Looking for Information

[kubotafan 14]

I am in Nova Scotia, Canada and have been operating my own shoe repair business for over 20 years. As we move into a more disposable shoe industry the repair business suffers. In the winter I do some snow removal, and am looking for something to supplement my income in the summer. I think there would be a market for exterior home cleaning, and it doesn’t seem to be something offered, or promoted in our area.

To get started in the business, what would I need for a starting package, including pressure washer, hoses, nozzles, chemicals, etc? What dollar value would be needed for equipment and chemicals (not counting vehicle - I already have a suitable truck and trailer)? Is it difficult shipping chemicals need across the boarder, or would I find necessary supplies in Canada?

Before starting in the business is there any recommend reading or courses available I should take?

[Tmrrptr 164]

Best place to learn would be to read EVERYTHING that has ever been posted here on thegrimescene.com

Then, we'll be ready for the next question!

[kubotafan 14]

I have been doing lots of reading here and on other forums. I am still learning, and don't mind being directed to important reading.

[4000psi 16]

Best place to learn would be to read EVERYTHING that has ever been posted here on thegrimescene.com

Then, we'll be ready for the next question!

.............x 2

[kubotafan 14]

One question about washing a house. Do you start at the top and work down or do you wet it from the bottom uo and then work your way down? I would think the second, but read one place to start at the top. I thought if the bottom was wet it would keep the dirt from the top running off better.

After vinyl is washed will dirt and dust stick to it quicker? Is there anything used to reduce static that might cause dust to stick?

[4000psi 16]

wash bottom to top and rinse top down.

You can use a wax to keep it clean longer. But its still going to get dirty again. depending on the area and time of year you do it.

Dane

[kubotafan 14]

For starting a business would a good cold unit get me started, or shoud I invest in a hot to start? My thinking is a cold unit would likely get me started, and as the business grows a hot unit could be added and the cold unit would make a backup. Will a cold unit clean a concrete foundation or is heat needed? Is the heat used mainly just where there is oil and grease such as a garage. Will a cold clean a concrete, asphalt or brick driveway and walkway?

[Ron Musgraves 240]

I am in Nova Scotia, Canada and have been operating my own shoe repair business for over 20 years. As we move into a more disposable shoe industry the repair business suffers. In the winter I do some snow removal, and am looking for something to supplement my income in the summer. I think there would be a market for exterior home cleaning, and it doesn’t seem to be something offered, or promoted in our area.

To get started in the business, what would I need for a starting package, including pressure washer, hoses, nozzles, chemicals, etc? What dollar value would be needed for equipment and chemicals (not counting vehicle - I already have a suitable truck and trailer)? Is it difficult shipping chemicals need across the boarder, or would I find necessary supplies in Canada?

Before starting in the business is there any recommend reading or courses available I should take?

There are many Scholls, you can find Most posted on Pressure Washing Institute

[4000psi 16]

First of all, are you "looking for information" or "asking for information". Cause this site IS information.

Here is what you need to do. GET PROPER INSURANCE. http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/business-topics-tips/5251-insurance-types-do-you-carry-why.html By a cold water 3-4Gallons Per Minute (GPM) 3500-4000psi. They are cheaper and you don't need a water tank. Get about 150' to 200' of high pressure non-marking hose. 100' of garden hose. Hose reals are nice. One x-jet. Fill a 5'er with some form of sodium hypochlorite (bleach, chlorine) and soap (Dawn, PW house wash). Get some form of advertising. Here is what others on this forum have done.

http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/marketing-advertising-sales/7981-marketing-techniques.html

http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/marketing-advertising-sales/12562-walking-hood.html

http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/marketing-advertising-sales/204-advertising-what-works-what-doesn-t.html

Start washing houses and see how you like it.

If you think its what you want to do then get a bigger unit, 5-8gpm hot water 3500-4000psi. Its more GPM you want and hot water.

Dane

MORE.

http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/business-topics-tips/5251-insurance-types-do-you-carry-why.html

http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/business-topics-tips/7883-do-you-have-what-takes-entrepreneur.html

http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/tools-equipment-basic-maintenance/12238-real-difference-between-4-5-gpm.html

[anthony szabo 14]

Be 101% professional. Get educated and do not wash until you are comfortable with what you are washing. Practice on you friends and family's house.

You have a great situation of having plenty of work in the winter months and you are looking for summer time work. In general that is where we all have the pitfalls of our pressure washing business, no or limited work in the winter months.

Do not believe everything you read on these bb's, because you may be getting advice from someone that has been around for a very short time.

Becareful!

[Tmrrptr 164]

Anthony makes a number of good points.

Many of us present our opinions in dialogue much as an informal conversation. There are formulas, mixes and blends posted for various applications.

The machines we use are capable of inflicting significant damage to ALL sorts of surfaces. Much work is accomplished well with lower pressure and high volume.

Many of the chemicals can produce spectacular catastrophes.

I don't believe anyone can begin as a super-pro... Only experience will bring you the best applicable knowledge.

Start with smaller jobs and do a nice job.

Good luck!