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GymRat

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Posts posted by GymRat

  2. Posted · Report reply

    I'd say that the customer is the final judge on this.

    Doesn't matter if you use an X-Jet, a ladder, lift, or a bar of soap and a wash cloth, if the customer is happy with the end result and writes you a check, then you've done your job to their satisfaction, regardless of the method that you use.

    If your prefered method is making customers happy, getting you referals and other jobs, then there is no reason to change how you prefer to do the job.

    Well said Lou.

  3. Posted · Report reply

    Contractors who are afraid of ladders?What do people who don't use ladders do when they run into a bees nest in the peak area of a house?Without going up a ladder and picking this stuff out it is almost impoossible to do it from the ground without risking alot of water under the soffit.Bee glue is really tough.Using ladders is part of being a contracter.If I had A contracter come to my house and say he was afraid of ladders I would wonder if he was a serious contractor or just kinda messing around.How can you do quality work without the use of a ladder.

    Most of my customers are relieved when I inform them I will not need a ladder to clean their home. I have had numerous customers voice their concern of me damaging their gutters or siding from the use of a ladder. When I tell them of my methods of cleaning their home with low pressure and not having to go board by board, it seems to be a good selling point for my house wash. Yes I do use a ladder on hard to reach sections and such, but not as a routine on every house wash.

  4. Posted · Report reply

    I'm not doubting what you are saying Everett. I just would not be comfortable up on a ladder tying to control 1500-2000 psi. It may be a little better if you're using a flow actuated unloader, so that big start up kick doesn't play into it.

    For myself, I'm not comfortable to powerwash off a ladder, and I'm even less comfortable to give others the idea to try it.

    I totally agree that the closer one can get to the work surface, the better chance he has to get it cleaner. In some cases, I do go up a ladder, and onto a garage roof or such to get better access at something, but I don't wash while standing on a ladder.

    I guess it's just a matter of comfort, and one's view of safety procedures. I see too many opportunities for disaster washing from a ladder.

    Am I alone with this thought?

    I agree 110% with you Tony on working off ladders. I have seen to many accidents caused by the use of ladders, and have had a few near misses myself. I work and have been trained on ladders in the firefighting aspect of my job. I will not let my help work off of a ladder in any situation. I will be the only person using a ladder in my business because of the liability.

    I understand where Everett is coming from on being able to do a better job from a ladder, but the bottom line is I a'm cleaning a house, and not an area where food is going to be prepared.

    I know I am a rookie but my opinion is that from the experience is that all my customers have been extremely satisfied with the results from me cleaning their houses using the xjet and rinsing from the ground when possible. Thats why this board is so great, to read and understand how everyone tackles a job in a different manner.

  8. Posted · Report reply

    I have a telescoping fiberglass pole for scrubbing gutters. I think I have the same problem you have, when I use it for a while the grip of the threads breaks loose and the brush starts to flop around loose. It sucks to have to adjust it once you have gutter shock all over it and you don't have any gloves on.

    I had the same problem, until I inserted a self tapping screw through the brush to work as a set screw.

  9. Posted · Report reply

    Just last week I gave an estimate, and when the home owner asked how long it will take me to do the job and I quoted him 3 to 4 hours for the house wash, he told me right then that I had the job. He had received a quote the previous day that was $100 less than mine, but had been told the job would only take approximately 1 to 1/2 hours. The home owner said there is know way the other guy could do a very good job in that amount of time. I have heard this numerous times where the customer uses this theory.

  11. Posted · Report reply

    I use an 0040 on a 5.5 gpm machine on the end of an eight foot wand.

    I have only used the M-5 and love the way she cleans. Would like to try a downstream injector some day just so I will have a first hand decision on which I like best.

    I would think an 8' wand would be a little bit of a pain when doing a house wash. I use a 6' wand sometimes on a tall house with the M-5, but always switch back to my small wand after I have finished the hard to reach section because it is a pain to work with.

    Great Discussion, Love this board

    Thanks again Rod and Beth

  15. Posted · Report reply

    Full time is not in my future plans as of now, but things can change in an instant. I began this business because of the present company I have worked at for over 25 years, looked like it may be going under, so I wanted a business to fall back on. I have enjoyed the challenge of starting a business, and because of all the help from the people on this site, things have gone very well.

    I will never say never, because I am entertaining going full time if this company offers early retirement packages this december. Thanks Ken for the support.

  19. Posted · Report reply

    Part timer myself and have only been in business from the beginning of this year. Started out slow and has really picked up in the last month. I have been in my full time job for 27 years and could retire in 3 years.

    I have been so busy lately that I leave straight from my 8-4 job and have trailer in tow straight to my pwashing evening jobs. Last week grossed over $1700 in the evenings.

    This lifestyle is a little to busy for my likings, but I know it is a seasonal thing , and expect things to start slowing down anytime.

    I don't see myself going fulltime until retirement- if the body can still handle the physical stress (don't see to many 60 year old power washers out here).

    More power to those who give up the 9-5 and venture out to make a good living for themselves and families. I just don't have the %$*@" to give it a go at this late in my career.

  21. Posted · Report reply

    Thanks guys!

    Hey John W., what did you do yesterday for your special day?

    We sat on the deck and cracked crabs.... yum!

    Beth

    Sounds lilke you are having more fun than me. I started moving Thursday, and worked all day on my birhday moving boxes and cleaning the old house getting it ready to sell. Have to catch up on all my pwashing work that has fallen by the wayside during the move.

  24. Posted · Report reply

    I would price the house itself for about $200, which should not be to hard to clean since I do not see any gutters to clean. It is hard for me to gauge the deck price without any details (been stained and just need a little cleaning, or is it natural wood that has grayed, and to what degeree?)

  25. Posted · Report reply

    It's a stainless injector that I purchased from a distributor in Vero Beach www.verounderpressure.com ask for Mel

    Placing it after the gun kinds defeats the purpose, doesn't it? May as well use the Xjet. The point, for me, of using the downstreamer is to avoid pulling chem lines and buckets in addition to pressure hose.

    Mike, could you help me out with a little more info, like what kind of a nozzle do you attach to make your injector draw, and what nozzle do you use to rinse? By only changing nozzles, can you make the injector draw detergent, and stop drawing detergent? Please email me or call if you don't want to give all your trade secrets. Thanks

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