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Beth n Rod

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  1. Like
    Beth n Rod got a reaction from gman201 in Lessons Learned in 2018   
    I find that customers like you described are often ones that have been either taken by another contractor or were given
    unreasonable expectations.
    I have won these types over by setting the expectations and when possible over delivering.
    Then there are ones that just can't be pleased no matter what and they expect miracles. These often have conditions that can't
    be reversed and likely induced by either the homeowner/diyer or a hack.
    Some people are so difficult that I will intentionally bid it high to deter their acceptance but in the case they become desparate
    set a very low expectation.

    In the case of excessive questions, I find it that they are insecure and often a bit squirrelley to begin with. I try to be patient but
    sometimes find I have to control the narrative and leave them with either yes or no responses because they don't understand
    aspects about the project/scope/technology/chemistry etc. This helps them to find a path to a decision but I often have to leave
    a comfort line at the end, something to the effect of....if you have any further questions you can call me at...

    Guarantees. What is to guarantee in our line of work? That the dirt will come off? That the results will last 'X' years?
    I offer none where this is concerned even if I am the first one on the job because there are things I have no control over.
    I don't make the sealers, chemicals, stains etc. that are being applied. I didn't get the substrate dirty and have no idea of
    what it has been subject to and no way to tell until AFTER the work begins to reveal what was hidden or obstructed/disguised.
    What are your thoughts on Guarantees?

    Rod
     
  2. Like
    Beth n Rod got a reaction from john@AEC in How old is to old to be in cleaning restoration business   
    Good on you for making it all this time never the less John.

    Rod
  3. Like
    Beth n Rod reacted to ericblair in Need a Professional carpet cleaning company?   
    If anyone needs carpet and rug cleaning company in new york then they must contact  area rug cleaning nyc for sure, i personally experienced them and they do the best work with my carpets and rugs.
  4. Like
    Beth n Rod reacted to john@AEC in Sometimes...   
    Oops, I've forgotten how to insert the video, rather than just the link.... I'll get onto it right now
  5. Like
    Beth n Rod reacted to john@AEC in Sometimes...   
    Sometimes "Softwashing" just isn't enough, so it's out with the brush. 
    https://youtu.be/wWYIyxbKAcE
     
     
    And sometimes you just feel like showing off
  6. Like
    Beth n Rod reacted to john@AEC in How old is to old to be in cleaning restoration business   
    I'm a '64 model (if you want to know how old that is you can work it out yourself - I don't want to know) and this is definitely a young persons game, especially in summer. I've had a few injuries over the years and am not 100%, so only a couple of years left for me - but I do love working for myself, being outdoors & doing stuff for people.
  7. Like
    Beth n Rod reacted to mike movila in Lessons Learned in 2018   
    Wow those are some wonderful lessons could not agree with  you guys more. As far far guarantees I do not offer because As Rod implied there are those customers who will never be satisfied no matter how hard you try to please them.  I always vouch to do the best job possible and yield the best results. I  wish every one a prosperous 2019. Happy Spraying Mike 
  8. Like
    Beth n Rod got a reaction from gman201 in Lessons Learned in 2018   
    I find that customers like you described are often ones that have been either taken by another contractor or were given
    unreasonable expectations.
    I have won these types over by setting the expectations and when possible over delivering.
    Then there are ones that just can't be pleased no matter what and they expect miracles. These often have conditions that can't
    be reversed and likely induced by either the homeowner/diyer or a hack.
    Some people are so difficult that I will intentionally bid it high to deter their acceptance but in the case they become desparate
    set a very low expectation.

    In the case of excessive questions, I find it that they are insecure and often a bit squirrelley to begin with. I try to be patient but
    sometimes find I have to control the narrative and leave them with either yes or no responses because they don't understand
    aspects about the project/scope/technology/chemistry etc. This helps them to find a path to a decision but I often have to leave
    a comfort line at the end, something to the effect of....if you have any further questions you can call me at...

    Guarantees. What is to guarantee in our line of work? That the dirt will come off? That the results will last 'X' years?
    I offer none where this is concerned even if I am the first one on the job because there are things I have no control over.
    I don't make the sealers, chemicals, stains etc. that are being applied. I didn't get the substrate dirty and have no idea of
    what it has been subject to and no way to tell until AFTER the work begins to reveal what was hidden or obstructed/disguised.
    What are your thoughts on Guarantees?

