it will help you to distinguish between cut-rate contractors and quality professionals.

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 with several contractors, asking each specific questions about the service to be provided, including procedures, expected results, and the risk of damage. Expect the more professional ones to entertain your inquiries, listen to your concerns, and have questions of their own. They will usually demonstrate some initiative in sizing up the site for you, and make a reasonable disclosure of what they can offer and what they cannot, giving you an almost complete picture of what the job will look like.

4. Request a Methods Listing. This list will summarize and outline the steps that the contractor will take during the project. It maybe part of an estimate or on an entirely different piece of paper. The methods listing is an excellent tool for comparing and contrasting potential pressure washing services with one another.

5. Inquire about the service’s equipment. Do they own the machines or just lease them from another company? Ownership is an indicator of a long-term commitment to the pressure washing industry, while renting is evidence that they are only an occasional or temporary provider.

Professional pressure washers will have equipment that meet these specifications: 11 to 15 horsepower (hp); 3000 to 4000 pounds per square inch (psi) pressure and 3 to 6 gallons per minute (gpm) water flow. A pressure washer that has a rating of 2000 PSI and 2 GPM or below is residential-grade equipment.

6. Ask for a Demo. You will find a few pressure washing contractors actually agreeing to give you a demo because doing one can be both time consuming and difficult to stage. Many contractors will deny demonstration requests and insist that the client be available at the initial stage of the project. This practice is not uncommon. Contractors will instead request that you be around when the job starts. If for any reason you are unhappy with how the work is going, do not hesitate to let the contractor know about your concerns.

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. When getting referrals, make sure that they lead you to the type of work you want done. If it’s your deck you want tidied up, then you shouldn’t be receiving a recommendation for a vinyl siding cleaning. Put the referrals you obtain to good use. Get feedback about the prospective contractor’s professionalism and workmanship. Ask the person providing you with the referral whether the cleaning process and its outcome were to his satisfaction.

9. Be as fully acquainted as you can be with the contractor’s satisfaction and billing policies. Make sure the deposit and payment timetable is clear to you. Don’t hesitate to ask what a contractor's policy is in the event you are not satisfied with the service rendered.

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. Evaluate Cost. The fees for the pressure washing job will be a determining factor in deciding which pressure washing contractor to hire. However, make sure to evaluate the quality of work that you will be receiving for the project. A lower bid does not necessarily guarantee high quality work.

12. 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.

David is an Atlanta pressure washing contractor.Click here to find more information on Marietta pressure washing or Acworth deck cleaning services