Apartment bidding

Hello! I am new in the industry and I would very much appreciate it if I can get some help or advice when it comes to bidding apartment complexes.
The apartments i bided on are three stories high, I will post a picture of one of the buildings, I figured $1,500 per unit would be a fair price. The services for the $1,500 include siding, brick and stone, stairs, sidewalks and hallways. What do you all think? Was it too much $$$? What can I do to be better at bidding apartments? I will really appreciate your comments, thoughts and advice. image

You’ve got 16 minutes of read time on this forum. Everything you desire to learn is here. Use the search bar at the top and you’ll probably find what you need.

What equipment are you working with?
Are you insured? Does your insurance cover commercial?
What method do you intend to use to apply chemicals?
What chemicals do you have at your disposal?
Are you trained to use those chemicals safely and effectively?
How many people on your crew?

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Thank you for responding so quickly!
I have 1 power washer 1 surface cleaner and as far as chemicals go on houses I usually use E-Z House Wash products and plan on using them for apartments as well, they are corrosive but I have plastic tarps to cover plants and bushes. Right now is just me, I don’t have anyone helping yet, don’t think I can afford a helper. Oh! And yes I do have business insurance and does cover commercial jobs.

He meant what kind of washer etc… You didn’t even answer most of the questions you were asked. What are EZ house wash products?

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Oh ok! It’s a 4,200 psi 4gpm and the products I usually use are for mold, mildew, algae, dirt etc.

I’m just going to say this:

It sounds like you could potentially do more harm than good.

You need to do a ton more research before you even consider taking on a job of that scale.

My $0.02.

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Are you talking about this stuff?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Mold-Armor-56-oz-House-Wash-Hose-End-Sprayer-FG511/100625157

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Yes, that’s the one. It work well on houses. I assume it’ll work just as fine on apartments.

So, walk away. That’s a two hour job with two guys and 2 eight gpm machines. No tarps, no EZ wash. $700. One guy with 4gpm and $14 a gallon watered down bleach is going to depress you or bankrupt you. Walk away.

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Bankruptcy is more likely.

I’m really trying to say that in the best way possible. My first apartment job paid $3600 and cost me over $7k in fried alarm panels, pull stations and re keying locks. Thought it would take 3 days by myself. Took twice that.

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As a wise man just said…

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For what it’s worth… stick around and type in any question you have in to the search bar. You will learn so much and at some point, you’ll realize you weren’t even close to being ready to take on such job.

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Thank you all for y’alls comments and advice. I was getting excited for this bid but, the inexperience i guess but even tho I am a stubborn guy I will listen to the experts on the matter. Thanks again.

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You’re not ready for this level of work. Spend 6 months educating yourself and you might be. Right now learn how to do houses and driveways incredibly well. Seriously good luck. In this field hard work and study pays off in my opinion.

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2 hours. Wow that’s impressive. Would easily take me 3 plus hours with 2 guys

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Just understand that no one here is trying to discourage you! But costly mistakes like @Innocentbystander mentioned can scar you for life! Nobody is saying you not capable, but there is SOOOOO MUCH more to this industry than your seeing. Listen to @Sasquatch, take your time and learn the proper chemicals and procedures, and with time you will agree.

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No kidding. I was thinking me and another guy would be in the 3-3.5 hour range IF I had two 8gpm machines. With my single 8gpm I’d probably be at double that. But if I landed a contract for an apartment complex at $1500/building I’d immediately add another machine.

Long story short: We may never be as agile and savvy as the Innocent One.

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It might very well take three. Breezeways look like 3/4 splits. Either way, it would be faster than one guy with a 4 gpm lol

There’s just no way. I’m looking at a complex with 22 buildings and over 50 walkways. Not to mention sidewalks, dumpster pads, and 3 different pool areas and I wouldn’t dream of doing it by myself. I found a group of washers in my area that I can subcontract to and I plan to do just that. I don’t know where you work or who operates in that area but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to network with the washers in your area and try to develop some sort of working relationship before trying to bite off a job of this size.

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