FINDING A QUALIFIED PRESSURE WASHING SPECIALIST
1. Educate Yourself. This is the primary defense in protecting yourself from under-qualified and poor quality jobs. Once the consumer understands a service and what's involved, they will be well equipped to distinguish cut-rate jobs from quality workmanship. Realize the possibility for damage exists, and cut-rate performance increases your exposure to costly repairs. Knowing what's involved is your protection. The qualified individual understands these risks and has the skills and techniques to minimize your exposure to damage.
2. Get Several Estimates. Not only will you receive detailed explanations from pressure washing contractors, you will also receive several price quotes. Pricing gives you a more complete picture of the time and effort that takes place during a job. Less cost can mean (and probably does mean) less quality and less service. Basically, you get what you pay for.
3. Risks and Expected Outcomes. A qualified contractor will take the time to review your site, asking questions, and seeking out areas of concern. They will listen to your every word, trying to interpret the service you desire and expect. In turn, they will also review with you, the strengths and limitations of their service. This gives, the consumer, a more complete idea about the job they will be receiving.
4. Get Written Estimates. Having detailed written estimates protects both you (the consumer) and the pressure washing contractor. It explicitly states desired services, expected outcomes, and complete costing in time and materials.
5. Ask for a Demonstration. This is not always required, but if you are not sure about job outcome or expectations, a demonstration of a service may settle your mind. Make a demonstration mandatory if you cannot be present at job start-up or if the service has few job satisfaction policies. As a note, demonstrations take an enormous amount of time from the contractor. Often they will try to forgo demonstrations, asking the client to be on-site during the estimate and/or job startup in order for you to evaluate work performance. This is not uncommon. Quality pressure washing contractors are in high demand and are very busy. They are just trying to make the whole process more time-efficient. If you are dissatisfied, don't hesitate in telling them so. In the long run you will have saved them both time and effort.
6. Inquire about Equipment. Is it owed or rented? Owed or leased equipment is evidence of a long-term commitment to the field of pressure washing. Renting shows only an occasional need for equipment. Also ask about the extent or power of their equipment. For most pressure washing jobs they will have equipment ranging at 11-15 HP (horsepower, strength), 3000-4000 PSI (pound per square inch, force) and 3-5 GPM (gallons per minute, flow). While for the most, they will not be using their equipment at full power; equipment of this caliber provides the headroom and adequacy for doing business. A rating of 2000 PSI and 2 GPM or less is a residential grade of equipment. It will not perform at the level of doing business (possible evidence of a substandard service provider).
7. Get Referrals. These provide the consumer with a detailed track record of a contractor's past work experience. Ask specific questions concerning quality, workmanship, expected outcomes, cleaning procedures, business character, and satisfaction.
8. Insurance. Check to see if your contractor carries liability insurance. A qualified pressure washing contractor, realizing their responsibility, will have taken the time to protect both themselves and their clients from possible on-site accidents, injury, or damage.
Summary
A quality power washing specialist will have several key characteristics. First, they know what they are doing. They are familiar with their service, the industry, and what's involved in each. Second, they have the resources in equipment, skill, knowledge, and talent to do the job you desire. They perform their job with quality workmanship and professionalism. They are responsible for the work they provide and are committed in following through on quality and satisfaction. They take great care and pride in the service they provide. In all, the quality power washing specialist looks to develop longterm relationships with their clients. They are present both now and in the future for follow-up and continued service. They will not abandon their clients, never to be heard of or seen again. Basically, in pride, they stand behind the work they do. Copyright © 2001 ePowerwash.com, LLC. 
