I live in a decent size city in Arkansas where there aren’t many people power washing as a business, and those that do charge a lot more than I would. My only concern is that here in Arkansas it will start getting cold in the next couple of months. The question I’m trying to ask is “will I have business in the winter?”
Personally I don’t see why I couldn’t do people’s driveways or fences during the winter but I don’t know much about it on a business perspective.
How cold does it get where you’re at? Below freezing?
Either way I think you’re better off doing more research and spending the winter getting everything pieced together. You’ll then be ready to roll out this spring. If you want to do things right and, be successful, read through old threads on here and research, research, and research some more. Figure out what you have to invest on equipment, filing an LLC, insurance, website, and make sure you keep money back for marketing.
I appreciate the answer and I may do that, I’m just trying to pick up on a side hustle or new gig during the winter since my paychecks get cut lower. I’m Defiently going to do it when it starts warming up.
As for the winters here they mostly stay around 52 degrees (Fahrenheit) and rarely dip below freezing. And majority of the time we see little to no snow.
You could could keep washing in those temps but, the problem is, even in those temps most people can care less about having their property washed. It’s just not on their mind because they aren’t outside as much so they don’t see it. At least that’s my thoughts on it. I’m not in a milder climate like you so you’ll get better advice from others who are.
I would think that if you’re mainly going to be washing in winter you might want to look into commercial. Although, it’s going to take a lot more startup costs partly due to needing a hot water machine. Getting commercial jobs isn’t going to happen overnight so I wouldn’t count on it this winter. If you advertise correctly you’ll get some calling you but you really have to go to them and sell yourself. That means getting some shirts made up, business cards, etc. You should be getting that stuff anyways even if you’re just sticking to residential.
If you do decide to go forward do things the right way and price accordingly. You don’t want to be that hack who comes out the gate with a little homeowner pressure washer, no insurance, and washing houses for $100. That drives down the price for every contractor in the area. Do things the right way, research and wash the right way, and you can demand higher prices.
Just so you know when washing it’s not about the pressure it’s about using the proper chemicals. High pressure should never be used on houses, decks, fences, roofs, and a lot of other stuff. Here are some search terms to research on here to get you going.
soft washing
down streaming
house wash mix
buffer tank
trailer build
marketing
Take notes or bookmark the important pages. Start reading and you’ll learn answers to questions you didn’t even know you had yet. Pressure washing isn’t rocket science but there’s more to it than what you think or at least when you’re just jumping in.
I live in KY, the PW side of my business drops off when the threat of overnight freezing becomes a regular thing, usually in late November. People just don’t like the idea of water freezing on their houses. Window cleaning continues until Christmas.
I really appreciate it, I want to do this the right way and be sure I’m set to properly do this the right way. I’ll start researching on chemicals and such. Also I’m not sure if you’re knowledgeable on this topic since you may live in a different climate but what about farms and such during the winter? I know a lot of them clean and try to protect equipment through the winter since a lot of there stuff is still in use. Such as poultry houses and stuff. Also what about vehicles, is that a thing?
I really appreciate all the help by the way.
Is it pretty easy to find clients for window cleaning?
Bringing the value of the market down is always a great thing! Not
Time to start reading
I’ve been in the WC business since '96, so I would have to say no. It’s mostly referrals and word of mouth no matter how much you advertise.
Where at in Arkansas?
Central Arkansas, Conway
Seems like we have another member here from Conway but I can’t remember exactly. The biggest thing that slows our business down in the winter is 99% of people go from doing outdoor projects to doing indoor projects once it starts to cool down. That will never change.
Just so you know, there a lot more of us that you think in Conway. If your going to be the $99 guy, I will wish you luck! But I will respectfully recommend against it. Without professional equipment, it’s a very hard business to maintain. I’ve spent close to $20k in the last 2yrs. Hell I’ve spent $2000 on surface cleaners in the last couple months The guys with Home Depot equipment don’t last long around here. You can learn an unbelievable wealth of information on this forum. Stay off the Facebook groups. Take your time, learn, and spend the money on good equipment.
I wasn’t going to touch that until you ambled along LOL
That’s the whole reason I’m here is to learn, because I am young and want to do it right. I’ve learned a lot from just this thread alone.
You’re definitely in the right place to learn. Just out of curiosity, how much do you have set back for startup expenses? Do you have a truck and trailer?
I have a Jeep, a trailer, and about $400 toward a power washer. But since I more then likely won’t be starting until next season that gives me time to save up and get other things I need.
This forum has a wealth of information and will tell you exactly what you need to do to be successful. Be sure to have thick skin because many don’t sugarcoat things. Many come to the forum and go because they don’t like hearing what they need to hear. Although, the ones who take that criticism in stride and, make those needed changes to their business, are almost always successful.
You’re definitely going to need to put more towards a pressure washer than $400. Gallon per minute (GPM) is king. You’re looking at a homeowner unit putting out 2.5 gpm at that price. You’re going to have a heck of a time trying to clean concrete with it. Everything is going to take awhile to wash. Can it work for houses? Yeah, but it’s going to take forever. You need to get at least a 4 gpm but 5.5 is even better.
There’s lot more you need than just a pressure washer. I’ll let @DisplacedTexan add the rest since I see him typing.
