Report #1: Avoiding Four Power Washing Rip-Offs
Rip-Off #1: Unbelievably Low Price. Almost all of us are attracted to low price
because we want to work within a budget. Some power washers use price in order to
land a job. These so called "professionals" are hoping you are basing your buying
decision on price alone and if they are the cheapest, they will get the job.
Unfortunately once they get the job they have to take shortcuts in order to make a
profit. Professional power washing is not as cheap as some of these "professionals"
would like you to believe. Make sure you are paying for the level of quality you
expect. It's like the old saying "You get what you pay for."
Rip-Off #2: Crafty Claims Like: Specializing in Hot Water Washing. You may see this
in ads, or hear this from contractors. Whether a contractor uses hot water or cold
water and the right chemicals, the end result is the same. Hot water does speed up
the cleaning process in commercial and industrial uses but what does it mean to the
homeowner? The truth is hot water has no benefit and shouldn't be used in
residential services. It can warp vinyl siding, damage wood and asphalt shingles, and
can be harmful to plants and shrubbery. Crafty claims like this are nothing more than
a desperate attempt of trickery to gain your business.
Rip-Off #3: Outdated Beliefs About Wood. "Just Power Wash the Deck and Use an
Expensive Sealer." Many people believe that using an expensive sealer will make all
the difference. The fact is: the number one reason a sealer fails, no matter how
much it cost, is because the wood is not prepared properly. Wood goes through
many stages while being cleaned. When using the proper cleaner the wood turns
very dark, as the ph level goes up. A neutralizing process is necessary to lower the
wood to a more acidic level, so the sealer will adhere properly. When the is wood
prepared properly, it can then be sealed with a contractor grade sealer. If an old
sealer is present, the deck will need stripped so the new sealer can adhere to the
wood properly. This stripping process is only done properly using a stripping agent,
NOT high water pressure. Obviously, each contractor will be biased toward his own
method. You should look to what wood professionals say. There are wood
restoration classes that contractors can take to become certified, check to see if the
contractor you are considering is certified. I am a Wolman's Certified Contractor.
Rip-Off #4: Offering To Wash Anything and Everything. Contractors wash many
different things, from houses to tractors and from decks to parking lots. A company
offering to wash almost anything may look impressive but is a sign of not being
established. There are so many here today, gone tomorrow companies that will offer
to wash anything for a dollar, they never really get good at one thing. Make sure you
hire a contractor that specializes in just a handful of the services you are interested
in.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report #2: Costly Misconceptions About Power Washing
Misconception #1: It's Easy Enough That We Can Do It Ourselves. This may be
true to some extent but you can very easily cause damage to yourself and your
home if your not careful. I don't recommend to anyone to pressure wash from a
ladder, this is very dangerous and should be left to a professional. Washing your
vinyl siding from the ground at an upward angle will force water behind the siding
causing water damage. Getting up in the air and away from the house will allow you
to rinse the siding at a flatter angle. This can only be done with the proper
equipment. Another thing is even small consumer grade pressure washing units put
out too much pressure to wash vinyl, asphalt shingles, and pressure treated wood.
Having the right equipment allows you to turn down the pressure, so your not
causing damage.
Misconception #2: High Pressure Is The Only Way To Get It Clean. Not true at all.
Only contractors that use inferior cleaners have to depend on high pressure to do
the job. High pressure can do a lot of damage to your home. To much pressure will
force water behind the siding of your home and will cause mold and mildew
problems. Wood is softer than you might think, and using too much pressure to wash
a deck can cut wood and leave unsightly marks and scars that will show through the
sealer. Using too much pressure on asphalt shingles is a huge mistake. Shingles
have small pieces of grit on them called granules, which is similar to sand. Excessive
pressure can blow these granules off the shingles, lessening the longevity of your
roof. Make sure contractor grade cleaners and the right amount of pressure are
being used.
Misconception #3: The Cleaners Being Used Will Damage Your Plants Or Hurt
Your Pets. Quality contractors use only environmentally safe products that will not
harm your plants or animals. But plants are more sensitive and need to be protected.
If a cleaner is allowed to dry on the leaves of a plant it can leave burn spots.
Covering plants with plastic is an option, but that can also be dangerous to the
plants on a hot day. A better alternative is to wet the plants down with water before,
during, and after the cleaning process. As long as the cleaners are not allowed to
dry on the plants, there should be no damage.
Misconception #4: Your Roof Is Black Or Has Black Streaks On It And Needs
Replaced. Not necessarily true. Unsightly black stains or streaks on asphalt shingles
is caused by a hardy type of algae called Gloeocapsa magma. This type of algae
thrives in humid and warm climates and usually appears, first, on the North slope of
the roof where shade is prevalent and moisture tends to accumulate. The algae
feeds on the crushed limestone that is used in asphalt shingles. Rain then spreads
the algae down the roof, causing black streaks. As the algae breaks down the
shingles, the granules that protect the shingle are loosened and begin to fall off.
