Hi everyone.
I’m only a couple months into being a business owner, but I can say that I really enjoy the work and plan to make this full time as soon as possible.
Right now this is my setup:
-dodge ram van, 8’ bed length with roof racks
-24’ extension ladder
-8’ step ladder
-4gpm 4000 psi; direct drive, cold water
-20” surface cleaner
-m-jet and accessories for 4 GPM
-18’ telescoping wand
-downstream injector kit for 4 GPM machines
-250 gallon water tote (currently not being used)
-5x8 open trailer to carry chemicals and machine
-gas blower
-chemicals
-various brushes and stuff for gutter cleaning and decks
I want to transition to full time. Most people talk about being booked out 2-3 weeks in advance, I am hustling right now to get my name out there and make $1,000 to $1,500 per weekend. My question is what is a good next move in order to expand? I know that I want to get a better machine, but what would give the most bang for its buck; a hot water or a higher GPM belt drive machine so that I can use a buffer tank and multiple wands?
I am just about to the break even point on my insurance premium, the van, and all my equipment and marketing dollars. The season is half over here, but I want to hit the ground running next spring and grow my business. I’m willing to do whatever it takes, I just don’t want to make a move that sends me off in the wrong direction.
My thoughts are to first get a smaller tank and build a roof washing setup so that the trailer becomes more useful. (Possibly up the size of my trailer to accommodate a proper setup once my next move is planned) I’ve had a few customers ask about roofs already and I did clean 2 using spray and forget but it took way too long and required too much labor to make it worth the time/effort. I know that purchasing a direct drive was not the best decision due to not being able to draw from a buffer tank and having to tote around the power washer while I clean. Is there a way that I can run my operation from my trailer only without buying a belt drive?
Basically, it’s becoming quite a hassle to move my machine around a house and change water faucets on large jobs. Just want to make sure I reinvest in a way to set myself up to make this my full-time work come spring.