Power Washing business in Florida?

[pitbull21]

Hey everyone I am new to the board and even though this is my first post I have read quite a few already. I live in Mich and I have decided to get out of the bar business after operating a 600 seater nightclub for my father for the last 10 years. I am looking at starting a service business to include pressurwashing and window cleaning. Is Florida a viable state for pressure washing with all of the stucko houses and the lack of wooden decks? Would anyone recomend even trying to get into pressure washing in Florida? If so where should I go to get certified and learn the basics of the trade properly? I am looking to make this move in June 08. Any input would be helpful. Thanks in advance, also would love to hear from anyone in a powerwashing/window washing combined business.

 

[copgib]

Where in Florida are you looking to move too? Once we know where your going we can give you better answers. Everyone here is hurting in the Pressure Washing business with the drought. Many areas are restricting the use of water due to very little rain fall this year. Many companies are going out of business everyday because of lack of customers and the water situation. Hugh

 

[pitbull21]

I am going down there Jan 6 to check out the Orlando area. I am hoping to find an area between Orlando and Gainseville. Had not thought of the drought issues there. Maybe I should just concentrate on window washing you think? What kind of water restrictions are you talking about?

 

[copgib]

Pitbull21, Just for information, every county is different. It is real bad in Georgia and might spread further south due to lack of hurricane rains this year. I don't want to sway you opinon either way, but here is some advise for you. If your serious about getting into Pressure Washing around there, I would not count on it only to make a living right now. Unless of course you have lots of money to live on in case you don't have the business to supports your needs. Keep in mind that in the state of Florida we have an large community of Pressure Washers. I hear everyday about some of them going out of business due to lack of money, no business or too many Pressure Washers out bidding them. Unlike up in the northern states, Pressure Washers in Florida get less money per job. This might be another reason so many get out of the business. Also the further you get away from the bigger cities the less you will be able to charge. Here in my area, just outside Gainesville, I get very little business, because someone in a small pickup will do the job with a portable pressure washer for $10 per hour. If I charged this I would be out of business in no time. Remember you have to have Insurance, operating cash, license, workmans comp ect. which will require an inital layout of money up front, so be prepared for this. Once again, I strongly recommend, no matter where you move to, be sure to cover your butt by having the proper items like insurance and such. As far as Window washing, if your working out of a bigger city you might do ok but remember there are alot of established window washers out there that might have the area covered, you will have to check it out. Now, I know I have been rambling off for awhile, but the bottom line is, be prepared money wise for those hard times where the money isn't coming in when you start. I wish you luck in whatever business to start. I have tried to give the information to you as I see it. This is my first year fulltime, although I have been doing it for a few years part time, and if I didn't have other income coming in, I would be out of business also. You see I am a retired Deputy Sheriff with a pension so even though I am free to work fulltime, it has been more like part time due to the small amount of work I find out there due to low money for advertising and the amount of competition. Once again good luck! Keep us advised on what you decide. Hugh

 

[russ s]

I am going down there Jan 6 to check out the Orlando area. I am hoping to find an area between Orlando and Gainseville. Had not thought of the drought issues there. Maybe I should just concentrate on window washing you think? What kind of water restrictions are you talking about?

I will say this , I am in Alabama and we are getting tons of calls , In two weeks we are going to Peach Tree City Georgia then to Atlanta , from there to Jacksonville Florida then to Orlando accross to Tampa then back up to Tallahassee then back to Dothan, Alabama then back home , this is all new business thanks to overselling by contractors who do not fully understand EPA Laws ..... I love this drought

Oh and we Just got back from Laurel , Jackson and Brandon Mississippi and Tuscaloosa Alabama on all NEW business

so jump in fella

 

[copgib]

Russ you the man. I for one don't have that much business because I don't advertise as much as you and also don't have a website yet. Best of luck to you on all the jobs. When you get down to the Gainesville area, give me a yell. Hugh

 

[russ s]

I sure will Buddy , I was not bashing you I was actually trying to encourage him , you see I have an oponion on business , my take is always be positive and continue to encourage each other , when I encourage you it helps me to stay encouraged myself

 

[Florida]

I am in agreement! I too have been beat out on super LOW BALLERS. It hurts but its part of the game, These guys fall out within 12 months as the dont have enough $$$ saved to fix/up keep the machines. I advertise do door drops and we stay busy 2 guys one truck. Depending on were you go will deteremine how much competion you will have. Look in the yellow pages when you come down and make some calls describe a house and ask them for a ball park, the good guys will not do it over the phone this will also give you an idea how-many PW are in the area.

I lived in Dearborn for 2 1/2 years I loved it there....

 

[copgib]

Hey Russ I didn't take it as bashing. I chose not to over work myself or have to hire anyone for assistance. You see I have retired twice and I do this for the love of the work and for meeting new people. The new people part is something I enjoyed when I was a Deputy Sheriff. I went into this after retirement so I wouldn't have to work for anyone else. Although sometimes it is hard, yelling at myself for doing stupid things and such but overall my boss (me) isn't that bad. I am presently on the island of Ocracoke NC in the outer banks, spending Christmas with my daughter who lives here. I will be back home in Florida on Saturday. Take care and Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. Also like I stated, if you get around the Gainesville area contact me and we will have lunch somewhere. Hugh Gibson

 

[powerwashing4]

Pitbull - Shoot me an email with your phone number if you have a couple of minutes, I think I can help you out.

powerwashing4u@hotmail.com

 

[pitbull21]

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[roxette123]

I'm sorry to hear that you are having a hard time in Florida - we started our business 2 years ago and the work has been non stop - usually we are booked a month in advance and although there is competition out there, once you have established a good reputation price doesn't seem to come into place anymore. The best advice I can give is advertise every which way you can. We regularly mailouts, supply our business cards to our clients to pass on and everywhere we go we keep an eye out for fences that need washing or new communities that we haven't approached before. We have a regular income.