| So... you have a mess. A big mess. You need the help | | | | companies pay sub-standard wages to |
| of a mobile pressure washing service but you don't | | | | undocumented workers "hired" from the parking lot |
| know where to start. Don't worry, you are not alone. | | | | of the local hardware store that have never |
| Most people don't know anything about power | | | | operated a pressure washer before. Again, irreparable |
| washing until it is time to hire a company to help | | | | damage is highly possible. |
| them clean up the mess. The three most important | | | | The final consideration when choosing a good power |
| factors to consider when hiring a power wash | | | | washing service is their level of professionalism. Good |
| company are their equipment, experience, and | | | | companies respond quickly to your requests and are |
| professionalism. | | | | have excellent verbal and written communication skills. |
| The equipment used by a power wash company is | | | | A professional company will be able to accept credit |
| paramount to the quality of service they will be able | | | | cards as a method of payment. Contractor licenses |
| to provide. Good pressure washers use industrial | | | | are not typically required, but the organization should |
| machines that are capable of producing steam and | | | | be in good standing with the state's corporation |
| hot water over 250°F (121°C) and 3,000psi. Heat | | | | commission and carry general liability, commercial |
| is the key to effective pressure washing. Bad | | | | automobile, and workers compensation insurance. |
| pressure washers skimp on their equipment to keep | | | | Good companies will happily provide you with |
| costs down, but you ultimately pay the price. They | | | | certificates of insurance as proof of their coverage |
| will have to spend more time on the same area and | | | | to give you peace of mind. Bad companies use pushy |
| or use harmful (and expensive) chemicals to get the | | | | sales techniques to make up for their lack of |
| same results as a "good" company. Ugly pressure | | | | professionalism, will have little or no insurance, and be |
| washers use consumer or light-commercial grade | | | | unorganized and difficult to deal with. Ugly companies |
| cold-water machines with improper accessories. They | | | | are not insured, impossible to communicate with, and |
| can cause serious damage to your property and | | | | will likely disappear once paid or at the first hint of |
| should be avoided at all costs. | | | | your dissatisfaction. |
| Shiny, high-tech equipment alone will not clean up | | | | To find the good power wash services out there, |
| your mess. It needs to be put in the hands of a | | | | search the Internet or your local business directory |
| trained and experienced technician. Due to the poor | | | | and invite 3 or more companies to provide you with |
| economy and the relatively low start-up costs, new | | | | an estimate. Good power washers will be happy to |
| companies show up all the time. A good company, | | | | provide you with a free estimate. Depending on the |
| however, will have at least several years of | | | | size of your project you might be able to get a |
| experience. Many power wash companies have been | | | | quote over phone, but larger projects typically |
| in the industry for over 10 years with a proven track | | | | require an on-site visit. This allows a good power |
| record backed up by references, before & after | | | | wash company to give you the most accurate |
| photos, and a high rating with the local Better | | | | estimate possible and gives you an opportunity to |
| Business Bureau. Bad companies will use unqualified, | | | | examine their equipment, experience, and |
| inexperienced, or undocumented workers to save | | | | professionalism first hand. When you have |
| money. Again, you pay the price with poor quality or | | | | accumulated all your estimates, use what you have |
| property damage (3000 pounds per square inch can | | | | learned here to choose the most qualified company |
| do a lot of damage if not properly handled). Ugly | | | | for your particular project. |