Going Full-time

W

washpro

New member
I've done this a little bit on the side but am looking to go full time with my business. Can anyone give me some suggestions as to what kind of equipment I will need and for what applications?

I have a surface cleaner but it has not been very good. Looking for suggestions on equipment that will get the job done right.

Thanks for the help.
 
I currently have a small pw'er from lowes (2500 psi) and have been renting a 3500 psi for bigger jobs and to run the surface cleaner. budget is very limited at this point but am considering taking out a loan.
 
washpro said:
I currently have a small pw'er from lowes (2500 psi) and have been renting a 3500 psi for bigger jobs and to run the surface cleaner. budget is very limited at this point but am considering taking out a loan.
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Okay

Before going full time You need to look at your current situation. Do you currently have a stable paying job? If so Keep it, in thease time of uncertainty you need to old on to everything you have. Now if your business is growing and your day job is conflicting with your business, and you logically can spend your full attention to the Business, while still being able to pay all your bills and turn a profit, then Great.

Seems as if you have been doing it part time? And like you stated your budget is limited. Now you need to look at your business model, and how much exactly you have made, and what has been put back into the business.

Now you need to decide will you be using a van? Mounting the Equipment in the bed of a truck? Or using a trailer?

Next you need to decide would it be better for you to get a Direct Drive unit, or a Belt Drive unit?

Do you do more Commercial work or Residential work?

So many factors go into Getting new Equipment.

For a Decent Residential Set-up that would last you a few years with proper maintenance.

Get you a Single Axel Trailer. 10-12'

Belt Drive Pressure Washer - Minimum 4.0 GPM

Small water tank 125 gallon

Fittings and Of course either a Down Streamer or an Xjet.

Using Pressure is now a downward Trend in our industry, most resi work can be done with less than 1000psi

Do more reading bro, Hope this helps.

John
 
I have a 5x10 utility trailer and a pickup truck.
I also have a 250 gallon water tote.

what do you mean by fittings and xjet?
 
The Xjet is a device, used to propel soaps and detergents at High Distances, As well as short distances. It also allows you to bypass your pump, further increasing the longevity of your unit.

By fittings I mean, Quick Connects, Hose Reals, Hose Barbs, Tubing, and so on.

What is your current technique when washing a house?

John
 
PressureWashE said:
Okay

Before going full time You need to look at your current situation. Do you currently have a stable paying job? If so Keep it, in thease time of uncertainty you need to old on to everything you have. Now if your business is growing and your day job is conflicting with your business, and you logically can spend your full attention to the Business, while still being able to pay all your bills and turn a profit, then Great.

Seems as if you have been doing it part time? And like you stated your budget is limited. Now you need to look at your business model, and how much exactly you have made, and what has been put back into the business.

Now you need to decide will you be using a van? Mounting the Equipment in the bed of a truck? Or using a trailer?

Next you need to decide would it be better for you to get a Direct Drive unit, or a Belt Drive unit?

Do you do more Commercial work or Residential work?

So many factors go into Getting new Equipment.

For a Decent Residential Set-up that would last you a few years with proper maintenance.

Get you a Single Axel Trailer. 10-12'

Belt Drive Pressure Washer - Minimum 4.0 GPM

Small water tank 125 gallon

Fittings and Of course either a Down Streamer or an Xjet.

Using Pressure is now a downward Trend in our industry, most resi work can be done with less than 1000psi

Do more reading bro, Hope this helps.

John
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Good info!!!!!!
 
Make sure before you go full time you are equipped to handle the jobs that will come your way. I have been pressure washing-----better term is power washing since pressure cleanng is on the downward trend,,,,,for 2 yrs now. I AM STILL PURCHASING EQUIPMENT AND PARTS THAT I NEED WEEKLY!!!!
I do it part time, every other week and it would be a great commitment for me to go full time. I would make sure I had enough business to keep me afloat before breaking of into it full time......
There is much to learn on here,,,,techniques, chemical combos, equipment usage, etc
 
Thanks to all for the comments.

Now I understand that I need a trailer, fittings, xjet for chemicals, water tank, and pressure washer.

I'm lost when looking at pressure washers. I have a small gas one i bought at lowes awhile back, but its not enough to pull the water from the tank.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what type of washer I should get? I'm confused on why i might need a hot water one.

thanks!!
 
You are moving way to fast, no offense but you are not ready to jump in head first. do yourself a favor, keep your job and read, read, read.

If you take this plunge with such little knowledge you are setting yourself up for certain failure, so PLEASE PLEASE do more research.
 
washpro said:
Thanks to all for the comments.

Now I understand that I need a trailer, fittings, xjet for chemicals, water tank, and pressure washer.

I'm lost when looking at pressure washers. I have a small gas one i bought at lowes awhile back, but its not enough to pull the water from the tank.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what type of washer I should get? I'm confused on why i might need a hot water one.

thanks!!
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How water would be great if you already have the business to justify it.

Its a must when doing commercial accounts that have alot of oil, Gum and commercial deposits.

If your are going to be doing residential with the occasional commercial job, a cold water machine would be your best best!

Look at some 4gpm machines as well as some 5.5gpm cold water units.

As far as sucking from a tank, A Direct drive unit's pump runs at the same rpm's as the motor, So if you motor is running at 3500 rpm's your Pump is as well, Meaning its working harder all the time, reducing the life span of you pump. Also with that high or rpm's the pump has a hard time creating a suction to pull water from a tank. that's why when using a direct drive its best to have a pressurized water source.

With a Belt Drive unit, The pump runs at about half the the speed of the engine, And reduces vibration further increasing the life span of the pump, with typical maintenance a belt drive can last you a solid amount of years. Also with the reduced pump speed, it can suck the water from a non pressurized source with ease.

While belt drive units are great, it all depends on your budget, If you have the money, spend the extra 500-700 and get you a belt drive, You wont regret it, But for now, Get what you can and run your business to the best of your ability, And get the equipment you really need when you can.

Good luck, This forum is a great place to learn, Search threads and read read read. The rest will come easy

John
 
What kind of insurance do i need? i won't have any employees to start, but may pay some amigos cash to help out.
 
washpro said:
What kind of insurance do i need? i won't have any employees to start, but may pay some amigos cash to help out.
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We carry One million Dollars in General Liability Insurance

One million in Personal Injury

Two Million General Aggregate

Two Million in Products Comprehensive / Op Aggregate

One Million Liability on all of Our Company Trucks

Two Million Excess Umbrella Liability and Two Million per occurrence\per project coverge

Plus we carry One Million on each Prokleen Employee for Workers Compensation
 
washpro said:
That seems like a lot of insurance.
how could i afford all of that to start?
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Call me an I will give you a number you can get a good price. Heres a little advice, find a commercial broker near you. Not your insurance guy....no matter what he says.
 
Its late here but i'll keep your info for when i need to buy ins.

is there anything else i'm missing? i found a 4gpm @4000psi cold water machine for $1300. comes with some hose etc.

i can start bidding jobs now right? wait, ha ha.

how do you bid jobs??
 
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