This is my introductory post to the forum. My name is Donald, I am a WCRA member looking to join here as well. I’m new to pressure washing and I would like some advice on adding the house cleaning and concrete cleaning services to my current business. Several customers have been pleased with my work and want me to provide pressure and soft washing. I am a one man operation currently with a econoline van for storage/transportation, and I’ve been looking at turn key set-ups. Pressurewashersdirect .com has a turn key unit from pressure pro, it claims that this combo will work day one (4000psi, 4gpm, 16000cu, $2100), but I’ve seen the big folks on here pushing 8gpm units. Can a one man one van owner offer these services successfully with this equipment to residential 3 story and under customers? And will I even have the chance to clean commercial properties with such a set-up? Thank you to anyone willing to take time from their own business to help me grow mine. If I can help with window or gutter cleaning advice or general business tips I would be happy to do so.
P.S. sorry but I can not post the direct link to the site because I am new to the forum
Welcome Donald. It’s okay that you can’t post a link. There are several real good PWRA vendors that have good machines and prices/service to match. I use Bob at PressureTek because that’s who helped me get started. 4gpm will get you in the door with residential. You’ll need heat for commercial. A 5.6 gpm would be a decent size for a beginner also.
I echo Tim’s advice. I would also add that Winter is almost here and you may be able to snag a good deal on a fully operational trailer unit on CL or Ebay.
I would encourage you to do a bit more research…The unit you’re looking at can be bought from any of the PWRA vendors for around $1100.00 to $1200.00…Though I don’t think 4 gpm will do at all. Yes 5.5 to 8 gpm is the way to go, and yes heat is a “Must” for Commercial work.
[MENTION=7366]GuyB[/MENTION] [MENTION=6510]Tim4[/MENTION] Thank you both for the help, and kind words. I am completely uneducated on the equipment side of things, thats why I’m here asking. I plan to purchase fairly soon and use the downtime of the winter months to practice on friends and families homes. I don’t know how well the business will produce in the area, seems like I have big competition with pressure washing here, so I don’t want to over invest. However, I still don’t want to under buy with my equipment either. If the business is just an add on service I feel my equipment should match. Growth will lead to better and better equipment. I’m not even sure how well the window cleaning side will pan out. lol. I will try and find “Bob’s” contact info at pressuretec and see if he will set me up with a custom invoice list. His name comes up often, I’ll trust his judgement.
Great advice above Donald & that’s why where here to help guys like you the same way guys helped us over the years. Personally this is one of the reasons why I join Industry organizations/associations so I can learn & network with others as well as using the benefits for my business. Your off to the right start posting here.
Starting out, I was a 4gpm’er/ It works for a one man show doing residential. As you save $ & get rolling, theres always the option to upgrade. If you can afford a 5.5 or 8 out of the gate, thats great. You can also grind and make it on a 4gpm pup.
[MENTION=8151]chadjones[/MENTION] Thanks Boss, I want to stay with the advice here and go 5.5 but its in the $3k range new, but for $400-700 more I can get 8gpm at PressureTek. The downside Im seeing is if I go 8gpm I will have to get a buffer tank, which means the equipment probably won’t fit in my van and that leads to a trailer. So now an add on service is turning into a legit full time job and big $. I was hoping to toe the line and find something that fits in my van so when I upgrade to a trailer I can outfit it with roof cleaning supplies. Is this just a pipe dream?
No pipe dream, just your dream. 5.5 would be great starting out. I prefer a trailer vs a van, but to each their own. Run that 5.5 a while, grind, save, THEN get the big dog. This site is GOLD and there’s a bunch of good dudes on here. Search and learn. Good luck to ya!
& that’s why where here to help guys like you the same way guys helped us over the years. Personally this is one of the reasons why I join Industry organizations/associations so I can learn & network with others as well as using the benefits for my business. Your off to the right start posting here.
