Need guidance for quote.

greg/sd said:
Just from what your saying I would run the other way. Don't jump at a big payday just because you need the work that usually gets you in trouble. Trust your gut and you will never go wrong. If you do the work for him charge three times or more what you usually would an hour and get at least half up front. Good luck
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I do trust my gut and you guys when you say 'run away'. My dilemma is walking (or running) away from an opportunity to do some upgrades. Yes, my quest for quality workmanship is much higher than his, but I'm also thinking, that if not me, then someone else will get that leg up on me by loosening their moral belt a notch or two just for the cash.

I had a nice long chat with Larry (Millette) tonight and his words are very similar to the group's opinions.

Many things need to happen before I will do the job including a well crafted contract laying out all of his expectations and a check list that he signs off on. A hefty deposit will also be required. But before we get that far, there needs to be a meeting of the minds to figure out what he's thinking he budgeted (or is willing to pay) for what he wants. He won't be controlling my work, so if the numbers are close and I can still do it my way, I may just do it. Keep in mind, a lot of things have to come into alignment for that to happen.
 
Steven Button said:
Sounds to me like the painter doesn't want or has not budgeted for true 'paint prep'... I would get clarification in writing as to whether a 'clean' building is what he wants and can he paint on that.

I have no doubt you can and will get the building clean, however, I do doubt that there will be money in his bid for you to make money through proper paint prep.

If you do end up cleaning the building, and you work alone, step up the GPM... You won't regret it. Even if you can find another 4 gpm to tie together with your existing machine thus job will be quicker. Time is money, right?!

Plus, the added GPM will allow you to shoot higher, and with more impact.
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This is one of my primary goals... getting bigger and better. Possibly even getting a nice wrap on my trailer to boost my advertising.

This guy definitely qualifies as a 'low baller' (no offense Larry - heehee) so either they get to step up their game or I do. It's a really tough decision when you don't have the cash flow to get from here to there without cutting corners.

This is my dilemma.
 
Now for what may very well be the deal killer... (drum roll please)... there's only 1 (yes one) fire hydrant for the entire front side of both buildings and there a zero (read that as none) hose bibs to be found on the outside of the buildings. I would have to run 500' of hose to feed my tank/machine(s) to make this work.

I know there are ways around this, but none of them fit in my trailer.
 
Steven Button said:
Can't take the credit for it, learned about them at Tampa round table back in 2008 when one of the other attendees shared the tip... Has been invaluable on many properties.

1/4" MPT to Garden Hose Thread - all fittings found at hardware store!
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I have the photo and video , where is that guy?


Iowa July 19 & 20 free free text me for more details !!
 
If there is a landscaper or maintenance person onsite for that property they normally know where all the water hookups are at including the rainbirds.
 
Steven Button said:
Don't have a clue, I was so 'green' at that time and absorbing all the info like a sponge that the couple of days was just a blur!!
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Got you off to a jump start


Iowa July 19 & 20 free free text me for more details !!
 
Steven Button said:
Can't take the credit for it, learned about them at Tampa round table back in 2008 when one of the other attendees shared the tip... Has been invaluable on many properties.

1/4" MPT to Garden Hose Thread - all fittings found at hardware store!
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How much flow can you get through a 1/4" and what's the psi on irrigation systems (psi won't matter much if there's good flow, right)?
 
"Red" said:
How much flow can you get through a 1/4" and what's the psi on irrigation systems (psi won't matter much if there's good flow, right)?
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I don't know exactly, but I've yet to come across one with less than 5.6 gpm - supply is always ahead of output. Typically, we are running 11gpm and can run off an irrigation connection (when needed).
 
Steven Button said:
I don't know exactly, but I've yet to come across one with less than 5.6 gpm - supply is always ahead of output. Typically, we are running 11gpm and can run off an irrigation connection (when needed).
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That's impressive, but on the other hand, I suppose that's what's required to feed all those sprinkler heads.
 
I've come across these situations many times and often the painter doesn't even have the job. They'll get you to price it so they can throw in a bid. Often being the professional power washers they are they'll rent a machine and paint over the remaining dirt. If he does actually have the job he better be a decent size company to pay the bill because if he screwed up the bid you'll be the first one getting stuck without pay. Guaranteed!
 
A large gross pay can still equal a negative net. Take the big paycheck out of your vision, look at how much do you want to make and work backwards.