This causes the roof to deteriorate and diminishes the roof's ability to reflect heat
rays. If left untreated, the algae will reduce the life of your roof, diminish your home's
curb appeal, and increase your home cooling cost. This roof algae can be killed and
removed to restore your roofs appearance. But the right cleaners and low pressure
is a must, so that damage is not done to the roof.
Misconception #5: You Should Hire the Company that Offers the Lowest Price.
Maybe, but not always. Here are some points to consider: (1) The price you see
advertised may not be the price you pay. Many homeowners have learned that the
low price they saw advertised lasted only until the contractor did the estimate. Then
then the contractor will try to persuade the homeowner into paying a lot more for a
variety of add-ons . (2) Some contractors market strategy is to get jobs by being the
lowest bidder. The contractor will then cut corners in order to turn a profit. (3) Due to
low start up costs, many companies come and go. When first starting up, a lot of
companies do not educate themselves, because power washing looks easy and
profitable. So, they lack the right equipment, cleaners, insurance, knowledge,
professionalism, and normally, will charge an extremely low price.
Misconception #6: Any Honest Power Washing Company Should be Able to Give
an Estimate Over the Phone. It would be easier if this were true, but it is not. Honest,
reputable power washing companies almost never give a cleaning estimate over the
phone. Most companies charge by the square foot or linear foot. But there are too
many variables that can change that price from one home to another. For instance,
different types of terrain or landscaping can affect the price. What type of wood is
your deck? Has it ever been sealed? If so, what kind of sealer? Is water accessible?
Maybe your house is not extremely dirty and could be done for less than a dirty
house the same size. The good news is, once an estimate is given by a quality
contractor, you know that that's the price you will pay (NO SURPRISES).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report #3: Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing A Power Washer
Mistake #1: Choosing a Company Without Testimonials. Any reputable company,
with a good customer base, should have testimonials. If their clients are not saying
good things about them, how can you expect good results? *These can be found on
the home page*
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.
Your home is your biggest investment, it should be treated with care.
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. This can cause damage to you home, plants, pets, and may not give you
the results you want and deserve.
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. Offing a guarantee means the contractor stands
behind his work 100%.
Mistake #5: Choosing a Contractor Without Getting Comments from his Other
Clients. Any contractor can say anything about his past jobs, and some of what he
says may not be true. Make sure that you ask for references or read comments from
past customers, so you know you can depend on the contractor and his work.
Mistake #6: Choosing a Contractor Whom is not Certified. How do you know
whether the contractor has the knowledge or experience to restore your deck or
fence? If you want to be sure you are hiring a competent professional, make sure he
has some sort of certification in wood restoration. The contractor must earn that
certification through study, experience, and successful completion of examinations.
Contractors who are certified in wood care are much more knowledgeable and
competent, and their work will result in a better quality job.
Mistake #7: 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. But, 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 very effective. Contractor grade cleaners sold 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report #4: Steps To Protecting Your Investment
If you are thinking of having something cleaned, we encourage you to follow these
four steps:
Step#1: Make a Commitment to yourself to get your home or property cleaned. The
longer it remains dirty, the more damage is being done to your image and your
investment. Don't forget your home is your biggest investment.
Step #2: List Your Objectives. Do you want a real simple wash, something you could
do yourself with a rented machine, or do you want a complete, quality job? Do you
want to work with an honest, reputable company, or are you willing to risk work with
the company that offers the lowest price, even knowing that they may not be in
business tomorrow?
Step#3: Ask the Correct Questions of a Power Washer Before You Hire him. The
way that you learn about a contractor is to ask specific questions and listen carefully
to the answers. Here are some specific questions to ask a contractor before you
decide to hire him.
-What is your cleaning process?
-What type of equipment do you use?
-How much pressure do you use. Answer should be no more than 800psi on vinyl,
1000 on wood, and only garden hose pressure on roofs.
-What type of cleaners do you use?
-How often should I have my house, gutters, etc cleaned?
-Are you a member of The Wood Restoration and Preservation Institute? Do you
have any wood restoration certifications?
-Do you have any before and after pictures I can see?
-Do you have any customer testimonials?
-Do you have any references?
-Are you insured in case you get hurt?
Step#4: Once you are satisfied that you are working with an honest, competent
professional, invite him to your home and ask for a specific written estimate in writing.
A written estimate lets you know exactly what your job will cost (NO SURPRISES) and
the guarantee that the contractor will back up.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 your biggest investment. Having your home and other parts of your
property cleaned on a regular basis is the easiest way to maintain it's 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 your home's image, and protects your investment.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright Notice: These reports were written by
my friend Barry Maddox, Jr. and used with permission.
