Bryan C

Got an estimate request through my website for cleaning/staining a deck and privacy fence. When I get there, I run across a local hack also measuring the property. I didn't get to speak to the H/O as she told me she would be at work. Here are the measurements: Deck - 433 square feet, 54 spindles, 2 small landing steps (8.5 feet long) Fence - Hard to tell if she wants both sides of this fence done as it seems to be shared on the back side by common neighbors. 3 sides, 184 linear feet (5 feet high). The hack left his estimate on a piece of notebook paper (as usual) - I told the HO that I would email her my bid this evening. What would you bid for it? I'll give you mine and the hacks in a few... Attached are some photos. What kind of sealer is this - Behr? How difficult do you think it will be to strip? I plan on using WTW WHG or WTW BS. Thanks for all replies...

Beautiful. What is the ratio?

Lyle - Awesome work. I wish I could work on redwood - that turns out so well. That is a monster deck...

Looking forward to it Scott. I would like to have something to send potential customers to...

Stuff looks sweet. I love that color. I wish I would run into some of that to clean - only the cheap, plastic Walmart stuff here...

It is almost always the first thing I look at when doing the estimate. I have been fairly lucky this year - the first board runs parrallel to the house, so brush it, and spray the rest of the floor.

Nice job Mike. Looks beautiful. You applied it perfectly - I was also hoping that you wouldn't get the splotchy look with over application...

Looks great. Seems like you spent a lot of time researching everything prior to the work. Not very common for DIYers. Spindles will fuzz a lot of the time. You're right, pretty common.

Looks good. How did you clean it? You own a powerwasher?

Same deck, same situation you are talking about... These customers wanted the natural wood sealed with a clear sealer - didn't have a problem with oxalic, although I rinsed real well after applying it, which I normally don't do.

HW, let dwell, use low pressure rinse. Don't get too close. Never had a problem with fading...

If you have no idea what you are doing, the last place to practice is on a roof. Damage one and like mentioned already, you will be sued. Stay on the ground and start with house washing for now. You spent four hours on a roof, risking your life for $250 without any idea if you were doing it correctly? Not real wise IMO. There is a ton of information available out there - do your research before you regret it...

Use the proper chemicals. Your pricing is too low. Never use a surface cleaner. Your welcome.

Slow down. He posted before/after pics of an awning cleaning. A lot of us can do the same thing, with low pressure and SH - nothing new. To claim that the "Mallard" system lasts 4-6 times longer without his reasoning or methods, is pretty pointless. I didn't criticize his business or anything else. I could do the same thing on these boards - post some pics, give my cleaning a fancy name that claims to last longer, and then not follow up with any facts. Bottom line, it isn't anything that "bleach jockeys" don't do on a daily basis, without the goofy jumpsuits.

Seriously? Look at the 4 or so posts above...

Okay, I'll bite. What is the Mallard system? No offense, but using a low pressure washing technique, that is a one-hour job with the same results. I like your pics, impressive before/after pics. Just curious what you charge for the Mallard system, when most power washing contractors are capable of the same work...

Why do you want a clear sealer? There are much better options...

n Yep, and yep. These aren't cheap. Think I paid over $1,000 for it but worth every penny.

Dane - Why don't you an electronic version instead of the duplicate forms? Much easier to track down the road than through a filing cabinet. Make something up in Excel, and save each estimate in a PDF format. Keep it on a laptop in your vehicle and print with a portable printer while you are at the house. PM me if you want to see my version...

I prefer Landa's myself. Tighter, smaller design and has an edging unit. Well built, will last forever with proper care.

Nice job John. Angie's List has been good to us as well...

We have cleaned a lot of brick with Safe Restore - it works like magic. Make sure to take some "after" pics...

You recently had a new fence installed and it already has mold? How recently?

Nice work. You push the two tone or is that what the HO's wanted? Like the last deck but what is up with the yard?

Man, that is brutal. I always have to swallow my tongue on those as you know it was probably a botched DIY job and if you make the wrong comment, kiss any chance of landing the work goodbye. Looks like a pretty easy deck though, although I would never let the HO know that. :)