I need advice from you guys

Newbie Questions
1

Hi Everybody

I already red most of the topics and want to ask questions for starting pressure, gutter and window cleaning services in Chicago and suburbs.

  1. Company - I already have S corporation so most likely will do DBA for the pressure washing to save me money

  2. Insurance - what type of insurance I need and can you recommend company?

  3. Vehicle - Im going to keep my equipment in the vehicle at all times. I was thinking for Ford Transit 150 or 250 or Dodge Promaster. I would like to be budget friendly but also dont want to buy something that have to replace in few months. But I see decent vehicles for 10-15k. Let me know what vehicle fits your needs

  4. License - What type of licenses I need for Chicago area? Do I have to get 3 different licenses for the 3 different services or one cover them all ?

Im ready to clean this city :slight_smile: :grinning:

2

Did ya, now?

1.) Search results for 's-corp' - Pressure Washing Resource

2.) Search results for 'insurance' - Pressure Washing Resource

3.) too many posts on here to list

4.) https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/small-business/publications/Pages/mobile-power-washing.aspx#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20the%20city%20of,by%20the%20city%20of%20Chicago.

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3

Whaddya mean, Jake? Two hours of reading in two and a half months isn’t enough???

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4

I can already hear the door to the lounge swinging open lol

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5

I can hear the faint screams of “walk away” and “buy an 8”…we better stop lol

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6

Yikes, starting all three at once. I’d suggest starting one service, pressure washing and get a few years on that before working on a whole other career which window cleaning is.

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7

Wise advice! Thank you

8

So I imagine by now you’re reading some of the responses and thinking they are less than helpful. And you’re right, there are guys who would rather make a joke than give a simple answer or not answer at all. Such is life. But the takeaway is to read and read and read and THEN ask questions. It’s a lesson all the new guys learn lol. The only thing I’ll comment on is that I keep my equipment in an 8’ bed. Personally I can’t imagine hauling around a 12’ trailer. The biggest downside of the truck is that if it has mechanical problems, you’re losing production time while truck is being repaired.

9

I mean, it wasn’t ALL a joke. The “simple answers” I gave him lead directly to a wealth of information on each of his questions.

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10

I have everything I need in a 5x8 enclosed trailer, no need for a 12’ if you’re just doing house washes and concrete.

11

I have a 5x8 too. Totally manageable. And so is a larger trailer depending on where you are. Just depends on the typical neighborhood in your area. Most neighborhoods in my area have houses that are super close together and lots of cup de sacs so a big trailer isn’t a good option for me. How do you like the enclosed trailer? Kinda nice to keep equipment out of the weather I’d imagine

12

I went with this little guy just as a starter trailer but had to go enclosed as my driveway is only 30’ and I have to pull it with my Sienna. It’s ok, just wish it was taller inside and had a side door. I’m seriously looking to get a 6x10 with trailer brakes.

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