If you’ve been online, you’ll notice that setting up a real estate pressure-washing business is a hot topic right now. Many people are doing it.
But why?
Partly because it is just so lucrative. Many people are earning huge sums every day from something that otherwise seems quite simple. But how do you actually create one of these businesses? What are the secrets to success?
Do Your Research And Planning
The first step is research and planning. Understanding local demand for pressure washing services is usually key. You want to know how the industry is performing in your local area.
Don’t just see a gap in the market and believe you have to step into it. That’s not a good idea. That’s because the demand for these services is quite niche. Not all towns and cities can support them.
Consider poor communities. Most people living in these areas can’t afford someone to come over and pressure wash their driveways. Either they do it themselves or not at all.
Also, think about a sparsely populated region. Again, you may struggle to gain any traction in these areas, even if no other pressure-washing business serves them.
When planning, make sure you have a business case for your new pressure-washing venture. Check that you have the right marketing, pricing, and goals in mind. Also, check projected earnings to see whether investing in this strategy or trying something else makes financial sense.
Consider The Business Structure
Next, you’ll want to think about the business structure. Many people go into pressure washing operating as sole proprietors. But that might not be the best structure if you want to employ people or keep more of your earnings as you earn more.
You’ll need to register your business with the authorities before you begin trading (regardless of the form it takes). And in some locations, you may also require registration.
If you need insurance, work out how much that’s going to cost, too. Check you have enough money coming in to support these payments.
Buy Equipment And Supplies
Buying the equipment and supplies you need is the most fun part. This is where you can really go to town and get all the things you need.
The list of items you require is often longer than you think. Yes, owning an electric pressure washer is helpful. But you also need all the supporting actors to make your clients’ real estate look spotless.
For example, you will need various attachments for your pressure washer. Different fittings are best for various surfaces, depending on what you work on the most. For example, it helps to have a specific attachment for driveways.
You also need bottles and flasks for all your cleaning chemicals. Sometimes you need these to remove biologicals from driveways and roofs and to maintain results. These can be quite expensive, but most are just forms of bleach, so they are also safe.
Extension wands, water tanks (if you have a high-pressure washer that gets through a significant volume of water), and hoses are critical. Check you have all the supplies you need for larger properties (since these tend to pay the most, making them highly economical).
Safety gear is also worth considering. Goggles are important to prevent water from entering your eyes. Make sure they fit securely to prevent water jets from pushing them out of place.
Also, wear non-slip footwear. Avoid anything that could make you trip up when on roofs, ladders, or cleaning around swimming pools.
Sort Out Your Pricing
After that comes one of the most challenging tasks: deciding on your pricing. How much you charge for your services can dictate the success you experience.
Many pressure-washer business founders low-ball their clients, thinking it’s the only way to win business. But charging more can be an excellent cash cow and makes the job more worthwhile. Even if you’re making a profit at lower prices, it isn’t always worth it.
How much you charge will depend on the service you provide. Most pressure-washing businesses break down their services into specific activities, such as:
- Roof cleaning
- Driveway cleaning
- Gutter cleaning
- Commercial property washing
- Exterior house washing
Then, they calculate a price based on the square footage.
For example, the price per square foot of roof cleaning might be $1. So, if the roof is 2000 square feet, the price would be $2,000.
What you charge can also vary between residential and commercial clients. The latter will usually pay more since cleaning their real estate is usually more expensive, costly, and time-consuming.
Check Your Marketing And Networking
Once you have pricing nailed down, the next step is marketing and networking. You want to ensure you have everything you need to make it simple for clients to book services with you. You don’t want to be relying on word-of-mouth all the time.
Start by building a decent website. Creating something that looks professional and includes customer testimonials can be an excellent way to boost your clients.
Another approach is social media. Creating a page where you explain what you do and how you do it can encourage people to take a chance with you. Yes, winning those first few clients may be challenging, but it is also worth the work and the feeling of success.
Networking is also a possibility. The more you can build relationships with property managers and local businesses, the more referrals you can generate.
Develop Your Customer Service
Lastly, it can pay dividends to work on your pressure washing business’s customer service. The more you can meet clients’ needs, the more they will be willing to use you again.
Providing excellent customer service relies on being punctual and responsive to customer requirements. It’s also essential to work closely with them, managing expectations and doing what you can to yield results.
Sometimes, it is worth considering other surface treatments as well as pressure washing, giving your customers another option to consider. Many will appreciate this because it gives them the feeling they are getting better results (even if they are more expensive).
