8 Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing A Power Washer
Mistake #1: Choosing a Company Without Positive Online Reviews. Any reputable company, with a good customer base, should have online reviews. If their clients are not saying good things about them, how can you expect good results? Check their website, their Facebook page, and their Google listing for reviews. It’s hard to hide anything these days and if they are a reputable contractor they should have a good amount of positive reviews.
Mistake #2: Choosing a Contractor Based on Low Price. If you choose a company based only on price, it’s because you had nothing else to base your decision on. There are better things to base your buying decision on when it comes to protecting your investment. Professionalism, quality, knowledge, appearance, what their customers are saying about them, and what are the benefits to you are all things that should be considered when choosing a power washing company. Also, some companies bid low to get the job and are then forced to cut corners and sacrifice quality in order to turn a profit.
Mistake #3: Choosing a Contractor Based on a Single Phone Call. Instead, invite the contractor to your home, and ask for a free estimate; most quality contractors offer them. Free estimates are a great way to test the contractors knowledge and to see his appearance and professionalism first hand, with no obligations. You will also have a written estimate, so there will not be any overcharges or surprise add-ons.
Mistake #4: Choosing a Contractor Whom Does Not Offer a Guarantee. Why should you have to pay for a job that you are not satisfied with? Not all power washing companies offer a guarantee. If they do, the guarantee may be limited. Ask the contractor if he offers a money back guarantee, and then make sure he includes his guarantee on the written estimate. A guarantee or any type of warranty should be clearly stated and easy to understand.
Mistake #5: Choosing a Contractor Without Seeing Pictures of Their Work. Any contractor can say anything about his past jobs, and some of what he says may or may not be true. Pictures tell the truth. Make sure that you research their social media pages and/or website for before and after pictures of their work. This will not only give you a sense of whether or not they know what they are doing as well as give you an idea of the results you can expect.
Mistake #6: Hiring a contractor or company that is not properly insured. This is a big one and for some reason most people overlook it. When a contractor comes onto your property he is a liability to you. If he falls off the roof or a ladder and gets hurt he can actually sue you for compensation of hospital bills, missed income, and so on. Before hiring a contractor always make sure they have general liability coverage and worker’s compensation insurance if they have employees. Ask to see a COI (certificate of insurance). This is easily attainable if the contractor is insured and he should be able to show you proof of it.
Mistake #7: Choosing a Contractor Who Does Not Offer a Warranty. This may not be a mistake as much as it is a benefit to you if you can find a contractor that not only has a written guarantee but also warranties their work. In the power washing industry it isn’t unheard of for a company to warranty something they cleaned. The warranty can be that something will stay clean for x amount of time or they’ll take care of it if it doesn’t. Once a surface is cleaned there are products that can be applied to prevent mold and algae from coming back so soon just as an example. Ask the contractor about any type of warranty on the work they are providing.
Mistake #8: Choosing a Contractor Whom uses Consumer Grade Equipment and Cleaners. Cheap equipment may be a sign of a “fly-by-night” company. Big, high- dollar, skid- mounted pressure washers are not necessary to do a quality job. At the same time, if the contractor uses the same little 2.2 gallon per minute pressure washer that you saw on sale at the home improvement store, you might want to reconsider hiring him. Most quality contractors use 3.5 to 5.5 gallon per minute cold water units for residential use. If a contractor is using consumer grade equipment, he is probably using consumer grade cleaners, also. House, deck, and concrete cleaners, that are sold to consumers have to be safe to handle, therefore, they are not very concentrated or effective. Contractor grade cleaners offered through distributors are still environmentally safe but are more concentrated and must be handled with care. Contractor grade cleaners are necessary in order to achieve quality results, without using high pressure, which can lead to damage to the surfaces on your property.
Why You Want the Damaging Effects of Dirt Washed Away.
You are proud of your home because it’s a reflection of you and your family, not to mention, it’s a large investment. Having your home and other parts of your property properly cleaned on a regular basis is the easiest way to maintain its beauty and value. Dirt and mildew not only damage your image but can cause costly repairs, renovations, or replacements. By doing a little research you can hire a professional power washer, and be sure you are getting a damage-free, quality cleaning, that increases curb appeal, and protects your investment.
Choose Another Report To Continue Reading
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- 4 Steps to Protecting Your Investment
We provide numerous home exterior cleaning and pressure washing services for decks, roofs, driveways, wood restoration and more. If you live in our Indiana or Michigan service area feel free to fill out the online form for a free estimate or give us a call.