John Orr

Sorry I've not been able to respond for a few days - just had my (hopefully) final surgery on Wednesday. (L rotator cuff repair, 3rd operation since Oct - all resulting from an accident [their fault] at the end of July.) As far as the use of the award, there are restrictions, but not onerous. As to the point of the award, yes, they do offer "promotional stuff", but the most important - for me - is that those already looking at Angie's List for someone to wash their house will see that my company is better at satisfying customers than others on the List.

To follow-up...I was informed last week that I had been awarded the [ATTACH]11618[/ATTACH] More and more, contractors will be "check-out" online.

I have a bunch of duals (got a deal a few years ago) and never use them. I absolutely recommend, if you elect for a single, is aluminum - and keep several lengths. (A little longer one for decks/flatwork/rinsing - easier on the back.) The weight savings of an aluminum wand is well worth it by the end of a long day.

I would never suggest a homeowner use muriatic acid on their home - too many possible problems - but I won't hesitate to recommend a product from Northern Tool called BRIXX WASH. It is a clone of another product I could recommend called SureKleen 600 from Prosoco. The biggest difference is price $8 vs $28. Follow directions and always use eye/skin/breathing protection. Multiple applications may be needed. In my experience, you may need to use a little pressure as well to remove any remaining residue.

I always advise customers that I charge extra for interior cleaning! Seriously though, I had a customer's son come home while I was working and I didn't realize that he had opened a 3rd story window (smoking) just a little. I had checked before I started, so I know he did it. Customer calls me later that evening to inform me that the carpet in her son's room had faded under the window! Fortunately, only cost $125 to blend-in color. Customer was happy and has had me back several times since. Bottom line for me, I always try to get a number for the customer for the time I will be at their home for just such problems. If I can't reach them, I will usually wash everything else and come back. If the distance is too far, I may add a trip charge.

Are there air bubbles in the fuel filter? Tighten the small, black knob at the bottom of the bowl. For whatever reason, you are not getting fuel to the burner.

I only keep the Yellow Book and the Community Phone Book. I have ads in each.

Can't argue that point! As far as what there is to be picky about, knowing that is what keeps me - and (hopefully) all of us - in business.

Aside from not being able to find anyone as picky as me for house washing, I was working 12 - 14 hours, 7 days a week from March - July. Almost 30% increase. (I do 99% residential.) I've been washing professionally since '99 and I have several additional services that I would like to offer my extensive customer list. If there is an economy in '09, people will not want to take chances on unknown contractors. I expect Service Magic and Angie's List request to go up. On top of all that, I have been going through health issues due to a car accident earlier this year (not my fault) that has resulted in 2 (so far) operations. I need a second pair of hands to assist me, but would like to rain them for some of these other services I have been looking for a way to add. (Rust removal/system installation/maintenance and curb address painting.)

'09 is going to be an "interesting" year. As it is now, the year-to-year turnover rate of contractors is extremely high. It will go higher. This could actually work to the advantage of an established, reasonably priced contractor. I am actually hoping to hire an assistant for the first time.

The biggest problem with getting a new TV is deciding the size and type; LCD, plasma or DLP. We recently replaced our 10 yr old 60" big screen with a 61" Samsung DLP. Amazing picture, a little thicker, but only weighs 60 lbs. Cost for DLP is half of others. ($1000 for our's!) Of course, with the 1080p HD you need more HD channels to watch, so there goes the cable (sat?) bill. lol Seriously, we have two kids and as you said, money isn't all we need. Happy Holidays to you too.

How many feet of hose are you pulling through? If over 150' - 200', you may want to consider installing the injector closer to the gun.

I am anxiously looking forward to working with Armstrong Clark next year. As soon as I can, I will be applying some to my own porch. I recently made some samples on fresh PT as well as older stripped/neutralized PT. It would appear that semi trans and semi solids can be used to blend old/new wood. All but clear are compatible with each other.

Seems like he's a habitual offender. Does the three-strikes-law apply? :lghohoho:

He was the lead singer for Queen.

I would try potassium hydroxide. Taginator has it.

I would offer to re-clean the door and use oxalic on the brass, which usually brings it back. You may still need to polish, but its worth a shot.

Had I known that you were already a customer of his, my answer would have been different. I have, on more than one occasion, mixed-up a small amount for a customer's personal use. I'm sure your guy would be more than happy to oblige. Don't wait til next time, call him and ask if he'll do it and drop it off. Offer to add a couple of bucks to the bill next time. I always try to carry extra spray bottles in my van, but just in case, offer to give him (a clean) one to fill.

Due to liability issues, I would never tell a customer exactly what, and at what %'s, is in my mix. What I use to wash house, and how I apply it , is proprietary. It defines who I -and my business - is. No freebies from me. I assume you were impressed with his work, so I would suggest you hire him. I know that may seem like a smart a** answer, but at least you have proof as to the quality of his work.

I've rarely had a problem with Northern hoses (they're made by Goodyear, not Northern) but I have had issues with hoses purchased from vendors on various bbs's. ALL have made good - including Northern - which didn't have to ship me a replacement. Having several in the 'hood is really convenient. P.S. Spell checker is really great when typing responses on bbs's while high on prescription drugs! lol (Doc has me alternating between 2 Vicodin 7.5 and 2 mg Dilaudid [sp?].) :lgbounces

23 years for me on 11/22. Eight years for me in the business. I've enjoyed the last eight, but the 23 and the 2 kids that they brought) are what really matter.

Always, always, always, carry at least 1 extra hose. A repair costs about $10, so a blown hose, when you can immediately replace it, is no big deal. I try to carry at least one or two extras of almost everything - including a pw. I pull an 8 gpm/3000psi trailer, but carry a 5.5/2600 portable - just in case. Fittings, o-rings, supply hose. I even carry extra back flow preventer's as well as the tools to replace one. I usually charge $25 to repair. I had one customer have me replace all of his - the noise and leaks drove him nuts and a plumber wants crazy money. For me, its self defense - I don't want to spend extra time waiting for my tank to fill. Plastic and brass replacemnts run $4 to $5.

Has anyone seen or tried the Wagner Deckmate? Seems to offer a simple solution for staining decks.

LOL...I wonder if my orthopedic surgeon will be using any duct tape on my new knee? Or maybe Doc Tape?:lol:

LOL Your husband is truly a wise man! Let's hope the Deckmate has improved so we won't have to worry about either being PO'd.