Step-by-Step Blueprint: How to Start a Pressure Washing Business

Pressure washing is a growing industry. Compared to other home service trades, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electric, it requires significantly less training and other licensing requirements. Perhaps these are some of the reasons you were drawn to it, or maybe you simply saw a gap in the market in your area.

That’s why entering the pressure washing business can be a lucrative endeavor. We’ve filled this guide with curated advice from successful small business owners and industry experts about everything from startup costs to marketing strategy. So, if you have the skills and entrepreneurial spirit, the Housecall Pro team is ready with some tips on how to start a successful pressure-washing business.

Let’s get to it.

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Take These Steps To Start Your New Pressure-Washing Business

Before we get into the steps to get started with your pressure washing business, let’s talk about some of the skills that you’ll want to have before you get started. It’s important to understand that when running a business, it’s about more than just doing the actual pressure washing work. There are often back office tasks, managing your team of employees, and more, that can take up time and demand some skill.

Here are some traits to look for in yourself to decide if this is the right business venture for you.

• Attention to Detail: Ensuring thorough and careful cleaning without causing damage to surfaces.
• Physical Stamina: The job can be physically demanding, requiring the ability to stand, move, and operate equipment for extended periods.
• Customer Service Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with clients, address their concerns, and provide exceptional service to build a loyal customer base.
• Technical Proficiency: Understanding how to operate and maintain pressure washing equipment properly and safely.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to assess and address various cleaning challenges on different surfaces and situations.
• Time Management: Efficiently scheduling and managing time to handle multiple jobs and meet deadlines.
• Business Acumen: Basic understanding of business operations, including budgeting, invoicing, marketing, and managing finances.
• Marketing Skills: Ability to promote the business through various channels, such as social media, local advertising, and word-of-mouth referrals.
• Adaptability: Being flexible and able to adjust to different job requirements and weather conditions.
• Leadership Skills: Managing a team of employees, providing direction, and maintaining a positive work environment.
• Organizational Skills: Keeping track of appointments, equipment, supplies, and client information to prioritize flawless operations.
• Safety Awareness: Knowledge of safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries while using high-pressure equipment.

And with that, let’s get to those steps you need to get started in the pressure-washing business.

Step 1: Research the Pressure Washing Market

Any business venture needs to start with some market research. If there is no demand for your services, your business is doomed to fail before it even gets started. And this process isn’t something that can be completed in just a few hours. Be sure to do your due diligence to make sure the prize is worth the effort.

Here’s what to do.

• Understand the Industry: Learn about the pressure washing industry, including market size, growth trends, and customer behavior. Look for any gaps in services you can fill. This might be a particular type of cleaning service that’s in high demand but not widely available.
  
• Analyze Competitors: Identify your competitors’ services, pricing, and marketing strategies. This will help you understand what works and what doesn’t in your area. Look at customer reviews to see what people like and dislike about their services.
  
• Identify Your Niche: Decide whether you will focus on residential, commercial, pool cleaning, or vehicle pressure washing. Specializing in a specific niche can set you apart from the competition and make you the go-to expert. Think about what you enjoy doing and where there might be the most demand.

Step 2: Learn to Pressure Wash

This next step might seem like a no-brainer but go with us. You can have all those other skills we shared earlier in this article, but if you don’t have an innate and skilled knowledge of how to pressure wash—the right way—things aren’t going to go well.

You’ve probably heard this, but pressure washers can not only cause serious damage to materials, including wood, metal, and even concrete, but they can also cause big-time injuries if you don’t know what you’re doing. This is actually one of the biggest reasons homeowners don’t try to do it themselves.

So, be sure to take the time to learn. Here are some tips to help you learn successfully and set your new business up for success.

• Practical Experience: Gaining hands-on experience allows you to understand the nuances of operating pressure washing equipment and chemicals, which is vital for delivering quality service. Try working with an experienced professional or practicing on different surfaces to build your skills.
  
• Time Management: Learning how to complete jobs efficiently can improve your productivity and profitability. Understanding how long different tasks take allows for better scheduling and managing customer expectations. This will help you handle multiple jobs in a day and increase your earnings.
  