    Rod
     
  9. Like
    Beth n Rod reacted to Dave W in Eliminating "Racing Stripes"   
    For a Christmas present, my wife bought me a "pro-sumer" grade pressure washer (Dewalt 4000psi/3.5 gpm rig).  I bought a 16" BE surface cleaner to go with it.  I am looking for advice to get rid of the racing stripes the surface cleaner leaves behind.  I did not use any chemicals on this first try.  A friend of my suggested using pool chlorine/water at a 50/50 mix with a cup of Dawn detergent before washing.  Any tips from the pros to eliminate the stripes?  Am I going too fast with the surface cleaner?  This is central Florida, black algae and grime is what most driveways get dirty with.  Mine is broomed concrete.  
    The first 2 pics are before. The last one is after my feeble attempt.
    Thanks,
    Dave
     



  10. Like
    Beth n Rod reacted to Trudi in Paint Issues   
    Hey Guys I am one of many companies who has lost money or business due to product failure of certain exterior paints. I have been in contact with a lawyer out of Miami who is willing to take this case she is putting together a class action lawsuit to protect this industry and home owners who are not informed of the pigment changes in certain paints causing a reaction to home washing and discoloring the home.  Please help me by contacting me if this has happened to you. At this stage she is needing names, contact info and a short description of what happened.  This is a huge battle and I cannot do it alone.
    IMG_8388.HEIC
    IMG_8397.HEIC
    IMG_8398.HEIC
  11. Like
    Beth n Rod got a reaction from gman201 in Lessons Learned in 2018   
    I find that customers like you described are often ones that have been either taken by another contractor or were given
    unreasonable expectations.
    I have won these types over by setting the expectations and when possible over delivering.
    Then there are ones that just can't be pleased no matter what and they expect miracles. These often have conditions that can't
    be reversed and likely induced by either the homeowner/diyer or a hack.
    Some people are so difficult that I will intentionally bid it high to deter their acceptance but in the case they become desparate
    set a very low expectation.

    In the case of excessive questions, I find it that they are insecure and often a bit squirrelley to begin with. I try to be patient but
    sometimes find I have to control the narrative and leave them with either yes or no responses because they don't understand
    aspects about the project/scope/technology/chemistry etc. This helps them to find a path to a decision but I often have to leave
    a comfort line at the end, something to the effect of....if you have any further questions you can call me at...

    Guarantees. What is to guarantee in our line of work? That the dirt will come off? That the results will last 'X' years?
    I offer none where this is concerned even if I am the first one on the job because there are things I have no control over.
    I don't make the sealers, chemicals, stains etc. that are being applied. I didn't get the substrate dirty and have no idea of
    what it has been subject to and no way to tell until AFTER the work begins to reveal what was hidden or obstructed/disguised.
    What are your thoughts on Guarantees?

    Rod
     
  12. Like
    Beth n Rod reacted to gman201 in Lessons Learned in 2018   
     
  13. Like
    Beth n Rod reacted to mike movila in Lessons Learned in 2018   
    I am curious to learn what lessons you learned in 2018 and what things you would do differently to increase your business output. And how would you rate 2018 a success or not so much. Mike Movila 
  14. Like
    Beth n Rod reacted to gman201 in Lessons Learned in 2018   
    I learned if a customer starts off asking a bunch of questions and seems like there nit picking that to bid it high because of all the extra BS you'll have to put up with. Had that to happen two different times this past year! Found out that both customers had already had others clean but wasn't satisfied with any one's results on two other pressure washing business? Go figure that ?Always follow your gut feeling on any bids? Got into a little more wood & concrete cleaning to help our 2018 be a success! May try and boost a few post on FB for increase sales ?
  15. Like
    Beth n Rod reacted to gt2003 in Running power washer off a water tank...asking for a friend...seriously   
    My neighbor has a hunting lease with electricity available but no water.  He is wanting to buy a power washer to use for washing off their atv's when they get muddy but wasn't sure if it would work.  I did a little looking yesterday and from what I can tell (right or wrong) is that IF the power washer is a belt drive power washer then he is OK but if it's just an inexpensive one, it relies on being fed pressurized water.  Is this accurate? 
     
    If he opts for the cheaper option would he need some kind of inline pump to provide the needed pressure?
     
    What would you all recommend to him?
     
