New construction clean up pricing - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

bounds3 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-30-06

I am starting a pressure washing business targeting builders in the Atlanta Georgia area. I am working on my pricing and would like a little input. I was thinking .08 per square foot of the home. This would include sidewalk. garage and driveways at no extra charge. Price may vary a little for mortar cleanup and longer drivesways.
So for a 2000 square foot home it would run $160. I am trying to average $50 per hour but felt it would sound better by the square foot.

Micah · #2 (**permalink**) 05-30-06

I would charge 6 times that. I'm affraid any construction builder wouldn't consider a price that low. Are you insured? What type of equipment do you have? Construction clean up will be a hard market to make a break in if you don't have much experience. You've came to the right place to learn though. Welcome to the board!

bounds3 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-31-06

I work in the building industry now and have great relations with many builders. I have already talked to many of them and they are willing to give me a shot. I got the pricing from this website http://www.mysitespace.com/pressure_washing/rates.asp
I thought my price was in line after talking to some builders. Anyone have more input on how I should price the work?
I have a 3700psi 4gal unit. Cold water only for now. I already have my GL insurance lined up. Another question, do I have to get workers comp insurance or can I do without it?

RideIt · #4 (**permalink**) 06-01-06

if you have 3 or more people working for you, then you will need workers comp insurance. That's the Florida Law. Not sure about Ga..

CaroliProWash · #5 (**permalink**) 06-01-06

1 - What are you washing? You're priced too low for your area. (the prices that you found for NC are too low for our area) New brick here goes for .25/sq to start. Vinyl is simply a rinse and shouldn't take any time at all. New concrete, same way...no chems if it's less than 30 days if you can help it and low pressure so as not to damage cream coat.
2 - Whether you need WC or not will depend on your builders. In NC, Workers Comp premiums are based on payroll. If you fall under your GC's WC policy and over the course of a year he pays you XX dollars, when he gets audited, his premium goes up because you didn't have your own Cert of Ins. Most builders don't want that responsibility or increased expense.

Celeste

chris moore · #6 (**permalink**) 06-01-06

just wanted to say hello neighbor, just started have a little ex in power washing. need advise on how after you clean side walks. how do you clean off the parking lot were all the dirt and sand have gone drys. tried to us spray broom was not effective or effient.

bounds3 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-02-06

Thanks for the advice. I am going to try to rethink my pricing. I am trying to price my jobs at $50 per hour plus gas and expenses. My only problem now is learning how long a home takes me.

Micah · #8 (**permalink**) 06-02-06

Bounds,

If you price by the square foot, or similar, rather then by the hour, you will probably come out better. The reason I say this is when you start out, you will get quicker with every job. So in the end you'll be doing the same amount of work - for less money. If you charge by the square foot, your price will be for the job, not for how much time you spent on it. Most builders will also prefer the square foot pricing, as they'll have a better idea of the cost before they call you. They sub most everything else out by the square foot anyway. Just a thought.

grasshawg · #9 (**permalink**) 06-02-06

Also, when you work by the hour, you can never get the job done quick enough for the customer. They will always think you took too long.
Randy

CaroliProWash · #10 (**permalink**) 06-03-06

Hi Chris Moore! Where in NC are you ? As far as your sidewalks, depends on what kind of dirt, how long, what's at the edge of the driveway. We use a surface cleaner for most all flatwork that we do and when necessary, follow with a quick directional rinse with the wand.

Celeste