What to look for when hiring a washing contractor

Finding A Pressure Washing Contractor to work for you.

This being a blog it is more informal and we can talk so to speak to you one on one. I hope you find this informative and some what entertaining. Not just a list of do this! watch out! We are in the "water pressure cleaning business" but we are also in the people business, quite a line don't you think. But it is true with out customers we are nothing and we want you as a customer and for you to be informed. If you don't pick us for your job that is fine but still read this entry in our blog.
This is a list of what we think you should look for in a power washing contractor. Cleaned by Pete strives for 100% job satisfaction and will work with you. Feel free to contact us with any questions that you may have concerning our services or anything on how our company does a job. We know that your house property or business is your biggest investment, we have free estimates and consults. In the Southwest and Springfield area. This is where we live and this is what we do for a living you can rest assured that we will be around, we're not going to disappear tomorrow. we have built our business on service and intend to continue doing so we treat each the home or business as our and do the very best each time to meet your expectations is our goal. 

1. Educate Yourself. First and foremost, realize that education is your best line of defence. That was the idea of why we set up this blog was to educate the public about pressure washing. With pressure washing, the possibility for damage exists. Take the time to understand potential risks and how to minimize them. This will help you distinguish cut-rate contractors from quality professionals. Different surface presents different problems so we have different way tools and equipment to handle these potential problems and minimize them. We have been doing this for a while and know what to do what method and what machine is right for your job.

2. Meet the Contractor. Meet the contractor during the estimate and take time to evaluate the site together. This will better communications and reduce errors in the estimating process. If someone can tell you over the phone how much it will cost to do your washing job you may want to think about some one else, we will meet and talk it over with you. Estimates are always free and no pressure tactics I don't want someone pressurizing me for something I won't pressure you. I just let you know what we can do for you.

3. Get Consultation. A qualified pressure washing contractor will take time to review your site, ask questions and seek out areas of concern. They will listen carefully and interpret the service you desire and expect. With today's different methods of cleaning homes as which one is right for you, ask about DS, pressure washing, "soft-wash" ask about soaps and chemicals, question about run off if your a business, this is the time ask. If you keep reading this blog I hope to cover all these topics here. In turn, they should also review with you the strengths and limitations of their service "ya we can do all that" is not an answer. As you consult with various contractors, ask them specific questions on, expected outcomes, and possibilities for damage. Together you will develop a more complete picture of the service, weeding out obvious inconsistencies in service. In all this is a great way to judge professionalism.

4. Enquire about Equipment. Is it owed or rented? Owed or leased equipment is evidence of a long-term commitment to the field of pressure washing. Renting may indicate only an occasional need for equipment. Most pressure washing businesses will have equipment that can supply 11-20 HP (horsepower, strength), 3000-4000 PSI (pound per square inch, force) and 3-6 GPM (gallons per minute, flow), hot water heaters are a must on some jobs now, some cleaning needs require a minimum of 110 degrees of heat. A rating of 2000 PSI and 2 GPM or less, and lacking hot water capabilities is a residential grade of equipment and will not perform at the level of doing business. Soft-washing and DS down-streaming are newer methods there less aggressive types of house washing and take some of the same equipment and some specialized equipment ask if they do both methods of cleaning and what is right for your needs. We do these methods of cleaning and can switch back and forth as needed. We have invested in our several types of washer  and equipment to insure we have on that is right for your job and will be glad to show it off and explain what is right for you. Remember you don't hunt lions with a stick and you don't swat flies with a tank, right tool right job.

5. Ask for a Demonstration. This is not always feasible. Demonstrations can take an enormous amount of time to setup and perform. Often contractors will forgo demonstrations and ask the client to be present at job start up. This is not uncommon. If you are not satisfied with results or question work performance, do not hesitate to inform them. We like the home or business owner to be present when cleaning to have them come out talk and watch us work we will answer any questions.

6. Get Written Estimates. Having a written estimate protects both you and the pressure washing contractor. A written estimate should detail the desired service, expected outcome and complete costs in labor and material.

7. Get Referrals. When you get referrals, be sure that they represent the service you desire. I always encourage our prospective customers to look at what we have done and to check out our web site and our equipment. I have a copy of these rules on our web site and am posting them here for your protection and knowledge.

8. Insurance. Check to see that your contractor has liability insurance. All pressure washing contractor should have protected both themselves and their clients from possible on-site accidents, injury, or damage. We have developed methods of cleaning that keeps us on the ground we don't place ladders on your home to put you or us at risk if we can not clean your home or business we will tell you up front. We have insurance for your protection and I have a brain for mine, we do not do any thing that is not save.

9. Analyze Cost. Cost of service will be a factor in your decision. But keep in mind less cost does not always mean less service or quality. "Basically, you get what you pay" or "Be wary of $49 deck and $99 house washes" these tag lines are used a lot. Our house washing does start out at $100 and moves up depending on how dirty, the size of the home, construction and materials of what the home is made of. How can we do this it is because over the years we invested back into the company and have paid off our debt bought new and time saving equipment newer technology and cleaners have advanced power washing in to a science. We don't have to work as long or hard to achieve the same results. Go to our web site and look at our tools and equipment we don't have just one of any thing I like to think Cleaned by Pete has more in accessory and special tools then some have in there whole washing inventory. We also charge a little less because we own everything outright now. No more bank payments and I'll pass the savings on to you. Some will say that not being a very good business man you should keep even more than before, I guess I should but I feel we'll try to hold our prices down during this downturn in the economy doing our small part and pick up a job here and there because it's affordable. If you take time to talk and meet your contractor you will know who you can trust.

10. Be Present During and Completion of The Job. Observe work as it takes place. Quite often, cleaning results are remarkable and you should experience this process first hand. Likewise, be ready to consult with the contractor as any problems or potential damages arise. Address issues with them right then and talk it over. If you have questions we'll stop and listen.

Cleaned by Pete is "locally owned" and we live here in Springfield we are your neighbours and have made our livelihood in the power washing business. Most of our prospective customers are referrals from our existing customers. We don't advertise too much building our business on word of mouth and letting our work show what we can do. We keep our prices fair. If you would like to give us a call and discuss or have a question about a job please feel free to call "Cleaned by Pete at 417-459-7869".