• Surface-Specific Knowledge: Different materials (wood, concrete, vinyl, etc.) require different pressure levels and cleaning techniques. Learning about these variations helps you avoid damage. Study the best practices for each type of surface you’ll encounter in your business.

Step 3: Draft Your Business Plan

Next up, its time to draft your pressure-washing business plan. Doing this after you have completed your market research will make this process much easier, as that information can be part of your plan and your go-to-marketing strategy.

Here are just some of the things to include in your business plan.

• Business Goals: Outline your short-term and long-term goals, detailing what you aim to achieve in the first year and beyond.
  
• Market Analysis: Include an industry analysis and customer segmentation to understand your target market and competitive landscape.
  
• Marketing Strategy: Plan how you will attract and retain customers through various marketing channels and techniques.
  
• Financial Projections: Estimate your startup costs, operating expenses, and projected revenue to keep your business financially viable.

Even if you don’t write a traditional business plan, it’s extremely important to set goals and a strategy for achieving them. 

In a video for Grow My Cleaning Company, host Mike Campion explained. “If you don’t really have a system to follow and a plan, you don’t know how much to charge; you don’t know if you’re winning or losing money on a job; what to do about that.”

He goes on to explain you should start with a “clear picture of where you are now and where you want to be.” Check out the rest of the video for more tips about creating a plan.

Step 4: Register Your New Business

While you may choose to go the path of a sole proprietor, if you want to grow your business and add employees or realize some tax benefits, registration is a must. We suggest that you find a licensed financial advisor or accountant who can walk you through the benefits and drawbacks of each type of registration so that you can make an informed decision.

Here are some specifics on what to do.

• Choose a Legal Structure: Decide whether to operate as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation. Most opt for an LLC to limit personal liability.
  
• Register Your Business: File the necessary paperwork with your local government. This typically costs under $300 but will vary, depending on your location. And don’t forget to request an EIN, your employer identification number for the federal government.
  
• Select a Memorable Business Name: Choose a unique, easy-to-remember name that reflects your business and sets you apart from competitors.
  
• Create a Logo: Design a professional logo to represent your brand visually. A strong logo helps with brand recognition and marketing efforts. If you aren’t a graphic designer or don’t know any, you can find highly skilled designers on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
  
• Register Your Business Name: Make sure your business name is registered legally. This might involve trademark registration to protect your brand.

Step 5: Get Necessary Licences and Insurance

Once your business is officially registered, you can apply for the necessary licenses. We also suggest that you speak with an insurance broker to determine the types of insurance policies you need to protect yourself and your business.

• Business Licenses: Check local regulations to determine what licenses you need to operate legally. Most areas require a standard business operating license in the main county or city where you’ll be based. Some regions may also have specific requirements for pressure washing businesses, such as environmental permits due to water usage and runoff. Research and comply with these regulations to avoid fines and legal issues.
  
• Insurance: Purchase liability insurance to protect your business from potential claims. This type of insurance covers damages that might occur during a job, such as property damage or personal injury. Additionally, consider getting workers’ compensation insurance if you plan to hire employees. This protects both you and your workers in case of on-the-job injuries.

Step 6: Open a Business Banking Account

While you certainly can use your banking account for your business, we highly advise against it. It can add confusion to your financial management process and could inadvertently put you in the position of putting your assets at risk in the event of any litigation.

Thankfully, opening a business banking account is easy once you have registered your business, your EIN, and the necessary licenses in place.

Here are some tips to help you through the process.

• Use Accounting Software: Utilize accounting software like QuickBooks to manage your finances. This software can help you track expenses, generate invoices, and keep accurate records of your income and expenses.
  
• Hire an Accountant: Consider hiring an accountant for monthly reconciliation and tax preparation. An accountant can keep your books accurate, handle payroll, and help you with tax planning and filing.
  
• Obtain a Business Credit Card: Get a business credit card to manage expenses and build business credit. This can help with cash flow and provide a clear record of business-related purchases.
  
• Monitor Your Account Regularly: Review your business account statements regularly to monitor your financial status and catch any discrepancies early.

Step 7: Develop Your Pricing Strategy

Now, it’s time to decide on the right pricing strategy for your business. Overpricing your services can quickly put you out of business, as can underpricing. In fact, about 82% of businesses fail because they don’t know how to manage their cash flow, and a poor pricing strategy is a big contributing factor.