Visit Barry on the web at:
www.midwestprowash.com
Rip-Off #1: Unbelievably Low Price. Almost all of us are attracted to low price
because we want to work within a budget. Some power washers use price in order to
land a job. These so called "professionals" are hoping you are basing your buying
decision on price alone and if they are the cheapest, they will get the job.
Unfortunately once they get the job they have to take shortcuts in order to make a
profit. Professional power washing is not as cheap as some of these "professionals"
would like you to believe. Make sure you are paying for the level of quality you
expect. It's like the old saying "You get what you pay for."
Rip-Off #2: Crafty Claims Like: Specializing in Hot Water Washing. You may see this
in ads, or hear this from contractors. Whether a contractor uses hot water or cold
water and the right chemicals, the end result is the same. Hot water does speed up
the cleaning process in commercial and industrial uses but what does it mean to the
homeowner? The truth is hot water has no benefit and shouldn't be used in
residential services. It can warp vinyl siding, damage wood and asphalt shingles, and
can be harmful to plants and shrubbery. Crafty claims like this are nothing more than
a desperate attempt of trickery to gain your business.
Rip-Off #3: Outdated Beliefs About Wood. "Just Power Wash the Deck and Use an
Expensive Sealer." Many people believe that using an expensive sealer will make all
the difference. The fact is: the number one reason a sealer fails, no matter how
much it cost, is because the wood is not prepared properly. Wood goes through
many stages while being cleaned. When using the proper cleaner the wood turns
very dark, as the ph level goes up. A neutralizing process is necessary to lower the
wood to a more acidic level, so the sealer will adhere properly. When the is wood
prepared properly, it can then be sealed with a contractor grade sealer. If an old
sealer is present, the deck will need stripped so the new sealer can adhere to the
wood properly. This stripping process is only done properly using a stripping agent,
NOT high water pressure. Obviously, each contractor will be biased toward his own
method. You should look to what wood professionals say. There are wood
restoration classes that contractors can take to become certified, check to see if the
contractor you are considering is certified. I am a Wolman's Certified Contractor.
Rip-Off #4: Offering To Wash Anything and Everything. Contractors wash many
different things, from houses to tractors and from decks to parking lots. A company
offering to wash almost anything may look impressive but is a sign of not being
established. There are so many here today, gone tomorrow companies that will offer
to wash anything for a dollar, they never really get good at one thing. Make sure you
hire a contractor that specializes in just a handful of the services you are interested
in.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report #2: Costly Misconceptions About Power Washing
Misconception #1: It's Easy Enough That We Can Do It Ourselves. This may be
true to some extent but you can very easily cause damage to yourself and your
home if your not careful. I don't recommend to anyone to pressure wash from a
ladder, this is very dangerous and should be left to a professional. Washing your
vinyl siding from the ground at an upward angle will force water behind the siding
causing water damage. Getting up in the air and away from the house will allow you
to rinse the siding at a flatter angle. This can only be done with the proper
equipment. Another thing is even small consumer grade pressure washing units put
out too much pressure to wash vinyl, asphalt shingles, and pressure treated wood.
Having the right equipment allows you to turn down the pressure, so your not
causing damage.
Misconception #2: High Pressure Is The Only Way To Get It Clean. Not true at all.
Only contractors that use inferior cleaners have to depend on high pressure to do
the job. High pressure can do a lot of damage to your home. To much pressure will
force water behind the siding of your home and will cause mold and mildew
problems. Wood is softer than you might think, and using too much pressure to wash
a deck can cut wood and leave unsightly marks and scars that will show through the
sealer. Using too much pressure on asphalt shingles is a huge mistake. Shingles
have small pieces of grit on them called granules, which is similar to sand. Excessive
pressure can blow these granules off the shingles, lessening the longevity of your
roof. Make sure contractor grade cleaners and the right amount of pressure are
being used.
Misconception #3: The Cleaners Being Used Will Damage Your Plants Or Hurt
Your Pets. Quality contractors use only environmentally safe products that will not
harm your plants or animals. But plants are more sensitive and need to be protected.
If a cleaner is allowed to dry on the leaves of a plant it can leave burn spots.
Covering plants with plastic is an option, but that can also be dangerous to the
plants on a hot day. A better alternative is to wet the plants down with water before,
during, and after the cleaning process. As long as the cleaners are not allowed to
dry on the plants, there should be no damage.
Misconception #4: Your Roof Is Black Or Has Black Streaks On It And Needs
Replaced. Not necessarily true. Unsightly black stains or streaks on asphalt shingles
is caused by a hardy type of algae called Gloeocapsa magma. This type of algae
thrives in humid and warm climates and usually appears, first, on the North slope of
the roof where shade is prevalent and moisture tends to accumulate. The algae
feeds on the crushed limestone that is used in asphalt shingles. Rain then spreads
the algae down the roof, causing black streaks. As the algae breaks down the
shingles, the granules that protect the shingle are loosened and begin to fall off.
