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newlook

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Posts posted by newlook

  1. Posted · Report reply

    Does anybody have any type of Q.A. program as it relates to their power wash services?

    I have been thinking about this topic for awhile now and also evaluating whether or not it would be practical to implement some sort of Q.A. program in our company. Ideally we would want a 3rd party to conduct the Q.A. as it relates to our companies overall performance in the power wash arena. The Q.A. would be more focused on our Commercial Accounts than anything.

    Thoughts?

  3. Posted · Report reply

    A new neighbor just moved in next door who is active duty Air Force. His last duty was with NASA. After finding out that I owned a pressure wash business he went on to explain that NASA power washes the proctective tile on the Space Shuttle with water.

    He stated that the shuttle is wheeled into a special hangar/bay which consist of 3 inch plexiglass all around the shuttle. This is for safety because of the amount of pressure coming from the ....I guess you could call it a rig. Anyway, he said that a computer operates the "rig" and hits each tile individually with one blast of water. He said that the pressure is so high that it actually makes a sonic boom in the hangar/bay each time it releases the blast. The water is traveling so fast that it measures between 2-3 g's when they do this.

    Now that's a rig.....:)

    Has anybody heard this before? I couldn't see why this guy would lie....he is a full bird colonel.

    Oh.....we are power washing his house on Tues. :rolleyes:

  5. Posted · Report reply

    The only thing that could be added to what Ryan and Paul said is the customer service angle. One ingredient that is needed to be successful in the subcontracting areana is to ensure that the subcontractor shares the same approach as it relates to customer services -- providing outstanding customer service and of course doing great work! If the subcontractor does a bad job....this will reflect on you from the customer. Before agreeing to give someone a shot at working as a subcontractor......ask them for references, visit their last 3 jobs and look at what they did. What are their credentials and etc.

    Good luck!

  8. Posted · Report reply

    Jon,

    Ouch! I guess in some ways we would figure this would trickle down to us. If you don't mind me asking ~ how much of an increase did Joe hit you with or should I say the underwriter of the policy.

    I have been shopping around for other insurance ~ just to see where the other brokers are at as it relates to their pricing. Not finding too many of them that will even take us on.

    Sorry to hear about the increase!

  9. Posted · Report reply

    Rob,

    Read your post 3 times ~ THANKS FOR THE INFO.. Okay, so on this particular job we are looking at 1650 sq ft. of cedar shake ~ siding only. If we drop your formula into this($3.00 sq.ft) then we are looking at around $4950.00. I verbally told him it would cost between 4-5k without even looking at the house ~ so I am in the "ball park". I am pretty sure he is willing to entertain additional costs due to the fact that we have serviced other properties for him and done a terrific job for him.

    I am ordering a sample cleaning kit from Beth in a day or two. I want to give him a small demo. This will also allow me to really see what is on this cedar. He is a past customer of mine and I do want to take this all the way with him if possible.

    Thanks again Rob and sorry for the "late" reply to your thread....things are busy in N. CA right now. Today it hit 93 degrees and people want things cleaned before Memorial Day in May

  16. Posted · Report reply

    I have a past customer that wants me to remove all the old stain/sealant from a 2nd story home. This home has cedar shake shingles on 3 sides of the residence. I would estimate the sq. ft. to be around 2k that has shake.

    Here is my question(s):

    What chemical and mixture do I need to remove the old stain/sealant? The shakes are almost black in color which tells me they are really dirty. I do not know how much stain this house has on it due to the fact that the owner just bought it and the previous owners did not disclose anything regarding this.

    I will need to use a chemical that can stand a consistent and strong wind without an adverse affect if the chemical dries too quickly. I need something that can dwell a little longer than the norm. I can attack the house with 2 rigs and keep the surface wet but I do not want to dilute too much of the chemical as it lays on the surface.

    Last but not least -- what is an average charge for something like this?

    Thanks!

  20. Posted · Report reply

    Ryan,

    You mentioned that you would like to get at least 5-10 driveways done per day. This means you will do the sidewalks also. What about the cars that are parked along the sidewalks?

    When you are washing the sidewalks you will definately have water hitting the cars that are parked there. I would hate to have a homeowner come out and tell me that their car has a scratch on it or damage done to it because something (a small pebble) hit it while you where working. Ouch!:o

    Consider the logistics that may need to go into this before you agree to tackle this for them.

    Carlos

  21. Posted · Report reply

    Ryan,

    I am assuming you are also adding chemicals to the concrete for cleaning!?!. If this is the case, then I would not be over agressive with the 8 gpm. Chemical application should get the job done without going to crazy on the 3500. Depending on the chemical you use for the concrete ~ you should be able to get away with a 3k psi.

    The "Bad Boy" surface cleaner is getting very good reviews and feedback. Jon from Southern Ca. tested it our before it hit the market and has nothing but good things to say about it.

    If you go with a 5 gpm unit ~ you should be okay on the output vs. input issue that you addressed.

    Contact Beth as she is selling hot/cold units ~ I am sure she could walk you through with what you will need as far as a brand is concerned.

    Hope this helps.

  22. Posted · Report reply

    This is a great topic for the PWNA to tackle and hopefully provide direction. It is a tough position as all states are different when it comes to licensing.

    There is no real classification for power washers in CA. I contacted them several times and asked for direction. Everytime I called I received different answers.

    I agree with Alan that by having a state license would certainly bring creditability to our industry and to the company that posses the license.

    For me ~ I have a city business license. Before I was issued my license, my city called the State Contractors Board and asked whether or not I needed a specific license to conduct business. They were told no.

    Though our industry is rich in heritage it is still very much fragmented as it relates to overall standards. I think this is a wortwhile topic and should be kept on everyones radar screen for future discussion.

    Alan/Jon ~ Let me know when you guys want to meet. I would like to see the PWNA Chapter idea manifest itself for us out here in Calif.

    Cheers!

  23. Posted · Report reply

    Aaron -

    I agree with Rick ~ try to get as much equipment that you need to promote/expand your business with a "frugal" perspective. Going from 2 to 10 employees is a big jump and trust that you researched the "negative" impact your company will have if you were to lose 25%, 35% or 45% of its contracts. Nobody likes to lose contracts but it happens in our business for one reason or another. The loan officer may inquire what your contigency plan would be if you were to loose ~ say 27% of your business! Be ready with a direct and thought out response (reduction in workforce, increased marketing ideas, expanded services such as cleaning houses, flat work, fleet wash, govt. contracts and etc.)

    Some people may disagree, but a "complete" business plan should include a contigency plan that addresses what you would do if your company were ever faced with serious cuts in your contracts. Loans are great when everything is going great but they can be a liability when your services take a "dip". The loan officer wants to feel comfortable financing you ~ even during the "bad times". Show him/her that you care enough about your business that you considered all angles. Good luck

    Quote - "You can't think your way into good living...you need to live your way into good thinking"

  24. Posted · Report reply

    Mike C,

    I would also be interested in hearing how the installation went. I am considering putting a skid mount in a Dodge 350 extended van. I am not so much worried about the room but the suspension.

    As Mike from NFPW mentioned ~ you will have a lot of weight on the back of that E250. That is going to be alot of work on the suspension and the engine if you are running the rig pretty consistently.

    Let us know how it worked out and good luck ;)

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