Here are some helpful tips.

• Investigate Competitor Pricing: Look at what competitors in your area charge for similar services. This should be easy since you likely have this information on hand from your market research. Understanding the local market rates can help you set competitive prices that attract customers while ensuring profitability.
  
• Offer Different Rates for Various Services: Consider having a tiered pricing structure for different services. For example, you might charge differently for residential pressure washing, commercial jobs, pool cleaning, and vehicle pressure washing. Offering various rates can appeal to a broader range of customers and needs.
  
• Make Sure Rates Cover Costs and Provide Profit: Make sure your rates cover all costs, including labor, equipment maintenance, and supplies, and provide a reasonable profit margin. It’s essential to factor in all expenses to avoid underpricing your services.
  
• Use Estimating Software: Utilize estimating software when bidding on jobs. This can help you calculate accurate costs, simplify and organize the quoting process, and offer consistency in your pricing. Accurate estimates can also help build trust with your clients by providing clear and transparent pricing.

How Shine Brite Co. Increased Their Sales By 120% Using Housecall Pro

In May of 2018, Patrick Goodman, owner of The Shine Brite Co, a pressure cleaning service in central Kentucky, started using Housecall Pro. And by May of 2019, he saw a 120% in sales without hiring any new employees.

The main difference was the visual layout of his crews’ day-to-day schedules. 

Patrick uses two teams to maintain a large service area and service multiple clients at the same time. It can be a lot to keep track of. But by being able to see all of the jobs scheduled throughout the day, he could understand how busy they actually were which, in turn, helped him manage their time better.

Use Technology to Create a Sense of Urgency

“We knew that if we ever got behind we could never catch up, so there was a sense of urgency. 

The number one tip I have today is that you have to have a schedule where you don’t forget about that sense of urgency.

You don’t want to be calling a dozen people to reschedule. So we will figure out a way, whether it means working at eight or nine o’clock at night, but we figure out a way to keep going forward. ”

Patrick also credits his crew leader who can maintain this sense of urgency. He explained, “You can always have something mechanical putting a wrinkle in the supply chain. Something’s going to happen, and we always improvise and make sure that what we need to get done, gets done.”

Step 8: Buy Necessary Pressure Washing Equipment

Next up, you need to purchase the equipment to do the job. And in the pressure-washing business, you need to invest in high-quality equipment that can stand up to job after job. From protective equipment to 50-foot garden hoses, these will incur some upfront costs. At first, it might seem like a heavy investment but with good pricing, you’ll make enough to pay that back in no time. Here’s what to consider.

• Transportation Vehicle: Buy a van or truck to transport your equipment. Make sure it has enough space to carry all your tools and can handle the weight of heavy equipment.
  
• High-Pressure Washers: Invest in reliable pressure washers ranging from 2500 to 4000 psi or higher. These are more suitable for heavy-duty cleaning jobs, giving you the power you need to manage stuck-on dirt and grime.
  
• Water Hoses and Nozzles: Get a variety of hoses and nozzles for different cleaning tasks. This includes long hoses for reaching distant areas and different nozzle types for varying spray patterns and pressure levels.
  
• Additional Equipment: Consider items like sewer jetters for clearing drains, pressure washer gun assemblies for better control, and X-jets for applying chemicals efficiently. These tools can expand the range of services you offer and improve the quality of your work.

We know that at this point, you likely want to understand how much it costs to start a pressure-washing business. And the fact is that it really depends. For example, if you already have a truck or vehicle that can be used to transport your pressure-washing equipment, you won’t need to make as large of an investment as someone who drives a sedan.

This said, most experts estimate that starting your pressure washing business will cost between $500 to $15,000.

Step 9: Land Clients with a Marketing Plan

When you’re selling to everyone, you’re selling to no one. When it comes to positioning yourself in the market, you need to know who your ideal customer is and consider specializing.

Kevin Dubrosky started a franchised window cleaning business in 1999, then went out on his own four years later. He’s now the president and founder of the Dubrosky Group consulting firm. He spoke to Tommy Mello on the Home Service Expert podcast about what he learned running his own window cleaning business:

“The single most important thing I learned is that you must be different from your competition in terms of the value you bring to the market, and you must very definitively articulate the nature of that differentiation.”