This causes the roof to deteriorate and diminishes the roof's ability to reflect heat
rays. If left untreated, the algae will reduce the life of your roof, diminish your home's
curb appeal, and increase your home cooling cost. This roof algae can be killed and
removed to restore your roofs appearance. But the right cleaners and low pressure
is a must, so that damage is not done to the roof.
Misconception #5: You Should Hire the Company that Offers the Lowest Price.
Maybe, but not always. Here are some points to consider: (1) The price you see
advertised may not be the price you pay. Many homeowners have learned that the
low price they saw advertised lasted only until the contractor did the estimate. Then
then the contractor will try to persuade the homeowner into paying a lot more for a
variety of add-ons . (2) Some contractors market strategy is to get jobs by being the
lowest bidder. The contractor will then cut corners in order to turn a profit. (3) Due to
low start up costs, many companies come and go. When first starting up, a lot of
companies do not educate themselves, because power washing looks easy and
profitable. So, they lack the right equipment, cleaners, insurance, knowledge,
professionalism, and normally, will charge an extremely low price.
Misconception #6: Any Honest Power Washing Company Should be Able to Give
an Estimate Over the Phone. It would be easier if this were true, but it is not. Honest,
reputable power washing companies almost never give a cleaning estimate over the
phone. Most companies charge by the square foot or linear foot. But there are too
many variables that can change that price from one home to another. For instance,
different types of terrain or landscaping can affect the price. What type of wood is
your deck? Has it ever been sealed? If so, what kind of sealer? Is water accessible?
Maybe your house is not extremely dirty and could be done for less than a dirty
house the same size. The good news is, once an estimate is given by a quality
contractor, you know that that's the price you will pay (NO SURPRISES).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report #3: Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing A Power Washer
Mistake #1: Choosing a Company Without Testimonials. Any reputable company,
with a good customer base, should have testimonials. If their clients are not saying
good things about them, how can you expect good results? *These can be found on
the home page*
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.
Your home is your biggest investment, it should be treated with care.
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. This can cause damage to you home, plants, pets, and may not give you
the results you want and deserve.
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. Offing a guarantee means the contractor stands
behind his work 100%.
Mistake #5: Choosing a Contractor Without Getting Comments from his Other
Clients. Any contractor can say anything about his past jobs, and some of what he
says may not be true. Make sure that you ask for references or read comments from
past customers, so you know you can depend on the contractor and his work.
Mistake #6: Choosing a Contractor Whom is not Certified. How do you know
whether the contractor has the knowledge or experience to restore your deck or
fence? If you want to be sure you are hiring a competent professional, make sure he
has some sort of certification in wood restoration. The contractor must earn that
certification through study, experience, and successful completion of examinations.
Contractors who are certified in wood care are much more knowledgeable and
competent, and their work will result in a better quality job.
Mistake #7: 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. But, 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 very effective. Contractor grade cleaners sold 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report #4: Steps To Protecting Your Investment
If you are thinking of having something cleaned, we encourage you to follow these
four steps:
Step#1: Make a Commitment to yourself to get your home or property cleaned. The
longer it remains dirty, the more damage is being done to your image and your
investment. Don't forget your home is your biggest investment.
Step #2: List Your Objectives. Do you want a real simple wash, something you could
do yourself with a rented machine, or do you want a complete, quality job? Do you
want to work with an honest, reputable company, or are you willing to risk work with
the company that offers the lowest price, even knowing that they may not be in
business tomorrow?
Step#3: Ask the Correct Questions of a Power Washer Before You Hire him. The
way that you learn about a contractor is to ask specific questions and listen carefully
to the answers. Here are some specific questions to ask a contractor before you
decide to hire him.
-What is your cleaning process?
-What type of equipment do you use?
-How much pressure do you use. Answer should be no more than 800psi on vinyl,
1000 on wood, and only garden hose pressure on roofs.
-What type of cleaners do you use?
-How often should I have my house, gutters, etc cleaned?
-Are you a member of The Wood Restoration and Preservation Institute? Do you
have any wood restoration certifications?
-Do you have any before and after pictures I can see?
-Do you have any customer testimonials?
-Do you have any references?
-Are you insured in case you get hurt?
Step#4: Once you are satisfied that you are working with an honest, competent
professional, invite him to your home and ask for a specific written estimate in writing.
A written estimate lets you know exactly what your job will cost (NO SURPRISES) and
the guarantee that the contractor will back up.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 your biggest investment. Having your home and other parts of your
property cleaned on a regular basis is the easiest way to maintain it's 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 your home's image, and protects your investment.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright Notice: These reports were written by
my friend Barry Maddox, Jr. and used with permission.
Visit Barry on the web at:
www.midwestprowash.com
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