    Thanks
  16. Like
    Beth n Rod reacted to CA nestor in pre treating concrete   
    Hey all....question on what is common practice on surface cleaning .driveways/sidewalks. Instead of downwashing with use of a machine can i use a mixture of 12% pool shock and water via a hand pump sprayer? if so at what mixture 50/50? Also should if finished with an undiluted light final coat of the pool shock? I am just getting started and am using a MiTm 3500 pressure washers and 24" Hotsy Surface cleaner.
  17. Like
    Beth n Rod reacted to Rick2 in pre treating concrete   
    I don’t pretreat if it’s just dirt or mold. oxalic acid can help remove rust stains around pool aprons.  
    Putting pool shock (SH) will instantly kill any vegation it touches and will destroy the O-Rings in the pump sprayer unless they’re Viton seals.  A light acid coat when the concrete has dried from the washing will brighten it, makes it look nice   
    Let us know how it turns out.
     
  18. Like
    Beth n Rod reacted to Rick2 in How old is to old to be in cleaning restoration business   
    I’m 55, been in this business for 25+ years.  Climbing ladders hurts a little more than it used to but I’m still rolling along.  Busy most days of the week.  
  19. Thanks
    Beth n Rod got a reaction from Don in Cleaning recommendations   
    Since you are using Pt Pine, you can seal it within 2 weeks of installation according to the American Wood Preservers Association, the organization that
    sets the guidelines for pressure treatment in wood.

    If you are going to wait that long, your exterior environment will be a dictating factor on what you will need to do.
    Oxy clean is easy enough for just gray wood and some mildew growth. Neutralizing with an acid is recommended.
    I am not sure what stores you have in your neck of the woods but look for a product that has either Oxalic or Citric acid
    and is designated for use on decks.
    If you are looking for more specifics, try https://www.opwdecks.com/

    If your deck environment has high moisture conditions from a pool, hot tub or pond/water feature or sits really close to the
    ground and has little to no air passage beneath (less than 2' results in pockets of dead air and high moisture retention)
    then you may have to look into an additional mildewcide to help stave off mold growth during the drying period which with
    A/C can be anywhere from 2-5 days depending upon how much sun and shade you have. More sun, less dry time.

    Rod
  20. Thanks
    Beth n Rod got a reaction from Don in Cleaning recommendations   
    Yes. Clean it first, wait till dry then apply. First coat on new wood is going to look much lighter than on older wood because the fibers are still
    very tight and don't absorb as well as when loosened up by aging and lignin/extractives depreciation.

    When you are to perform subsequent maintenance applications, clean with oxyclean if is it just mold. If algae develops, skip the oxyclean
    and use bleach and water instead. (oxyclean and bleach don't get along in a mixture) Brush and then rinse thoroughly or use a power washer
    to speed up the process but remember you aren't trying to remove the color. Some may anyway as there are no significant binders to hold it on
    the surface and UV degradation will make it easy to remove.
    Once clean, neutralize and rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. Re-apply A/C and if mildew is a problem in your environment, you can also use a small
    amount of Japan Drier in Only What you think you can apply. Not the whole container. This will help the product set up faster and give less time for
    nature to deposit things that promote mildew regrowth.

    Yes, still use a mildewcide in only the new container you have. Not the used/partial one you may left over from prior applications.
    Any remaining product (hopefully very little) should be disposed of once a drier has been added. The product loses its properties in the can
    and when you go to use it later, it will not work as designed. This is why I state to only add it to what you think you will apply. If you need a little more
    you can still add it to that amount required. Keep what comes in the can in the state it was once opened (except the mildewcide if you add it. That does not
    hurt the formula).

    Rod
  21. Thanks
    Beth n Rod got a reaction from Don in Cleaning recommendations   
    General practice after applying any product that is on the alkaline side is to apply a neutralizer.
    While percarbonates become inert after they exhaust themselves, the pH is still alkaline. Stains/sealers
    are designed to go onto wood that is in its neutral state which is acidic in nature.

    Wash, rinse, neutralize, rinse.

    Rod
  22. Like
    Beth n Rod got a reaction from Don in Cleaning recommendations   
    Yes. No higher than 80 grit for outdoor surfaces. Better penetration.
    60 is typical in our practice due to the buffing brushes we have in that grit.
    This process also helps to lessen some of the un-eveness of coverage by furniture and other seldom moved items.

    Staining (adding a pigmented sealer) is a preferrence. Also helps to stave of UV greying and degradation depending
    on the opacity of the stain being applied. Toners-little opacity, semi-transparent stains-more opacity. Semi-solid greater
    opacity and solids are totally opaque.
    Clear sealers are in the vein of toners which have little to no opacity for UV protection regardless of what they state on
    the label.

