How To Start a Pressure Washing Business in Eight Simple Steps
Are you wondering how to start a pressure-washing business? Discover everything you need to know to get this profitable business off the ground
- Pressure washing is a profitable business with low startup costs and high demand.
- Essential tools include a reliable pressure washer, accessories, protective gear, and cleaning products.
- Starting requires research, a business plan, marketing materials, and legal licenses.
- Flexible hours, high earning potential, and minimal skills make it ideal for side hustles.
Brett Helling is a gig economy expert who has been running his own small business for over 10 years.
If you're looking for a profitable and easy business, you should consider getting into the business of pressure washing.
It is a business you can begin with minimal money. It doesn't require special skills or training.
In this article, we will discuss how to start a pressure-washing business.
We will help you understand what to think about when setting up the business and provide a step-by-step guide.
How Profitable Is Owning a Pressure Washing Business?
To better understand how much you can earn each year in a pressure-washing business, look at some key factors.
The number of clients and the types of services they require will impact your income.
For example, if you provide residential pressure washing services, the average price per job might range between $150 and $200. If you book two daily $200 jobs, you will earn $96,000 per year.
You may also consider offering commercial services, which can command higher rates than residential services.
Other factors could affect earnings.
They include the areas you service and the time you devote to working.
With careful planning and marketing strategies, you can maximize your time and profits to make more money from your business each year.
Consider that salary.com reports an average income of $40,000 per year for pressure-washing employees.
The figure supports an owner earning six figures to afford this salary.
What You'll Need To Start a Pressure Washing Business [& Associated Costs]
As with all businesses, you'll need to prepare before beginning this business.
Here are things to think through during the process of starting a business.
- Potential clients: Knowing how many potential customers you can reach will help you determine the maximum income level for your business.
- Service types: The kind of services you offer, residential or commercial, will affect your earnings as different price points apply to each type.
- Areas serviced: The geographical areas you serve will impact the number and types of clients you can attract.
- Working hours: How much time you spend working on each job will determine your overall income potential.
- Power washer: A reliable power washer is essential to provide quality cleaning services. Invest in a top-notch machine.
- Pressure washer accessories: Having the correct hoses, nozzles, and pumps will help ensure efficient results and customer satisfaction.
- Protective gear: Always use safety equipment such as glasses, gloves, and boots when pressure washing. They provide maximum coverage and protection against potential hazards.
- Cleaning products & solutions: Having the right cleaning products and solutions specific to particular jobs is crucial to deliver effective results each time.
Do I Need a License or Certificates To Start a Pressure Washing Business?
Depending on your location, you may need to add a certificate or business license to the costs associated with starting a business.
Check with the local government for any required licensing for pressure washing services.
Why You Should Consider Starting a Pressure Washing Business as a Side Hustle
Let's review four reasons that make it worth it to learn how to start a pressure-washing business.
- Flexible working hours: Pressure washing is a service you can do at any time of day and with limited setup. It allows for flexibility to fit it in around other commitments.
- Low startup costs: As long as you have a reliable pressure washer, the initial cost of starting this business is relatively low.
- High demand: Pressure washing services are always in high demand due to the need for regular property maintenance and upkeep.
- Good income potential: The pay rate for pressure washing services is often higher than for cleaning jobs. It can provide an extra source of income on top of your job or career.
How To Start a Pressure Washing Business in Eight Simple Steps
Getting your pressure washing business started provides an opportunity to earn extra income by providing services to individuals and businesses in your area.
To get you started, here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to set up your own pressure-washing business.
Step 1: Research the Legal Requirements
As we mentioned above, you might need to acquire a business license or certificate for your venture to operate legally.
Take time to research how to obtain the necessary licenses and certifications for your area.
Step 2: Select a Business Name and Logo
Your business name should be unique and easy to remember. You can also create a logo to use on your website and promotional materials.
Step 3: Create a Business Plan
Your business plan should provide an overview of how you plan to run your pressure washing business, the marketing strategies, and how much money you expect to make.
Having this written plan in place can help provide clarity and direction as you get started.
Step 4: Gather Necessary Supplies
Gather all the tools and supplies needed for a successful pressure washing job.
It can include motors, lances and brushes, cleaning chemicals, extension cords, and even tarps for added protection while on job sites.
Step 5: Investigate Pricing
Research current pricing trends by looking at other companies that offer similar services.
Pay attention to terms of rates charged per square foot or hour worked.
It will give you an idea of how much you should charge clients for your services.
Doing this will ensure that you're competitive yet still making enough profit from each job.
