Pressure washing uses high-powered jets of water to clean mud, dirt, grime, mold, mildew, moss, and loose paint. It can also help prevent damage to buildings and outdoor items.
Pressure washers use detergents that are sometimes composed of chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. However, a professional handyman uses techniques that minimize water usage and chemical runoff.
1. Curb Appeal
If your house has dirty siding, windows or a dusty driveway you can dramatically improve the curb appeal with a pressure washer. It’s an affordable way to clean vinyl siding, decks, driveways and more without hiring professionals. You can rent or buy a power washer and there are many different types on the market.
You can also hire a professional to do it for you or get yourself a new Active 2.0 by Obsessed Garage which has been getting rave reviews for it’s ease of use and quality of build. Regardless of which machine you choose it will help you grow your business by reaching more customers and increasing brand awareness.
Aside from making your home look great, a pressure wash is good for the overall health of your home and your property. It removes harmful bacteria from mildew and mold, preventing them from growing and damaging your exterior surfaces. This is especially important if you plan on selling your home in the future. Curb appeal is key to attracting potential buyers and can increase the sale price of your home.
2. Cleanliness
When mold, mildew, moss, algae and other growths are allowed to build up on surfaces, they can actually damage the material underneath. They can eat away at paint, concrete sealant and even wood. Pressurized washing blasts these contaminants and removes them before they can cause any real damage, saving you the cost of repairs or replacements down the line.
Clean buildings and outdoor items look better, which can help raise a property’s value in the eyes of potential buyers. It can also show that you are taking good care of your home or business and that you genuinely care about the health of your neighborhood.
Running a pressure washing business is a great way to make a decent living while doing something you enjoy. Plus, you don’t need a lot of capital to get started. You can hire a crew, rent or buy a quality pressure washer and start advertising your services. Revive Washing, for example, uses postcards and door hangers that personalize pricing and booking instructions for each customer. This targeted marketing helps increase sales and grow their business. These strategies are easy to implement and can be very effective if used correctly. The key is to track your results so you can adjust your marketing plan accordingly.
3. Health & Safety
A build-up of dirt, grime, moss, mildew, and other substances can damage surfaces – like paint, concrete sealant, wood or vinyl siding. Pressure washing removes these substances and prevents them from causing costly damage to your property in the future. It also creates an environment that is less hospitable to bacteria and vermin, which can cause illness.
Finally, it’s important to wear the appropriate safety gear if you plan on using a pressure washer. The powerful force of the water can cause severe injuries – including deep lacerations, loss of digits and even bone exposure. By wearing the proper safety gear and using the right nozzle settings, you can avoid injury.
Another reason to pressure wash is that if you plan on painting your building or re-staining your deck, it’s essential to get it cleaned first. Dirt and grime will suck up the paint, leaving you with a patchy, uneven surface. Pressure washing lifts all the grime, moss and other substances off the surface, so you’ll be able to achieve an even coat of paint.
4. Prevent Damage
When it comes to pressure washing you need to be careful. The high-powered water jets can cause severe damage if not handled correctly and with the right protective equipment. A quick Google search of “pressure washer injuries” is enough to make anyone a little nervous. There are some truly horrific pictures of deep lacerations, loss of digits, and even exposed bone.
A professional is experienced in the proper use of a pressure washer and can prevent these types of disasters from occurring at your property. They will also know how far away to keep the nozzle from the plant life surrounding your home or business. It is important to cover and protect any moveable plants with tarps before you start the cleaning process. It is a good idea to keep the nozzle at least 6 inches away from anything that could be damaged by high-pressure water.
Regular pressure washing can also prevent the build-up of mold, mildew, moss, and other grimy growths that can damage paint, concrete sealant, and other surface coatings if allowed to grow on your property over time. This can save you money on costly repairs down the road.
It is also a great idea to get your building or driveway washed before painting. A fresh coat of paint goes on much smoother over a clean surface. It will also allow you to see any areas that may need a touch-up or additional work before you commit to the new project. A well-kept property with regular maintenance and cleaning including Pressure Washing, shows that the owner cares about their home or business and takes pride in keeping it looking its best. This is a major selling point for property owners and can be a huge benefit if you decide to sell your property in the future.
5. Save Money
Pressurized washing blasts away things like moss, mildew, and algae before they can take hold, preventing the kinds of costly damage that can be hard to fix once it’s gone. A good pressure wash also makes for a great way to prep surfaces for new applications, whether it’s a fresh coat of paint or more extensive renovations. Cleaning the surface removes all of the built-up grime that can cause the materials to crack, peel or chip and leaves you with a perfectly smooth, primed canvas.
The National Association of Realtors suggests that homeowners can add $10,000 to their home’s sale price by sprucing up the exterior with a simple pressure wash. That’s a lot of money that can be invested in the future. Plus, keeping up with regular pressure washing is a cost-effective way to maintain your property’s value and curb appeal.
Starting a pressure washing business doesn’t require a lot of capital, with the exception of equipment, supplies and your vehicle lease. Determine what you’ll charge for your services, then start marketing your business. Posting online ads that include before and after images, your price, and clear booking instructions is a quick and affordable way to reach local homeowners. Test different ads and targeting options to see what’s most effective at generating clicks, shares, website visits, and leads.
Keep in touch with clients between jobs by using Jobber to automate client communications. Send quotes, invoices and scheduling emails with ease, and improve customer retention by offering referral discounts to those who book with you again. Once you’ve nailed down your booking process, create beautiful and professional postcards and door hangers that feature your logo, pricing information, and positive reviews from other customers.
