Customer wants this brick done

I’m guessing 3% and wash off at low pressure?

He also wants his weathered deck cleaned off, no high pressure.

May want a little stronger on the brick, like 4% and may need medium pressure on some of it, just watch out for all the loose bricks. That mortar not in good shape.

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Put a note that says mortar is in poor condition, not responsible…, suggest repointing after cleaning, etc.

There is no such thing as not responsible when your the contractor. Waivers mean nothing. Realilistic expectation and experience of knowing how to clean it without damage. If your not sure you can then don’t do it. Anyone that mentions waivers shouldn’t be in Buisness. A customer shouldn’t be responsible for your mistakes

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If that’s the case, why do I constantly have to sign waivers for every service I sign up for?

Contractors fall under different guidelines and laws than most companies. Every contractor is under the vail of being considered competent and able to complete a scope of work without damage under there issued licensed .

When in doubt start low both in SH percentage and pressure. Continue to increase both until it either begins to clean or you feel any stronger may cause damage. This is the safest way to approach something your unsure about

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I don’t think documenting existing poor conditions could hurt you in any way. Even if the waiver legally won’t protect you it is an upfront agreement between you and the customer that each should stick to. They may not later, but if you point out something to be concerned about then you are being professional.

I wasnt suggesting that to cover up mistakes. If you cause damage from not doing it right then you should take your medicine. It was about informing the customer of obvious preexisting issues that might need repair. If they know upfront they are more likely to understand vs being surprised by something you saw but didn’t say and then them thinking your trying to not be responsible and the problem was just created. Some people have no idea of how poor the condition of things are. Educating them leads to trust in my opinion.

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Agreed. I always walk my customers through the process and potential pitfalls of window cleaning and house washing, and advise them of where it wouldn’t be advisable to do a service.

I’m still new to pressure washing though, so this type of brick work is making me nervous, even though he’s a loyal, repeat customer.

That is a much better statement then “ have them sign a waiver “:+1:

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That’s the best I’ve heard it put. Well put

I can’t take credit I only replied with a series of random emojis auto correct did the rest . :icecream:

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I respectfully disagree. While contractors and/or home improvement contractors have a different set of administrative rules and regulations they have to follow (based on what state you live in) having a document that has been accepted by the homeowner which contains certain waivers/disclaimers will not only hold up in court (if something does get to that point), but will also work to your benefit in managing the client’s expectations i.e. When giving them the quote with specific waivers “we are not responsible and disclaim liability for any loose paint chips and/or wood chips, etc” they’ll be less likely to raise a stink if those things you outlined happen. Saying that waivers “mean nothing” is an overstatement. Like i said, i’m just respectfully disagreeing with you.

Let me explain from the perspective of someone that has been sued a few times. The reason it doesn’t matter is simple. People are shady especially HOA’s your can have all the waivers you want it won’t stop you from getting sued. I waive could possibly hold up in court but no suit will ever make it that far . Neither party wants it to. And by party I mean attorneys. Your attorney that is being paid by your insurance. And theirs that is being paid by their insurance. Neither wants there pay to end so they will drag it out as long as possible to continue to rack up there billable hours. In the end there will be no resolution other than each one settling on the others attorney fees. This is why your waiver means nothing.

Exactly…my first year I was using a waiver and had an attorney look over it and he laughed.

To make a waiver legally binding , it would be so long and obnoxious you wouldn’t get anyone to sign it

It’s difficult for people to understand endless they have sat through the complete BS circus :circus_tent:. It’s very disappointing when you realize write and wrong have absolutely nothing to do with it. Laws or subjective. Morales are laughable and common sense has no value. Completely broken system

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Exactly. Someone told me one time that if someone wants to rip you off they can do it just as easily in writing as not. I give printed estimates but work agreements for the most part are handshake agreements

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I’ve actually been sued by an HOA that I never even worked for. That one lasted 2 years. I had another one last four years. And that was over a manufacturer warranty issue that the manufacturer releases us of liability for. Still went on another 2 years. Simply because they knew my insurance company would partially pay attorney fees as a release.

You’re the professional and the one who knows what it takes to clean whatever surface you’re cleaning. You explain to your customer what it takes to clean it, they either except and hire you or, you move on. Never allow your customer to dictate to you how you’re gonna do your job.

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