the real question is???

[jeffex11]

what do you get per sq. ft. when pressure washing and staining decks. If you have been in this business for some time I think you'll find its the easiest way to bid on decks. We did one thurs. @ $1.60 per sq ft for a repeat customer and have gone as high as $2.00 and got the bid.

 

[PressurePros]

Upon what are you basing your measurement? Real wood square footage or square footage of floor? Rails on three sides double your square footage.

 

[jeffex11]

the basic bid comes from sq. ft. of floor including steps. That price includes the rails and pickets. I adjust the price up for height of deck from the ground and things like lattice and things that make the job harder such as plants around deck etc. The add ons are more based on estimated additional time and materials and is more of an art than a science. It gives me the ability to pre-qualify a customer on the phone sometimes to see what their budget is for their cleaning service. Once they get the initial estimate I schedule an onsite inspection to give the final price. It weeds out the lowballers like a guy I had thurs. stop and ask for a price. His deck was 18 x 20 and he wanted to pay $200 like the last guy. I told him to call him again "IF HE WAS STILL IN BUSINESS".

 

[FCPWLLC]

We measure only the footprint of the deck. We charge $2.65 sqft. whether or not it is on the ground or on second level. If it low to ground we make more money. If it is on second level we still come out OK. The only time we charge more is if we have to strip off old solid or something. We use only Sikkens or Cabot just because it seems to hold its color fastness longer and can hold up to "in-between" cleaning.
Of course, sanding and routing of rails or minor repairs are add-ons for billing.

 

[PressurePros]

I never quote on the phone and I have never had a problem with customers denying my seeing deck. What works for me is prequalifying by explaining that I do deck restoration. I mention that a deck with no detergent and high pressure is not in their best interest if they want a job that lasts. I am upfront about being higher priced than a guy that just uses pressure on a deck. I quickly describe possible damage and how we avoid it. I mention liability insurance and references. I then ask them if this is the type of service they are looking for. At this point in their minds they know I am going to be a higher priced guy.

I have stated this on quite a few other posts and it is the most important thing to remember when selling a job. If the customer has not met you and has not been educated about technique and wood care and you quote him a price, the only thing upon which they will make their decision is price. Very bad if you are not the lowest guy.

Using your technique in the northeast, I range pricing for new work from $2.40 to $3.00 per s.f.

 

[Alton04]

Need Help!

I just started my own pressure washing company. I was wonder do you have any advise on getting contracts with trucking companys or resturants. my web address is alton04@hotmail.com [white]

 

[jeffex11]

I have never used sikkens or cabbots. I hear they are great products. I spray with a hvlp type setup. Can you spray with those products . What is the cleanup like? I use only sherwin williams deckscapes. Most of our jobs we can wash and stain in one day at those prices. www.deckdoctorpressurewashing.com

 

[PressurePros]

Jeffex, Sherwin Williams makes a product that can go on wet wood? I have not heard of that product. You need to do some research about moisture content, moisture meters, and sealer life. If you are looking for an oil based product that can go on wet wood, do a search for Wood Tux wet.

 

[Deck Works]

yeah, i'd like to know your secret of doing decks the same day with S.Williams. Im not familiar with that magic!

Maybe you are using the water based? I only use the oil based

 

[jeffex11]

deckscape water based is what I use. bash all you want I have been in business for 15 years

 

[PressurePros]

No one is bashing you. I apologize if I came off that way. I honestly didn't think about someone using a water borne sealer. I have never used them as, for the most part, they suck. I am glad you have had good success and I wish you continued success as well.

 

[jeffex11]

cool! thanks , the point of my post was just to compare prices in the country I like to see peoples estimating procedures the prices in my area vary widely. I just got a bid of $435 and beat out a $315 and $550 because I was referred by a customer. I 'm comfortable with my pricing formula but each year I try and raise the mark on a few. I bid @ $1.75 sq ft.

 

[Deck Works]

No bashing dude! Would save me a ton of time if I could do a job in one day.

How do you think the water based performs vs. the oil based? I've only used the oil based. BTW, I've been in business since 98 and have used Sherwin Williams oil based exclusively since. Glad to see you like the products too!

 

[PetersonDecks]

$/square feet

sorry, little behind in the threads. Based on all of our measurements my pricing is usually 2.5-3.0 times the square footage of the floor. The same day powerwash and seal scares me because i am a firm believer in the oil based products. will be more current next time. John Peterson, Peterson Deck Restoration

 

[jeffex11]

The job in the picture I posted was washed and stained in a day . I use the black label cuprinol from sherwin williams that is oil based in 2002 to try it but I like the water based myself. I would say the average customer call us back every 3-4 years. some have deep pockets and have a standing order to do the deck every year .

 

[PressurePros]

sorry, little behind in the threads. Based on all of our measurements my pricing is usually 2.5-3.0 times the square footage of the floor. The same day powerwash and seal scares me because i am a firm believer in the oil based products. will be more current next time. John Peterson, Peterson Deck Restoration

Wood Tux is oil based.

 

[Deck Works]

DeckRocks - do you spray the water based deckscapes or hand apply? Also is it the semi-transparent or Toner?

I spray the rails and back brush. The floor I cut the gaps in with a brush and use a paint pad on the floor.

This is for S.W Deckscapes Oil based Toner. I 95% of the time use CEDAR color.

 

[jeffex11]

Cedar is the most popular color for me too!