Don’t Rely on Word Of Mouth Marketing Alone

Word of mouth from happy customers can go a long way in helping you drive more business. However, you need to get pressure washing jobs in the first place, and relying on word of mouth alone isn’t going to cut it.

At a minimum, you must do the following to establish a professional presence and help people find you.

• Professional Website: Build a user-friendly, informative website showcasing your services. Include clear descriptions of what you offer, customer testimonials, before-and-after photos, and easy ways for customers to contact you or request a quote. Better yet, add an online booking feature to make it easy for customers.
  
• Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram to reach potential clients. Share photos and videos of your work, customer reviews, and special offers. Consider making informative videos on YouTube about pressure washing tips and sharing those videos across your social media channels to increase engagement.
  
• Professional Email: Set up a business email for professional communication and email marketing campaigns. Use your email to send newsletters, special offers, and updates to keep your clients informed and engaged.
  
• Local SEO: Optimize your Google Business Profile to appear in local search results. Include accurate information about your business, such as your address, phone number, and hours of operation. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews to improve your visibility in local searches.
  
• Flyers and Signs: Distribute flyers in targeted neighborhoods and use yard signs at job sites (with permission). Flyers can be left at local businesses or distributed door-to-door, while yard signs help attract the attention of neighbors and passersby.
  
• Networking: Join local business associations and participate in community events to build connections. Networking can lead to referrals and partnerships that help grow your client base. Attend local trade shows, community fairs, and business networking events to increase your visibility and credibility.

How to Win at Facebook

The Shine Brite Co’s Facebook profile is a mix of shoutouts to long-time customers, videos featuring the crew, reviews, giveaways, and other content. His younger team members love taking videos which creates likable, shareable posts.

Consistency is key because it shows you’re an active company. Patrick has had customers tell him they’ve been following him on Facebook for a while before booking. Maintain a mix of content to keep it interesting and attract different types of customers.

The SEO Approach

Zach Ventreska relies almost entirely on organic traffic to his company’s website. Since Zach runs his own SEO agency, he knows search engine optimization (SEO) well. Window Gang Austin ranks high in most or all relevant searches for the services he offers in his area.

“If you look at the demographics that we’re trying to service, which is generally under 45, high net worth individuals, they know what the difference between an ad and an organic search result is, and they don’t click on ads. So we are almost entirely SEO driven,” Zach said.

SEO is a long-term strategy. It takes months to build an organic presence and start seeing a return on your investment. In the long run, SEO can be much cheaper than other types of digital advertising, but if you need leads right away, it’s not going to work well.

Learn more: Do you need help building a custom, mobile, and SEO-friendly website for your pressure washing business? Get a custom website designed to turn more leads into loyal customers. Click here to learn more about Websites by Housecall Pro.

Step 10: Impress & Build Loyalty with Superior Customer Service

One of the biggest ways to break a business, aside from the cash flow issue we discussed before, is to provide a bad experience. Customers today have a lot of choices on who they hire for pressure-washing services and the internet is full of competition all vying for the same homeowners and commercial property owners who need the very services that you have to offer.

How Window Gang Austin Can Charge Top Rates

“We are a premium price service provider, and we are certainly in the upper 10 percent of the price range. We’ve been able to maintain that in a lot of different ways by providing things that no one else provides to our customers: the booking and scheduling experience, and responsiveness of customer service to complaints. There’s a long list of things that we do better than almost anyone else in our area, in our industry. Um, and that is how we’re able to justify our higher prices”

According to Zach, the key to their optimal booking and scheduling experience is that they communicate with the customer in their preferred method instead of forcing one method on everyone. For instance, Zach explained, “If somebody books online, that person probably doesn’t want a phone call. So we don’t call them; we send them a confirmation email or a confirmation text message if they put down text messaging as their preferred contact.”

Add Recurring Service Plans

Increase the lifetime value of each client with recurring service plans, also known as service maintenance agreements. When you offer amenities such as discounted rates or upgraded services in exchange for an ongoing service agreement, both you and the customer win. Learn more about how to sell recurring service agreements for your business.

