Any pics?? Usually soft wash would be done with a pressure washer but depending on the job, you could possibly do without. I wouldn’t really personally use the same brush head that I do Windows with, you’ll wear it down quite a bit.
It would be a 24 units like in the image. They’re mostly connected to each other. In this image I can see 4 units.
I’m going to bid the windows on this complex, but was told they might want soft washing too. I have a company I’ve dealt with before who I can contract in.
Sweet! Ok here’s the deal; soft wash with power washer, not WFP, (don’t wanna wear that thing out and way to much effort!) do some quick research on downstreaming with the power washer. Get some 12% SH (bleach in other terms) I prefer something that does not run the bleach through hoses but either way you could get it to work.
No ladders, you can use WFP on windows after soft wash (have in mind frame oxidatization if present. Or if real dirty you might opt to hand clean windows.) by the looks, my guess is that it won’t be an issue.
As far as your soffit question, be light on them, “maybe” use ladder and pump sprayer to treat with bleach and then light rinse. Also, be sure you’re insured if this is all new to you.
You can look on PWRA forum for more info. Read more ask questions later, that group of guys can be a bit well, different than most guys here, but there are some very knowledgeable guys there!
Anyone else have better options? This could be a great deal for this guy if he gets it and can handle it!
Don’t waste you di/RO water, use tap then filter for windows.
Pricing, eh, kinda differs here and there. I try to average at least $50 per hour. Some charge $0.20 per sq ft but I like to price by expected time rather than sq ft. That’s you’re call, make all that you can, make sure it’s worth it to you.
If you have never soft washed, do not do this as your first job. Your WFP will not soft wash. I use a dedicated softwash system. No pressure washer. If you do not have much experience with a pressure washer, you will end up not soft washing it, but pressure washing it, and could cause damage. This looks like a large job if you have never done it before.
@roofcleaner does make a really good point. I’ve been doing a lot of jobs like this so I would jump on it. But it is a lot for a first job. Reading some advice given can’t replace actual hands on practice. @roofcleaner can you share some info on your system?
Great advice, thanks. I was leaning toward not taking on a job like this yet. I could lose a lot getting a job this big wrong especially since I don’t have much wiggle room in the way of capital being a new startup.
@AdamPWC I have three custom made soft wash systems. 2 in the back of trucks, and one on a trailer. The truck systems have 100 gallon water tank, 60 gallon SH tank, 7 gallon soap tank, 2 12 volt pumps for applying and a booster pump to rinse with. I also have a generator mounted on the truck to run the booster pump. The trailer system is the same, but instead of 12 volt pumps, I have air pumps. And like the 12 volt system, there are 2 air pumps. This is just for back-up, in case there is a problem with a pump, you just switch a valve and continue.
Believe it or not, I’ve been “Softwashing” houses with a foam cannon on the end of the my 4 by 4 power washer. I am going to start using an x-jet this year…But I have cleaned about 40 homes successfully this way. Softwash systems can be expensive (though you can build your own relatively cheap if you do a little research), and I didn’t want to make the financial commitment without knowing if softwashing was for me. The foam cannon can’t do any more than softwash vinyl though, which is why i’m moving over to an x-jet this year (stronger sh). Good luck!
Hey Jack, please don’t take this as criticism or negativity. I say this to help you, not harm. Also, I am in Canada, so our dollar is different. Having said that:
Averaging $50 per hour pressure washing is horrible. If that is what you are at, then I think you are doing something wrong. Either your pricing is way too low, or your methods or time management are off. While I do not charge by the hour (of course), I expect a MINIMUM of $150 per hour when pressure washing, and more often than not I make more. For example, if I think a job might take 2 hours, I will quote it for $300 plus tax at least.
Window cleaning (route work) my standard is $100 per hour.
So I don’t think it makes any sense to invest the money in pressure washing equipment to make LESS than window cleaning. Not to mention the cost of insurance, fuel, chemicals, liability, etc.
I am a solo-operator, so I don’t have to pay employees. I just think you can get more per hour window cleaning and pressure washing.
It’s a false ceiling that we create in our minds. $50 an hour sounds great until you factor EVERYTHING in that it takes to make a great business. You are not just soap and water.
No harm Dan. I’ve only been in business for myself a few years now. Your prices are much more on par with my current thinking. And no, I don’t charge by the hour either. (I used to for PW when it was harder for me estimate how long a job would take)
I’ll admit, I’m sure I’ve got a lot to learn, but I’m definitely above $50 per hour now.
When I was first starting out, an older friend told me I should aim for at least $50 per hour. So that’s why I used to have that mind set. Honestly, for new guys, I would still recommend $50 hour to a new guy starting out, but, be sure they know as their confidence and experience grows, so should their price.
Man, I totally agree! I have been independent for 2 years now, and getting out of the $50/hour mindset has been a huge game changer for me. But, it has taken refining, optimization and higher prices to get to $100/hr. $50 an hour is a great goal for anyone who is starting out, or building. But, it is good to know what the standard is for someone who isn’t spending half their time canvassing and advertising.
Lol! Well being a one man show requires us to wear all the hats! There’s been many late nights spent on marketing and learning that whole curve. And really, I think having an “hourly goal” helps to set the pricing right. I like to monitor my hourly to see where I can readjust. But realizing that $50 only should be a starting point has been a great step in the right direction. If I bid a job for that price now it’s cuz I missed something and screwed up. Lol!