    Rod
  23. Like
    Beth n Rod got a reaction from mike movila in Deck turned black after staining   
    If they didn't kill off any existing mold, the likelihood of mold returning is certain. The extent of which is only determinable by a couple of factors.
    1. Wood too wet when stained.
    2. Deck too low to the ground and high moisture from the evaporating soil beneath keeping mold alive also leading to return.
    3. Over hanging plants/trees, excessive shade and or hot tub/pool/pond in proximity adding moisture/humidity for the mold
    to feed on.

    Strip the deck. Apply bleach and water at 50/50 (bleach/water) to the bare wood and let dwell. Reapply where dark
    or otherwise not the true color of wood is present. Rinse thoroughly and then neutralize.
    Any stain that is oil based at that point should have an additional mildewcide added to help stave off any growth onset
    during the cure time and a drier (Japan Drier) to help speed up the cure and minimize the ability for the environment to
    deposit and stick in the stain.

    Hope this helps.

    Rod
  24. Like
    Beth n Rod got a reaction from mike movila in How old is to old to be in cleaning restoration business   
    Thanks. It has been a wild ride to this point and we are a wreck each game.
    Me gots no finger nails left!!!

    Rod
  25. Like
    Beth n Rod reacted to MrHouseWash in Obtaining Residential Work In Affluent Areas? Help from someone with experience!!   
    I mentioned this in a previous post, but I desperately need some help from someone experienced in this business. I started up last month. I've took on a bunch of work, 20+ houses, large HOA contracts, neighborhood pools, tennis courts, club houses, sidewalks, a few commercial jobs and so forth. However, I feel like I'm still not succeeding. I've been in the service industry for over 10 years providing a different service, which I had great luck with, however I'd like to really build this business and make great money at it. 
     
    When I started, I had a lot of learning to do. Learning equipment, understanding productivity, pricing, how much work I can get done in a day starting out, and there was many more questions. Many of which I've answered for myself. With that said, there is some aspects of the business I still need help with, and that's why I'm here with a fresh post.
    Over the past month, I've targeted large residential neighborhoods with 100k to 200k homes. I'm not having as much luck as I expected. I feel like I could spot houses with mold all over the siding, and offer a half price house wash, and explain the benefits, and still couldn't get a homeowner to care enough to get it cleaned up. Despite me explaining the cost of replacing their siding down the road, health risks, or even just how much more amazing their property would look if it were cleaned up. 
    With this said, I really started looking at my target audience. To be more specific, the homes I've been chasing after are $199. house wash homes, and 90% of them take me from 2 to 2.5 hours from load up to driving off. The problem is, I'm not finding enough people that care enough, for me to make a living.
    So I'm lucky enough to live in one of the biggest cities in the US. I live within 30 minutes of driving from 10+ very wealthy areas, most of which are 500,000 to 4 million dollar homes. These areas happen to be very, very restrictive with HOA, most of them are historic sites, where minimal new construction, and lots of old renovation projects are highly encouraged. 
    With the above said, I cannot afford to keep chasing a lost leader, and throwing all my eggs in one basket. So after reading the above, does anyone think I'm chasing after the wrong crowd?  I've calculated numbers over and over. If I were to switch markets, raise my prices $100. to $150. on house washes, and target the larger much more affluent neighborhoods in my city, I would have to wash literally (HALF) the amount of houses per year to make a good living.
    As of now, my current target audience, I need to pick up about 400 house washes to make a living. If I were to switch markets, that number would cut in half to about 200 houses per year. I expect it would take less marketing material and cost to pick up half the amount of washes, not only that, but I feel these high class areas would offer MUCH MORE add on services. As of right now, if I make a sell, it's a house wash or driveway only. I feel these affluent areas would want more wood restoration, pool patios washed, decks cleaned, and so on. 
    I know there are many variables, but I need some answers from someone who's established. Am I marketing to the wrong crowd before I put too much money in and sink myself? 
    Again, my current primary target audience is, middle class, 100-200k homes, $199. house washes. I have over a half a million of these home types around me within an hour of driving.
    Or I can focus my efforts on the affluent neighborhoods, $500,000+ homes, and have approximately a half a million of these homes to choose from. These homes and areas are mostly historic, with very high neighborhood ratings, lots of activity going on, lots of restaurants, things to do, high class and taste, and so on. I don't mean I would simply raise prices because of the home values, but the building structures and architecture in these historic areas would require a different level of service, and would require me to charge more. 
    My ears are open and I'd love to hear from someone with years in the business. 
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