3. If you are not immediately comfortable with the first contractor you call, obtain more than one evaluation. It may seem time consuming to meet with more than one contractor candidate, but asking each to answer questions that provide specific information about the scope of work, processes for achieving expected outcomes and what risks of damage may be involved will only serve to ease your concerns. The true professional will gladly engage in this Q & A session and likely pose his own questions in return.

4. Don’t hesitate to ask the power washing company about their equipment. Often a company that performs test areas during evaluation will have their equipment with them. Does it belong to them or is it rented? If it is professionally logo’d and appears well maintained, this is a good indication that this company has invested enough to show a long-term commitment to his power washing company. Professional equipment will also meet minimum specifications - 11 -24 horsepower engines, 3000 – 4000 psi (pounds per square inch pressure) and will deliver a flow capacity of at least 3 gallons per minute (gpm). Pressure washers rated 2000 PSI and 2.5 GPM or below is considered residential grade equipment.

5. Ask for a demonstration. If your project has multiple stages or involves chemicals that you are not familiar with, a good pressure washing contractor should have no problem demonstrating the process and results to alleviate your apprehensions. Demonstrations often are necessary to determine the exact steps that are going to be needed to properly complete the project so if a contractor asks YOU if he or she may do a demonstration, take advantage. It will help you and your contractor avoid delays and frustrations that often occur when the job scope of work is misjudged. Note: A need for a demonstration may not apply in all circumstances. During your initial call with the contractor, it is possible that a qualified professional will be able to provide all the information you need about the project scope and a demonstration may be slight overkill.

6. Ask for references. When asking for these, insure that the reference is for the same type or at least similar project as you are inquiring about. Cleaning a vinyl sided home is vastly different than restoring a wood deck. Ask about more than the outcome of the job – Was the contractor courteous, knowledgeable, professional? On lengthy projects, did he clean the site at the end of each day? Satisfied customers generally are more than happy to provide you with their honest assessment and endorsement of a good pressure washing company.

7. Expect a detailed written or electronic proposal/estimate delivered in a timely manner. Included in this proposal should be the aforementioned Scope of Work or at minimum, a list of exactly what will be performed. This will outline in detail, all steps and measures that will be taken during the course of the project. This may be a part of the estimate, or in some cases, an attachment to the contract. Make certain that the estimate details the total expenses in labor and materials. Compare proposals that you receive as this is an excellent way of comparing and contrasting your candidates.

8. Expect Insurance Coverage. You want to be certain that the power washing company that you hire carries General Liability Coverage for his operations. A professional power washing company will carry coverage for your property against accidents. Even further, a Workman’s Compensation policy is an added coverage against potential on-site incidents or injury to themselves. It should be only a matter of a phone call for a professional to have his agent issue a Certificate of Insurance directly to you.

9. Your evaluation. Obviously cost of the project is a factor in determining which contractor to hire, however, you must consider the quality of work that you will receive for each estimate provided. Again, you are trusting one of your largest investments to this company. If the end result is not what you were expecting, you haven’t saved a dime. The dollar figure associated with the job doesn’t guarantee high quality. Mind the old saying "The bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price has faded from memory."- Aldo Gucci

10. Keep your eyes on the job. If at all possible, be present during the time that the work is being performed. Being onsite makes it possible for you to access the contractor to ask questions or for the contractor to access you should a problem present itself.  P.S.  This does not mean to become the contractor's shadow while he is trying to do his job! 


Here’s the nutshell version: