I would like some input on pricing this building wash job

outdoorprowash

outdoorprowash

Member
stone building wash job1.jpg

I may have an opportunity to wash this building. It looks like a simple wash job. The highest point in the photo is about 45 feet. Most of it is about 30-35 feet tall. The building is over a hundred years old. It is about 200 feet long and 50 feet wide. We would not be cleaning the rear which is 180 feet because it is mostly a new addition and is clean. I think I will be able to get a lift in there with no problem and we can close it off on the weekend so no traffic will be a problem.

I don't believe anyone else will be bidding on it. Naturally I don't want to leave money on the table, but there might be plenty more work from this deal so I don't want to go too high. I also don't want to lose out because I did not go high enough.

Any other advice is welcome.
 
Besides getting to it George, what will be your plan of action as far as chemical and application?
 
Could be an exciting job! Great for before and after pics! You're not likely to get any help pricing it though. I'm having trouble with your website! I was trying to get a look at what you offer and I was constantly assaulted by your "get a quote" attack tab! I can't get a feel for your specialty. What approach do you plan to take in cleaning a building like that? What kind of results are they expecting? What equipment do you use? Do you know exactly what the building is made of? Is it a facade or solid? Anything else that might help?
The issues I see from the picture include;
1. building height may require a lift figure out what style fits you and the building(many will argue they do 50+ feet from the ground, but when you decide you need a lift it better be in your quote! I think you need the lift!)
2. windows! (water spot issues and glass etching issues...how old are they?)
3. Reclaim (this is a question you'll never get answered definitively! I don't know why I mentioned it!)
4. Chemicals! Chemicals! Chemicals! (I would suggest softwash, but if that's not your specialty or it is otherwise prohibited, this may not be an issue...but if you use chemicals BE SURE THEY ARE SAFE on the historical surface!)
Also remember, the building has been there for a century and will likely be standing a little longer still. Your work will be on display! Have the budget to do a great job!
 
I fixed the site. Thanks Pat, Jeremy and Kyle.

Nigel, the blocks appear to be stone and are very sturdy.

Rob, I will be using softwash, I am familiar with x-jet, downstream and the various chemical pumps and am so equipped. I will have the lift rental company visit the site to make a recommendation.

I am very excited about this job. Definitely looking forward to B&A's.

I'll just have them get other bids and beat the other guys prices by 50%... lol JK maybe! Anyone not scared to discuss price? If your scared you can jump in my pocket! ha ha
 
BlueBliss said:
Could be an exciting job! Great for before and after pics! You're not likely to get any help pricing it though. I'm having trouble with your website! I was trying to get a look at what you offer and I was constantly assaulted by your "get a quote" attack tab! I can't get a feel for your specialty. What approach do you plan to take in cleaning a building like that? What kind of results are they expecting? What equipment do you use? Do you know exactly what the building is made of? Is it a facade or solid? Anything else that might help?
The issues I see from the picture include;
1. building height may require a lift figure out what style fits you and the building(many will argue they do 50+ feet from the ground, but when you decide you need a lift it better be in your quote! I think you need the lift!)
2. windows! (water spot issues and glass etching issues...how old are they?)
3. Reclaim (this is a question you'll never get answered definitively! I don't know why I mentioned it!)
4. Chemicals! Chemicals! Chemicals! (I would suggest softwash, but if that's not your specialty or it is otherwise prohibited, this may not be an issue...but if you use chemicals BE SURE THEY ARE SAFE on the historical surface!)
Also remember, the building has been there for a century and will likely be standing a little longer still. Your work will be on display! Have the budget to do a great job!
Click to expand...

Kyle, these are all great questions and are a demonstration of wisdom on your part. Not only will these answers provide me direction, but also show your thoughtfulness in how you evaluate situations for yourself as well as others. As for my specialty? I have many! I get a rush out of trying new things. I began with roof cleaning in 2004. Once I have done one thing for a while and I grow comfortable, it is time to add something else.
 
George if you don't mind sharing, what mix do you find works well on Middle TN stone work in removing all contaminates. Of course will still being within the pressure range of not harming the softer stone.
 
I am going to do a few test areas. I have had some recommendations I would like to try. I talked to Len at Eacho Chem and he is sending a sample of Sandstone Cleaner.

Give me a call Rob... we can talk about it. I should be done by 2PM tomorrow.

I would still like more suggestions. Everyone has an opinion and every technique is debatable. I am still considering a roof cleaning mix and maybe brightener. Oxalic or Citric maybe?

Len at Eacochem says safe restore will turn sandstone orange. Does anyone else think so? It just seems weird that an acid would cause the iron to oxidize like that.
 
outdoorprowash said:
I am going to do a few test areas. I have had some recommendations I would like to try. I talked to Len at Eacho Chem and he is sending a sample of Sandstone Cleaner.

Give me a call Rob... we can talk about it. I should be done by 2PM tomorrow.

I would still like more suggestions. Everyone has an opinion and every technique is debatable. I am still considering a roof cleaning mix and maybe brightener. Oxalic or Citric maybe?

Len at Eacochem says safe restore will turn sandstone orange. Does anyone else think so? It just seems weird that an acid would cause the iron to oxidize like that.
Click to expand...

Thats why i asked what type of material block its made of, you could end up with a rainbow of colors if you used an inappropriate cleaner.
 
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