Here are five suggestions for getting the most from your next power wash project.

#1: Ask for a Free Estimate: Each job is unique and is difficult to get an accurate price over the phone. Request that the power wash contractor make a free on-site visit to meet with you and review your job requirements. The contractor should make suggestions on meeting your specific needs and provide a written estimate to you, so there will not be any overcharges or surprise add-ons. Free estimates are a great way to test the contractors knowledge and to see the company’s appearance and professionalism first hand, without obligations. If you do not feel comfortable with the contractor on your first meeting, most likely you will not feel confident when they show up to perform the task of cleaning the building.

#2: Ask for Client References: Reputable power wash companies who have been in business for several years should have a list of clients who have similar property requirements like yours. Ask to see a list of previous clients and specifically for the names of at least 2-3 clients to call as background checks. It is nice to see before / after pictures of a property so the contractor can explain how they addressed specific issues like: protecting landscaping plants during the process.

#3: Ask about the Power Washing Process: The contractor should be able to provide you with a quick overview of how the power washing process works. There are four elements to the power washing process: pressure, water flow rate, cleaning solution and heat. If one of the elements changes, the total cleaning process changes. For example, if the contractor chooses to use a cold water instead of hot water, they will have to add more chemicals, apply higher pressure or use more water to achieve the same results. As the client, you deserve to know the process and what types of potential chemicals the contractor will be using.

#4: Choose a Contractor Based Upon the Best Value: If you choose a company based upon price only you may not get the best job done right. There are better reasons to base your buying decision upon when it comes to protecting your property 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 contractor. Also, when companies bid low to get the job, they are forced to cut corners and sacrifice quality in order to turn a profit.

#5: Choose a Bonded / Insured Contractor: Protect your property by choosing a bonded and insured contractor. At the free estimate meeting, the company representative should let you know if they provide background checks on employees, carry property damage insurance and truly care about protecting your business while they are performing their duties.

Along with meeting these criteria, the contractor should ask you if there is a best time to perform these services as not to interfere with your regular business operations. Many power washing contractors will clean commercial buildings on Sundays, as to not disrupt the normal business day.