Looks like 30-40 if you are from ground to peek squared up. However when washing your shooting at an angle, and you have to figure wind. You 4 gpm machine I doubt would make it. Figure renting a machine for this one, you can get 5.5 gpm and larger on trailers and a larger tank thus better buffering if you have to feed off a undersized water source.

What size is your surface cleaner? You may want to rent a larger one along with the machine for this one.

The painter doesn't understand when putting a house wash up high and it coming down on the tile roof then rinsing with water it will still look terrible. Right now the tile is dirty and looks terrible, this will only highlight it. Should the painter doesn't get paid, then you don't get paid until you go back and wash tiles. Better get this in writing and clear, if you have to go back for something that wasn't originally agreed to charge accordingly.

Figure out the cost of chemicals, how many days, machine rental and hose cost. Once you have your hard costs that is how much you need upfront to start, collect labor payment after your work is done.

I don't know if this would be right, but if you can get a conversation with the property manager and find out if he has the job, and what exactly the bid is for that could help you to know how much time to spend on this, and what the real expectations are. It could also be a foot hold in with the property manager on washing his other properties. Should the painter not use you, I would then go back to the property manager and explain, you are a great cleaner, but the paint prep right now is not the equipment you have and you don't want to do a bad job and tarnish your reputation, but if you have some other properties that need cleaning you are the man, and would be happy to submit bids for those. You may loose this 1x job, but maybe if your lucky pick up several property cleanings and will allow steady income for all kinds of upgrades, and better yearly income.

Best of luck, I hope it works out, and if it doesn't be nice, and honest with yourself and walk away. Don't get blinded by I can upgrade my equipment, and it will be a big pay day, might not if your costs and time suck it all away.
 
Whenever I am asked for an estimate in a situation like this, I always ask: Is this is brother-in-law bid or an insurance bid? Meaning, I'm happy to give you a piece of paper with a # on it, but don't waste my time unless you are serious.

Deposits are tricky, I just use my best judgment. Most pro painters request 30-50% in advance. Ask to see his contract or to set a meeting with decision-maker. Set expectations. If he doesn't want you around jobsite between 9a-5p, then be wary. Do you have a painter friend that you can take to look at it? There is painting, and then there is painting. You may be beating yourself up for a job that actually simply entails removing webs. The painters may be simply spraying a single coat, as opposed to scraping,sanding,priming,onecoat,twocoat, etc. Maybe they just want a professional-looking pressurewashing contractor to appear on-site for the benefit of the pm.

Best way to find out if a painter is reliable, visit his paint retailer & ask. Does he buy volume? Does he pay @ end of month? Does he have long, documented buying history? BenMoore&SherwinWill are the biggest in NAmerica, and their computers surprisingly detailed. You easily can find out if they buy paint for fences or topoftheline $55/gal trim paint for a home in the priciest neighborhood in town.

It IS a little surprising that paint prep is even being subbed out anymore. Most paint contractors worth their salt are using gx 390s, anyway. Paint "Removal" is a painter's worst nightmare. More removal means more scraping & sanding & possibly residual moisture in the material that can delay start of the project.

As a rule, I try to find out payment schedule before quoting. For example, if I get a call from Vermont man with a home here, its safe to assume the terms are Net, so I don't typically do any favors when it comes to price. The same can be said for doing sub work -- if the GC (in this case, the painter) must wait to get HIS check before giving you YOURS, charge him more.
 
Finally got around to having a little chat with painter about cleaning the shopping center today. I asked how it was going and he said he landed the job (good for him).

Well after a few minutes I found an opportunity to ask him what he was thinking the cleaning was worth. He didn't seem to want to answer, so I just moved on and told him my ballpark figure was around 10K considering there is no easy access to water anywhere on the property (not even the sprinkler system could be used) and that I would have to transport the water from the only hydrant on the property (see the first post for picture then add all the backs sides to it).

He finally said his brother would do it for 1000 (also a painter) with a helper in 4 days. I told him his brother didn't have a life and would be losing money.

There has to be some sort of "Low Ball Larry" award given to this guy. I cut him some slack and do a 1800 sf house for 150 for the referral (which he gladly pays), but this is ridiculous.

The combined sq footage of the 2 buildings is almost 122,000. The sidewalks are right at 1000 linear feet plus several walk paths and a common area. So based on the $100/1000 sq ft (general rule) I thought my guesstimate was close (keep in mind, I would have to ferry the water as well).
 
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