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Old 11-13-2007, 05:50 PM   #1
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how to get started

I am looking to get started in pressure washing. I would like to do exterior pressure washing.

Driveways, roofs, and housing sides.

I live in florida so we have a lot of iron around the sprinklers and water spickets.


Please let me know what I need to know to get started and what to purchase.

Thanks a lot

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Old 11-13-2007, 08:25 PM   #2
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Full time?
Any other sources of income?

There are many things you need to learn to be a professional. Most of us don't even really need a pressure washer for what we do.. for instance pressure washing will do zero for rust stains. You would need to apply acid and that is also not for the everyday guy. The business is not rocket science but does require some finesse. if you run a PW'ing business like you would any other, you have a chance for success.. then again in Florida.. good luck.

If you are going full time and have approximately $50,000 (and a truck) for initial start up and funding capital, you could survive your first year.
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Old 11-13-2007, 09:36 PM   #3
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Gosh Ken, did you give him the "straight from the hip" version?
or was that the "sugar coated" version?

Not that I disagree... I'm still learning what I don't know.
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Old 11-19-2007, 07:53 AM   #4
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You are taking the right steps by asking questions and finding out about licensing and insurance requirements. Take your time there is plenty to learn, from graffiti removal too sand blasting. Search the net you will find plenty of info from helpful contractors. Good management skills are needed as for you will be responsible for marketing, direct sales, pricing, services, book keeping and more. You will want to check out your suppliers and who your potential customers maybe.
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Old 11-19-2007, 07:35 PM   #5
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Where in Florida are you located? As long as you have the money to get insured and all the equipment you will be starting on the right foot. Hugh
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Old 11-24-2007, 12:13 PM   #6
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Where in Florida are you located? As long as you have the money to get insured and all the equipment you will be starting on the right foot. Hugh

land o lakes.


I have a little bit of money.


I will be doing it part time or maybe 3/4 of a time. I want to do this while I still continue with 9-10 credits in college. I attend two days a week.
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Old 11-24-2007, 12:23 PM   #7
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Full time?
Any other sources of income?

There are many things you need to learn to be a professional. Most of us don't even really need a pressure washer for what we do.. for instance pressure washing will do zero for rust stains. You would need to apply acid and that is also not for the everyday guy. The business is not rocket science but does require some finesse. if you run a PW'ing business like you would any other, you have a chance for success.. then again in Florida.. good luck.

If you are going full time and have approximately $50,000 (and a truck) for initial start up and funding capital, you could survive your first year.
3/4 time..

Why 50k? Is that for living expenses? That seems like a lot.


How do I learn about the chemicals if you say I don't even need to have a pressure washer.

Please let me know.

I want to learn about cleanings roofs and exterior and then pavers.

Please help
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Old 11-25-2007, 05:22 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by newguy07 View Post
3/4 time..



I want to learn about cleanings roofs and exterior and then pavers.

Please help
http://www.cleaningtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=23
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Old 11-25-2007, 07:13 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by newguy07 View Post
3/4 time..

Why 50k? Is that for living expenses? That seems like a lot.


How do I learn about the chemicals if you say I don't even need to have a pressure washer.

Please let me know.

I want to learn about cleanings roofs and exterior and then pavers.

Please help
Yes for living expenses, insurance, equipment, and marketing. Your first year you will be lucky to take home $20k doing it full time.. and you'll spend about $10,000 in marketing alone to get to the gross you will need to make the $20 grand.

There are other forums that cater to pressure washing that will answer all of your questions. Feel free to pm me and I will point you in the right direction.
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Old 11-25-2007, 10:16 PM   #10
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pyroracing85 or should I say newguy07, it looks funny when you ask a question with one screen name and then respond to an answer with another screen name.
__________________
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" mlk
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Old 12-15-2007, 08:21 AM   #11
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Some like it hot.

I hire a guy to do a final clean up and he just got a hoties powerwasher on a trailer hot hot hot. he can remove sealer and also gets work cleaning grease traps at resturants. maybe a little pricey but better tools = better pay
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