My name is Steve and I'm new to this business. I've been lurking here for quite awhile absorbing a lot of information. Haven't decided what type of pw work to specialize in yet. Will be moving to Florida next spring. Thanks to everyone.

StevenJ where in Florida are you moving too? Hugh

City of Brooksville in Hernando County. I can't wait! I really love the area.

Just wanted to say hi to all and good luck in the power washing biz
any one out there wash big trucks I like to hear from you
ONE thing I have to add is any one know how to get in with a goverment work I see a lot of rip off sites but nothing set in stone
I live in florida and run a large truck washing biz

Jet Stream Pressure Washing
Orangecity FL,32763
(386) 775-6301

Hey everyone,

Let me first start by telling everyone what a wonderful resource this has been in researching. I'm currently a nurse working in the middle tennessee area, and have been for some time now pondering the idea of getting into this line of sidework. Money to some point isn't such the issue, as I can make a good living just doing what I am, yet the fact remains I am just not happy sitting on my butt at home when I feel I can be productive. Working overtime is good $$$ but one get's really burned out and patients run thin when one really overdoes it.
My current startup budget is around 7k which must include a means of transporting the equipment. Adding a trailer to my 06' Accord isn't really a viable issue as I would burn the tranny up in no time beings it has a 1000lb towing capacity with a 200lb max tongue weight. So a truck.. I figure in 4k for a decent 01 Ford Ranger, leaving me 3k to play with in equipment.
My main focus while starting is going to be cleaning, and sealing driveways and other various flatwork, Eventually moving into deck/wood work as well. I've searched and searched for over 2 months now trying to find the right setup for a reasonable price.. I keep hearing everyone saying a min of 4gpm 3200psi..for flatwork and a higher gpm for woodwork as possible with lower pressure. SO... while looking online without a single result I ask the forum for help. My ideal setup is based on simplicity. I would like to find a unit that would have the tank and everything included as a complete rig. Yes, i understand that I would need to purchase things such as attachments and chemical reserviors. I would just like a setup that could basically squirt water after I apply gas and fill the tank up with water. I did however come across this in my searches and would like to hear anyones opinions. If you can think of something to fit my needs better I would greatly appreciate it as well. Experience is the best teacher, so I'm looking to those with lots of it.
4.0 GPM at 4000 PSI
Engine : 13 HP Honda (2 year warranty)
Pump: General (5 Year Warranty)
16000 Cleaning Units
Chemical Injector
Adjustable Pressure
100 Gallon Water Tank with Bands (tie downs)
Aircraft Aluminum Skid Frame
Aluminum Hose Reel Support Assembly with Mounting Hardware
Float Valve Assembly (tank auto fill and shut off if machine runs dry)
Trigger Gun and 36" Wand
50 FT Steel Braided Pressure Hose
Hose Reel (100 FT x 3/8" Capacity) with Hardware
3 Quick-Connect Spray Nozzles and 1 Chemical Nozzle
Thermo-Sensor (Prevents Overheating in Bypass Mode)
Tank Feed Unloader Bypass Return and Jumper Hose Assembly
Direct Drive
Weight: 260 lbs


4.0 GPM at 4000 PSI
Engine : 13 HP Honda (2 year warranty)
Pump: General (5 Year Warranty)
16000 Cleaning Units
Chemical Injector
Adjustable Pressure
100 Gallon Water Tank with Bands (tie downs)
Aircraft Aluminum Skid Frame
Aluminum Hose Reel Support Assembly with Mounting Hardware
Float Valve Assembly
Trigger Gun and 36" Wand
50 FT Steel Braided Pressure Hose
Hose Reel (100 FT x 3/8" Capacity) with Hardware
3 Quick-Connect Spray Nozzles and 1 Chemical Nozzle
Thermo-Sensor
Tank Feed Unloader Bypass Return and Jumper Hose Assembly
Direct Drive
Weight: 260 lbs

So. now as I just completed my last shift for the week I'm anxiously awaiting everyone replys.. You all are awesome, and taking the time to help someone is a good gauge of a persons charecter.

You should start a new thread with this topic as it may get lost here.

Your budget is VERY tight. Mark at www.pressurewasherzone.com would be the guy to talk to. You are going to need at least 200 ft of hose (non-marking) if you are going to keep your machine on your truck.

If I were you I would spend less on the vehicle and budget more to equipment. A '98 E350 extended van might run you $2500. Four gpm/cold water machine $1500. Hose reels, supply hose, pressure hose, wands, guns,a decent downstreamer, and an X-Jet will set you back about $750. Insurance is going to be another $1200. Graphic design for your logo and business cards, printed marketing material and a decent starter campaign are going to be $1200. QuickbooksPro will be another $200. Starter chemicals, figure about $250. Oddball accessories like chemical application pumpups, extension wands, brushes etc factor about $200. Optional: Surface cleaner for concrete add $600.

This is a mediocre setup that will get the job done for housewashing and residential concrete. Your total is already $8400 if you include the surface cleaner. If you are going to do decks you will need tools specialized for that (sanders etc)

I also didn't factor in any licensing costs or legal fees to set up your business entity. It sounds like you want to do things right. Do it right now, write a business plan and you may actually be still around doing this next year and making money.

Ken Fenner
PressurePros, Inc
Havertown, PA
www.pressure-pros.com
pressure washers in PA

Have found various forums for pwing (learning lots). My wife and I do property maintenance up here in BC. Have used c/w up til now, got an older very low hrs -clarke hw (99hr) 16hp vanguard, ts2021 pump, 100g tank presently on a trailer. Picked up a van, hope to have it inside and mounted/plumbed ready for next year. Doing mostly residental (roofs, concrete and vinyl siding). Having fun.

Hello, my names is James and I live about 7 miles north of Fort Knox, Kentucky. I have been playing around with the ideal of power washing for the past 8 years. Do to a recent lay-off, I have decided to take the bull by the horns. I started a small business called Intense Cleaning Solutions. I have'nt even got my first job yet, but looking forward to being my own boss. I can't afford a hot water pressure washer so, I'm going to rent a 3,000 psi cold water pressure from a company down the street for $60.00 per day. I'm currently in the process of getting some business card's made-up and going to try to market myself to the ARMY,DOD, ect. I know this goal may seem pretty high for a new guy but, I have nothing to loose. Would anyone have any insight on how I could market myself to the government.

Wish me luck,

James

P.S. The PWN and the PWNA has been a major inspiration, THANK YOU!!!

Be advised if you want to do any work for the DOD, you will have to bid on there contract if there is one. Also be advised, the DOD will expect you to carry at least a couple million dollars worth of liability Insurance or they would not even consider you for any job with them. They will also check your business out before you ever get a foot in the door. You better get yourself established with your own equipment before you ever try to get jobs with the DOD. Just hate to see you get all pumped up just to be shot down, good luck! Hugh

Hi everyone, I dont know if this message will get through but I trying anyway. I as well am new to the business. Currently I'm doing fleets and have one account of 15 trucks. I have ran into some obstacles as far as how to present the service to new customers. My sales skills need major work. If anyone have any suggestions I would appreciated. Thanks Troy F.