Everyone enjoys having clean property. Pressure washing is a business that you can set up no matter where you live, and there will always be a demand for it. It has low start-up costs, enables you to work outdoors and has no limits in terms of how big your business can get. Learn how to start a pressure washing business with this guide.
Set Up Your Business Structure
The organization of a business can have a major influence on the success of the venture. Consider all options when making a decision about the best structure for your business.
Small business owners have four primary forms of ownership, which are sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and limited liability company (LLC). Each of these main types has its own distinct structure.
With a pressure washing business, you can easily get by as a simple sole proprietorship, at least in the beginning. Once your business grows, you should consider choosing another business structure that’s better suited for businesses with employees.
Since each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, it pays to spend some time considering the varied regulations, liabilities, and tax implications of each kind of business structure.
Choose a Niche
One way to stand out in your field is to pick a specific niche to focus on. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some niche pressure washing business ideas:
- Homeowners
- Local, state and federal organizations
- Real estate agencies
- Business Owners
- Property management companies
- Boat owners
You may have noticed a large space in the market which you think you can fill with a certain service, but don’t specialize yourself out of a larger market with the potential for more profit.
Identify Your Target Audience
Since you’re just starting out, it’s advantageous to target a broad base of customers. Nevertheless, you can still refine your target clientele so you can customize your services, identify your one-of-a-kind value proposition, and create your marketing strategy. In order to identify your intended customer, ask yourself:
- Do they own a home?
- Have they established a business or a commercial establishment?
- What is their yearly revenue?
- Where do they live?
- What websites do they frequent?
- What is their occupation?
- What does my market analysis reveal about my desired customer?
- Is there a void in service which my organization can fill?
Answering these questions will help you determine how to best serve your customers. Also, take note of the types of clients that your business is attracting. If you’re satisfied with the people who are patronizing your business, think about what marketing strategies you can use to bring in more of the same clientele.
Identify What Makes Your Service One-Of-A-Kind
Distinguish yourself from other businesses by creating a unique value proposition (UVP).. Generate a number of potential unique value propositions that your pressure washing service could offer. As soon as you’ve settled on your UVP, make sure to use it in all of your promotional efforts. Constant repetition will ensure that it makes an impression on prospective customers.
Decide on a Name For Your Business
No matter what kind of business structure you settled on, you need a name for your business that people will remember. Many people just starting out in business choose to use their own name. There are pros and cons to this approach. Using your own name may be good if you have a reputation in your community, but it can look amateurish and small to someone who’s never heard of you.
When choosing a business name, make it something that people will be able to spell, remember and that describes what your business service is all about.
Understand Your Service
Pressure washing is an area where there is some confusion about the service. It’s important to understand what pressure washing is and how it differs from power washing. Pressure washing cleans using a high-pressure stream of cold water. Power washing is done with hot water and added chemicals.
As a pressure washing business, you can offer one or both of these services. Just be sure your customers understand the differences, too.
What Is the Rate For Pressure Washing Services?
The cost of services can be affected by how long the contract is, the kind of property, and how challenging the job is. Also, the type of job can also impact the cost. For instance, the square footage is often used to price residential pressure washing jobs. On the other hand, government entities might be inclined to agree on a consistent fee for a contract.
The best way to figure out how much to charge for pressure washing is to find out what your competitors are charging for the same service. You can do this by checking their websites. Another way is to just come up with a price that reflects your time and energy, and see how the public responds to your pricing model. Then you can adjust up or down to find the right price.
Decide on Your Business Location
If you’re just starting out with your pressure washing business, running it from your home is a sound option, particularly when you’re the only worker. As your company grows, though, you’ll need to locate a place to keep your vehicles and tools.
If you have no plans to rent or lease a spot initially, investigate storage or warehouse facilities in your vicinity. Compile a list of possibilities that makes sense for your needs.
Acquire the Necessary Pressure Washing Equipment
Choosing the right pressure washer is an important step when starting a pressure washing business. It is possible to rent one, but it may be beneficial over the long-term to purchase your own if you’re serious about getting started. However, if you’re short on operating funds in the beginning, leasing equipment makes better sense than to start out in the red.
When looking for a quality pressure washer, consider:
- If you’re looking to offer power washing services along with pressure washing, hoses that can cope with hot water and chemicals should be considered.
- Getting a new piece of equipment for pressure washing is likely to be more durable and effective than a used one.
- A pressure washer should have at least 3000 psi for effective jobs. While for more delicate surfaces, you can decrease the pressure by using a bigger spray tip, it won’t be enough for heavy-duty pressure washing.
- You’ll need various tips like 0° angled tip, 15° angled tip, 25° angled tip, 40° angled tip, and chemical tip.
- For a pressure washer or power washer, you’ll need both high-pressure and low-pressure hoses with a minimum length of 50 feet.
You’ll also need some supplementary equipment for your pressure washing business:
- Truck or van
- Cleaning chemicals
- Telescoping extension wands
- Dual lance
- Hot water supply
- Personal protective equipment and protective uniforms
- Surface cleaners
- Power generator
- Nozzles
- Water inlets
- Hose reels
For daily business operations, you’ll also need things like:
- Computer, printer, business phone
- Bookkeeping software
- Customer management software
- Time tracking software
Make it Official With the IRS
To become a legitimate pressure washing business, you’ll need a tax identification number known as an FEIN. You can go online and get one in minutes from the IRS website. This number will enable you to get business insurance, pay business taxes and open a business banking account.
Open a Business Bank Account
A business bank account will help to ensure that you keep your business income and expenses separate from your personal income and expenses. This helps when it comes to your taxes, and helps to legitimize your business in the eyes of the IRS.
Also, in the event that you want to apply for a business loan in the future, the business bank account is essential.
Buy Insurance
To make sure your pressure washing business is completely protected, you’ll need certain small business insurance plans. Your insurance representative can help you with this, but they may include:
General Liability Insurance – This form of insurance provides coverage if someone makes a claim against you for damage or injury.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Only necessary when you employ people. This sort of insurance protects you if a worker is ill or injured while at work.
Business Property Insurance – This kind of insurance covers you if your property is stolen, lost, or damaged.
Equipment Breakdown Coverage – This form of insurance protects your business equipment in the case of electrical or mechanical breakdowns.
Business Interruption Insurance – Helps to supplement lost income if the business is shut down for any reason.
Commercial Auto Insurance – Commercial auto insurance protects your business vehicle. Even if your vehicle is used for personal use, you need commercial auto insurance. When you start a pressure washing business, this is one of the first insurance needs you’ll have.
