Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing a Power Washing Contractor
You are proud of your home because it's a reflection of you and your family, not to mention, it's a large investment. Having your home and other parts of your property properly cleaned on a regular basis is the easiest way to maintain its beauty and value. Dirt and mildew not only damage your image but can cause costly repairs, renovations, or replacements. By doing a little research you can hire a professional power washing company, and be sure you are getting a damage-free, quality cleaning, that increases curb appeal, and protects your investment.
Mistake #1: Choosing a Contractor Based on Low Price.
If you choose a company based only on price, it's because you had nothing else to base your decision on. There are better things to base your buying decision on when it comes to protecting your investment. Professionalism, quality, knowledge, appearance, what their customers are saying about them, and what are the benefits to you are all things that should be considered when choosing a power washing company. Also, some companies bid low to get the job and are then forced to cut corners and sacrifice quality in order to turn a profit.
Mistake #2: Choosing a Contractor Who Does Not Offer a Guarantee.
Why should you have to pay for a job that you are not satisfied with? Not all power washing companies offer a guarantee. If they do, the guarantee may be limited. Ask the contractor if he offers a money-back guarantee, and then make sure he includes his guarantee on the written estimate.
Mistake #3: Choosing a Contractor Based on a Single Phone Call.
Instead, invite the contractor to your home, and ask for a free estimate; most quality contractors offer them. Free estimates are a great way to test the contractor’s knowledge and to see his appearance and professionalism firsthand, with no obligations. You will also have a written estimate, so there will not be any overcharges or surprise add-ons.
Mistake #4: Choosing a Contractor Without Getting Comments from his Other Clients.
Any contractor can say anything about his past jobs, and some of what he says may not be true. Make sure that you ask for references or read comments from past customers, so you know you can depend on the contractor and his work.
Mistake #5: Choosing a Contractor Who uses Consumer-Grade Equipment and Cleaners.
Cheap equipment may be a sign of a "fly-by-night" company. Big, high- dollar, skid- mounted pressure washers are not necessary to do a quality job. But, if the contractor uses the same little 2.2-gallons per minute pressure washer that you saw on sale at the home improvement store, you might want to reconsider hiring him. Most quality contractors use 3.5 to 5.5 gallon per minute cold water units for residential use. If a contractor is using consumer-grade equipment, he is probably using consumer-grade cleaners, also. House, deck, and concrete cleaners, that are sold to consumers, have to be safe to handle, therefore, they are not very concentrated or very effective. Contractor-grade cleaners sold through distributors are still environmentally safe but are more concentrated and must be handled with care. Contractor-grade cleaners are necessary in order to achieve quality results, without using high pressure, which could lead to damage.
Mistake #6: Choosing a Contractor Without Testimonials.
Any reputable company, with a good customer base, should have testimonials. If their clients are not saying good things about them, how can you expect good results?
