New start up

Hi everyone I have a few questions I am located in sw Florida . Considering starting a small pressure washing business . At this time I want to only do small jobs flat work, small houses , pool decks, pool cages. Jobs that range from $150-500 dollars. No commercial or roofs. What is the market like do you have to do roofs ? Also what about timing with all going on in the world do you think it’s hard starting right now?

In regards to the timing yes I think starting a new business would be challenging right now. You’re not eligible for any SBA loans based on not being a business before Feb 15th 2020 (not sure if this applies to you).

Thanks for the input I forgot to mention I am a career firefighter so I would be doing this on my days off . I stopped by my local pressure washing shop and got a price for a nice portable unit, hoses, surface cleaner and down stream equipment. Around $2,600 dollars then I was going to get a truck cap for my truck to put the equipment in.

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Thank you for your service. Welcome to the forum. What kind of machine are you looking to start with?

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It’s not impossible to start now it will be a little more challenging, you will find that marketing will have to be a little more aggressive due to people sitting on there dollars till this mess blows over.

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The hotsy dealer in my area recommendations was belt drive, I think 4200 psi 4 GPM. With a eagle 200 20in surface cleaner. 100 feet of non streak hose, Down streamer , ball valve , and 2 5 gallon bleach containers. Can’t remember the name of the unit. Again I am wanting to do small jobs .

Belt drive was a good suggestion, 100 feet of hose won’t get you very far though. 200 feet of hose will be sufficient for 96% of residential. Unless you want to lug around your unit through customers property (not fun). With a 4 gpm machine I wouldn’t purchase a surface cleaner over 16”. Even with a 16” surface cleaner you’ll want a pump up sprayer to post treat bad concrete. Good luck and thanks for what you do.

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There’ll be a few additional items needed; a backup DS injector for sure (they go bad wo warning). I believe there’s a recent thread with a start up list. Thanks for your service!

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Thanks for the reply’s I know In sw florida the competition is all over. I was going to have a minimum of $150 dollars to come out. I am trying to do 5-10 jobs per month.

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I linked him to it via the thread. Equipment List With Links

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Where in SW Florida are you. I am in North Naples, Bonita Springs , South Fort Myers area. And it is end of the season ( early end because of virus ). 99% of my customers are part time residents , and the are going back up North. Also most gated communities dont let contractors in, only for emergency.
I get my pressure washers from Hotsy in Fort Myers or Proline equipment in Naples, all other staff online.
i don’t wash roofs because of GL and Work comp insurance price. I do loose some jobs because of that , most people want whole package ( roof, house , pool cage deck and driveway ). I am staying busy enough doing driveways , pool decks and enclosures.
like it was mentioned get extra DS injector and different size and pattern nozzles, learn downstream .
Good Luck.

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Thanks for the reply I am in fort Myers wanting to only do my work in Lee county. How do you like the pressure washing shop in fort Myers? That’s who I talked to about equipment.

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I’ve been using them for 15 years good service and professional but high prize. I try to buy pressure washers locally but every thing else online. My last 8gpm and 5gpm i got better deal in Naples at proline.
I have 5gpm , 3k psi pressure pro set up in my truck bed. If you want to check it , i live in San Carlos park.
Write now we are pretty busy with our janitorial service , I hope things get back to normal soon. You are welcome to call or text me. Vladis 239-357-9083

Thanks