Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing A Power Washing Contractor

1: Choosing a contractor based on a single phone call. Instead, invite the contractor to your home and ask for a free estimate; most contractors offer them. Free estimates are a great way to test the contractors knowledge and to see his appearance and professionalism first hand, with no obligations. You will also have a written estimate.

2: 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. Contracting should be based on professionalism, quality, knowledge, appearance, and customer referrences 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.

3: Choosing a contractor whom 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.

4: Choosing a contractor whom is not certified. How do you know whether the contractor has the knowledge or experience to restore your deck or fence? If you want to be sure you are hiring a competent professional, make sure he has some sort of certification in wood restoration. The contractor must earn that certification through study, experience, and successful completion of examinations.

5: Choosing a contractor without referrences from his other clients. Any contractor can say anything about his past jobs. 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.

6: Choosing a company 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?

7: Choosing a contractor whom is not a member of The Wood Restoration and Preservation Institute. The mission of WRPI is to raise the professional and ethical standards of the wood restoration industry through advocacy, education, research and support for small businesses. Any contractor that is a member is dedicated to (1) Honest, ethical business practices, (2) staying current on the latest methods for wood cleaning and restoration, (3) the highest possible level of customer service.

8: Choosing a contractor whom 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 gallon 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 are necessary in order to achieve quality results, without using high pressure, which could lead to damage.

You are proud of your home because it's a reflection of you and your family. Having your home and other parts of your property properly cleaned on a regular basis is the easiest way to maintain it's beauty and value.