Step 6: Create Marketing Materials
Put together marketing materials like flyers, brochures, web pages, or social media postings that introduce potential customers to your service.
Use these materials to explain your service and list out the prices that you charge for it.
These will create leads as you get started with word-of-mouth marketing.
Step 7: Reach Out To Local Businesses
Spread the word about your services by contacting local businesses.
You might work with car dealerships or apartment complexes.
Introduce yourself along with what makes you unique compared to other providers in town.
Take the time during these initial interactions to get feedback from potential customers on what they're looking for in a pressure-washing professional.
Insight into customer preferences can help tailor future outreach efforts more effectively.
Step 8: Start Offering Services
Finally, it's time for you to put all of this preparation into action.
Start scheduling jobs with customers who have already expressed interest in using your services.
Complete those jobs efficiently but professionally.
Meet all expectations along with deadlines.
Collect payments promptly after each job but don't forget about offering follow-up maintenance plans.
Doing this can encourage getting repeat customers down the line.
It might even generate referrals once those happy clients tell their friends about you.
Things To Consider When Building a Pressure Washing Business
There are additional things to think about before starting your pressure washing business.
Can You Run a Pressure Washing Business by Yourself?
Running this type of business by yourself is possible, but it can be challenging.
Consider how to balance customer service and the actual work of pressure washing at the same time.
Additionally, you'll need to factor in how much work you can realistically accomplish as a one-person operation.
What Equipment Do You Need?
You will need the right pressure washing equipment to start your business.
We listed the required equipment above.
Do you have the pressure washer?
Or do you need to buy one?
Do you have the proper cleaning solution, extension ladders, and additional tools?
You may need to look into financing some of the startup costs.
How Will You Price Services for Maximum Profitability?
You need to consider how to price your services to make a profit.
Consider how much it costs you to do a job, how long it takes you, and how the industry is pricing similar jobs in your area.
Strategies To Get Customers Interested In Your Services
Once you have your equipment and pricing in place, how do you get customers interested?
Consider how using social media and creating a website can help generate interest.
Additionally, think about how to market your business.
Can you create print advertising or utilize existing relationships with other companies to increase visibility?
INSPIRATION: Pressure Washing Business Ideas
Are you excited about how to start a pressure-washing business but unsure about how to position yourself in the local market?
Here are four ideas to get you going.
- Residential Pressure Washing: Offer pressure washing services to residential homes and businesses using specialized tools and techniques.
- Exterior Cleaning: Provide exterior cleaning services that go above and beyond traditional pressure washing.
You might decide to do window washing, gutter cleaning, or power washing of masonry, siding, decks, or patios. - Fleet Pressure Washing: Specialize in servicing large fleets of vehicles or equipment.
You can offer on-site pressure washing services at predetermined intervals or in response to customer requests. - Industrial Pressure Washing: Work with industrial sites such as warehouses, factories, and construction sites to provide comprehensive cleaning solutions tailored to their specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge per hour to pressure wash?
The cost of pressure washing services can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the job, the cleaning products you use, and even your local market.
Generally speaking, most pressure washers charge between $50-$200 per hour.
Research your local competition to determine a fair rate that will appeal to customers.
How do I get customers for pressure washing?
Try networking in your local area.
You can post ads in local publications, reach out directly to property managers, and make sure that you have an attractive website.
Don't forget about word-of-mouth recommendations: ask satisfied customers if they would refer you to their friends and family.
Similar Businesses To Consider Starting
Before getting this business off the ground, consider these other related business ideas.
- How To Start a Cleaning Business: Cleaning businesses can range from residential and commercial services to specific deep-cleaning services such as carpet and upholstery cleaning.
- How To Start a Car Wash Business: Do you specialize in auto detailing? Opening a car wash can be expensive, so it's important to research your local market before investing in a location.
- How To Start a Lawn Care Business: If you're looking for a business with minimal startup costs and resources, starting a lawn care business may be the right choice for you.
Wrapping Up
Learning how to start a pressure-washing business can have a big impact on your life.
If you have the skills to make it work, you might find that a six-figure income is around the corner.
Do you have any comments about this type of business?
Please share your thoughts with us below.
Suggested Resources
Some resources that we suggest checking out to help you along your journey.
Different Types Of Business Licenses
We highly suggest getting a business license before you start a pressure washing business.
Best Businesses to Buy [& Why]
Discover other business like pressure washing, which make a great acquisition target for cash flow.
Things Every Small Business Needs
Find other items that you'll probably need as you start your business, above and beyond equipment.