-So I did our driveway today and it got our neighbor interested and he asked me to do his. So I got my first job as an official business.
-I’m getting used to use my new set up:
-Simpson 4200/4gpm with a 20” surface cleaner.
-It went ok in my book, I trying to get better at edging out with the wand before using the surface clear. Anyone have advice on what is the best tip and technique for that?? I didn’t use any chemicals either and some spots I couldn’t get out, but I let him know that before hand and he was good with it.
-Here are some photos from the job, something I also need to get better at.
Looks good to me. Congrats on getting your first job.
I personally try to cut in as little as possible if I don’t have to. I have a surface cleaner without castors which lets me get most of the edges. I usually just cut in tight corners and next to walls when I rinse off.
I’ve been using a turbo nozzle because I have one and it makes quick work of it.
I never cut in anything before surface cleaning anymore. I have a 21" on casters and I just angle the surface cleaner so the skirt just hangs off the side of the concrete and get everything I can with the SC then hit corners and whatnot with the wand when I’m rinsing. Also, get rid of pic collage and download Layout by Instagram. It’s free and there’s no watermark. There are other apps that allow you to put your own logo on your pictures if you want to do that.
Your work looks great. Be careful using a turbo on concrete though. You can etch it pretty easily. I use my wood tip that puts out 1000psi to cut in stuff after a strong pretreat and it works just fine. Usually the edges where you cut in won’t be that bad.
I’m downloading a new app right away, thanks for the advice on that!
Thanks for the advice on cutting if I need to. I’ll keep on Scouring this forum as well to find ways to improve upon my work. It was a great feeling doing something new. I’ve been in the army since I was 17 and to do work outside of it was quite rewarding.
Lowes sells turbo nozzles that would be perfect for your 4/4 machine for like $40. Turbos are throwaways anyhow so there’s no sense in buying the fancy ones. Trust me. I’ve used and abused more turbo nozzles in a year than probably anyone on this forum has to date.
That’s awesome man. Thanks for your service. My nephew is stationed in Georgia with the Army right now in the Cyber Security program down there. Good luck and holler if you need anything. I’ll PM you my phone number and you can call anytime.
Looks good and good before and afters. i’d say you’re starting good! i’d suggest using CompanyCam for before and afters though, i find it easier and looks a little more slick.
Looks darn good for first job. Get some chems, will make your life easier. 2 minutes with a pump up of 50-50 mix, let dwell about 10 min and you could have had same results on those front steps with a garden hose, lol. When I have bad stoops like that I’ll spray those while my helper is taping and then I can just rinse off when I’m rinsing the housewash or sidewalk.
Thank for the feedback as well! I’ve been on a lot of forums for various things and this is the best one so far for great feedback.
I’m going to start looking on here for Chem advice and see what best works. That drive was 67’x12’ and when including the walkway and steps, it took me about 2 hours. A little longer then I wanted but once I get in a groove and work my systems out, I’ll be a bit faster with the same quality.
The nozzle has already shipped, I’ll use the one for now once it comes in and go from there. I appreciate the advice though!
Yup, Ill pretreat every corner and crevice on my way to the porch with my pump up, depending on the porch. I hate using the wand, but a good pre and post treat youll only have to cut in corners once with the wand, and fast.
So I’ve been moving forward and doing more and more and I’m loving it. It’s not fun doing a driveway in the NC heat, but getting paid $400 for a 1.5hr job isn’t bad.
We sprung and got our logo added to my truck. It’s lead to one person coming up to me and asking for information.
I try to read at least two threads on here a week to keep me on the right path and not make mistakes. I appreciate everyone who has posted here for folks like me.
So just wanted to check in. Today I hit 100 days on the site. I’ve been here everyday since I started off on this adventure and all of the insightful contributions (and a little hard work on our end) has made our business successful and I just wanted to thank you all for the information you’ve provided over the years. We do this part time so reading and learning has “streamlined” a lot for us to be effective and efficient with our services. Below are some where we started and where we are at photos. Lastly, not to make his head big…but a shout out to @DisplacedTexan is needed. Thanks for everything man, I own you your weight and mine combined in beer!
Once the floorboards dry out, you’ll want to protect them by staining/painting them or getting some type of floor covering to protect against the chems.
