Start Up Focus: Power Washing & Commercial Storage

Power washing services are used to clean paint, mold, grime, chewing gums and other dirt from a wide array of surfaces. Power washing is usually used to clean buildings, pavements, concrete structures, but also vehicles. The services involved can be a lucrative business, but like with every other business, you need to have a plan. Commercial storage services may be an important aspect of your planning.

Power washing vs pressure washing

Before we move on, it’s important to make a distinction between two similar but different washing methods: power washing and pressure washing. Although they are sometimes used interchangeably, these two cleaning methods differ in one important aspect. The difference lies in the water temperature. Both use high-pressure spray to clean surfaces, but power washing uses hot water instead of cold. The combination of high-pressure and hot water makes power washing more efficient at blasting away stubborn dirt from a wide variety of surfaces.

Now that you’ve understood the difference between the two, you can see what makes more sense for your business. So, what does it take to start your own power washing business?

Line Up Jobs

Before you actually invest in starting a new business, you need a certain level of experience and maybe even professional training. Line up some jobs first even if it’s just for friends or neighbors or take a course in power washing. Borrow a power washer from someone who has it or get a job at a power washing company before buying one yourself. See how it feels. Power washing is not an easy job if you want to be good at it. Not only do you have to know how to clean like a professional, but you also have to know how not to damage the surfaces that you’re cleaning. The pressure is huge and if you’re not careful you can make more damage than good.

Power washing business isn’t just about buying power washing gear and next day your business is booming. You have to learn how to be good at it first, which takes work and dedication.

Do those jobs, gain some experience and if you earn some money along the way put that money back into the business. If you like it, that is. If you don’t, then you’ll thank yourself you didn’t waste too much money or time on it.

Starting Expenses

Now that you’ve understood what it takes to be good at power washing, you need some capital to start.

• The first, and the most important investment will be buying the power washing gear. That includes the power washer itself, surface cleaners, chemicals, and nozzles. You will need a minimum of $1,500 for the power washing gear.
• Next, you will need to purchase a vehicle, most likely a van or a truck. For transportation costs, you will have to set aside a minimum of $5,000 – $6,000 for a used van or truck.
• You will need insurance in order to apply for business license. The costs vary from state to state.
• Last but not least, you will also need to buy marketing materials like pamphlets, brochures, flyers, and business cards in order to spread the word about your business and land your first clients. You will need an online presence – a website or to start, a facebook page.

Expanding the business

As your customer base grows you will no doubt invest in more vehicles and equipment. Parking and storage for your commercial equipment is essential. You will need space to meet with you employees each day to go over their duties. In the sometimes chaotic expansion of a new business some entrepreneurs decide to expand a little by little, and renting a large commercial office space with a warehouse or truck bays can be cost prohibitive. Consider keeping your office mobile (working from you truck with a cell phone and laptop) and storing your equipment and vehicles at Gateway Storage. Your employees can leave their personal vehicles in your storage/parking spaces each day as they go out to work (space permitting). Contact us to today to see how our services can fit your small business needs, especially in times of transition.