If you've searched the internet for pressure washing companies, then you know that there are plenty of companies out there willing to clean your property. Who do you hire? Do you go with the cheapest estimate? The most expensive? Just shoot for the middle guy and cross your fingers? I'm going to go over the process I believe homeowners should use when searching for the right company, whether it be for pressure washing or another service.
Online presence: Do some quick searches for the company you are vetting across a few platforms. Check Facebook, Google, and Nextdoor. These platforms all provide free services to businesses, and bring us work. If someone hasn't put in the effort to create a free business profile on these sites, they probably haven't put much effort into any aspect of their business, including training and education.
Reviews: Once you've located a business page, check for reviews and recommendations. Take into consideration the number of reviews, as well as the overall rating. One five star review from my mom doesn't exactly make me reputable!
Personal Facebook profiles: You have a business in your sights, now let's do some detective work. If the owner's name is available (Mine is Michael Cooper, by the way) search facebook for their personal profile. Take a moment to scroll and ask yourself if that's the kind of person you want around your home.
Make contact: You've narrowed your search down to a few legitimate looking companies, now let's make contact. Take into account response time, manners, and professionalism. I've called service companies before and felt as if I was annoying them by trying to give them my money. You are paying these people, they should be happy to speak with you.
Ask questions: Voice any questions or concerns you may have, and gauge their response. I spend hours upon hours not only pressure washing and soft washing, but researching and reading about exterior cleaning every week. I can talk to you about exterior cleaning until you tell me to stop, and any professional out there should be able to do the same about their craft.
Pricing: You know the saying, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is? If someone is willing to come clean your property at a ridiculously low price, that means a few things. One, they aren't paying for things like insurance, licensure, or proper equipment. Two, they probably haven't put any money into training or education. Three, they won't be in business the next time you need your property cleaned. Not only will they not be around to clean your home again, they will also turn into a ghost and vanish if an issue arrises, or damages occur. You will be paying out of pocket for any repairs, because going after an individual legally without a legitimate business is a losing battle.
Dependability: Any good business owner knows that dependability is extremely important. Showing up when you say you will is non negotiable. Cancellations or scheduling conflicts can of course occur, and with proper communication may not be an issue, but if you have a no show, no contact from your contractor, it's time to cancel immediately. I hear plenty of horror stories of companies that came before me, and a lot of them begin with a no show, no contact, followed by the customer giving a second chance. This is inexcusable, and should be grounds for immediate termination.
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