Here are some of the worst ways to create a bad customer experience and what you can do instead.

• Unreliable Scheduling: Overbooking or underbooking can lead to missed appointments or long wait times, frustrating your clients. Use scheduling software to manage appointments efficiently and prevent these issues.
  
• Lack of Personalization: Offering a one-size-fits-all service can leave clients feeling undervalued. Personalize your services to meet each client’s specific needs and preferences.
  
• Unprofessional Appearance: Showing up casually in jean shorts and a tank top or using unbranded equipment can make a poor impression. Dress professionally, use branded equipment, and train your team to be courteous and respectful on-site.
  
• Poor Communication: Failing to communicate clearly and promptly can lead to misunderstandings and dissatisfaction. Make sure every aspect of your work, from the initial estimate to project completion, reflects the highest attention to detail and workmanship.
  
• Neglecting Customer Feedback: Ignoring client feedback can prevent you from improving your services. Solicit client reviews after each project and use them to make necessary adjustments.
  
• Inefficient Routing: Wasting time and fuel on inefficient routes can delay your service. Utilize GPS tracking to find the best ways to get from point A to point B.
  
• Unprofessional Invoicing: Handwritten or poorly formatted invoices can appear unprofessional. Use invoicing software to create professional bids and invoices. This will look more professional and help you keep accurate financial records.

Step 11: Hiring- It’s How Your Business Grows

Steps

1. Assess the numbers (what can you afford?)
2. Research the legal requirements (federal, state, and local) of hiring someone
3. Outline the hiring and onboarding processes
4. Set up functions to handle payroll and benefits
5. Create a job listing ad on Indeed, ZipRecruiter or
6. Interview honest, hard working pressure washers

Consider Seasonality

One of the difficulties of pressure and window washing is that it’s often a seasonal business. Many business owners need full-time help throughout the spring and summer, but when it starts to get cold, they can’t afford full-time help. 

On his podcast, service business consultant Josh Latimer proposes that you turn this into one of the benefits of the job. His own business was seasonal and he would position his three-month break as a positive. “This job is perfect for you if you like to work hard and make a lot of money and then have some time to play.” He’d market his job listings to those who wanted a three month break and found it worked well for folks who love to travel, for instance.

Additional resources:

• Employee retention and hiring tips from our pros
• 20 of the best time clock apps for small businesses

Scale & Grow With Pressure Washing Business Software

Finally, one of the best things you can do to scale and grow your pressure washing business is to leverage technology. One of the big dilemmas business owners face is freeing up time to work on their business instead of working in their business.

Pressure washing business software and customer management tools from Housecall Pro can help you stay on top of all aspects of your business. Enjoy seamless online booking directly from your Google Business Profile, easy drag and drop to assign job schedules, and Live GPS tracking for your vehicles.

And here’s the great news—with Housecall Pro, you can try out our software for free with a 14-day trial. Sign up today to get started.

Finding Additional Support

Even if you know the industry well, it can take a few years to establish your pressure washing company, develop best practices, build a reputation, and gain a consistent customer base. Just keep at it, and you can create a successful business that returns six figures.

But you don’t need to do this alone. Housecall Pro customers are invited to join our Facebook community of over 25,000 pros sharing their paths to success.

Also, consider joining these trade organizations:

• Power Washers of North America
• United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners

And these Facebook Groups:

• Pressure Washing
• Soft Wash and Pressure Washing Community
• Power Washing, Soft Washing, and Window Cleaning Worldwide
• Pressure Washing Resource
• Pressure Washing Sales and Marketing Tips

For general business resources, we recommend:

• The US Small Business Administration (SBA)
• SCORE
• Entrepreneurs’ Organization
• National Small Business Association (NSBA)
• National Association for the Self-Employed

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

Ann

CEO and Content Writer

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Last Posted September, 2024

Company Copywriting For You

About the Author Ann has been a marketer and content writer for over 25 years. While she got her start in financial services marketing, her writing interests are far broader. Now, as the CEO of Copywriting For You, she spends her time as a full-time freelancer blogger, writing on various topics, including personal finance, marketing and business, health and wellness, home improvement and cleanliness, parenting and family, and more. Check out her website, https://copywritingforyou.net/, to learn more.

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