6 Steps for Starting a Pressure Washing Business

Starting a pressure washing business can be an exciting and rewarding venture. Did you know that pressure washing jobs are approximately priced between $192 and $401 per job? That means if you do two jobs a day, at the average price of $250 each, you’re looking at an estimated annual income of $130,000, working just 260 days per year. Those are some good numbers for starting a new business. Like any venture, it is essential to understand the steps necessary to get the business off the ground and prepare for the journey ahead. 

Step 1: Determine a Business Structure

It is crucial for anyone starting a business to decide on a business structure before starting. You can choose one of three structures: Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Corporation. Each of these has pros and cons, so it is important to thoroughly research how each structure can best suit your needs.

Our recommended structure for pressure washing is a Limited Liability Company (LLC) —especially when you consider that lawsuits can arise from something as simple as ruining a customer’s outdoor decking during a cleaning job. This is because an LLC offers limited liability to owners, so if your business is sued, your personal assets will remain safe. This can be incredibly important in protecting your home, savings, and other investments.

What is essential to know before starting a pressure washing business?

Before starting, learning about the market and gathering detailed information about the pressure washing industry is important. A SWOT Analysis method will help you find the information you need before starting a pressure washing business. 

Step 2: Know the Market

A critical SWOT analysis framework can help you identify a business’s strategic planning to evaluate its competitive positioning in the marketplace. This exercise aims to identify the competition and your offering and to help you understand your business’ market. Here’s a template with questions selected to help you during this process: SWOT Analysis (Sourced from Forbes).

Strengths: Internal positives about the company that provides you with a competitive advantage over other competitors in the market. 

Weaknesses: An issue within your company or business idea that negatively takes away from your strengths. 

Opportunities: An external factor that can contribute to your success, like the market’s growth rate or a need for something you can offer to the industry.

Threats: Look at external factors that can affect your business’s success and create steps to mitigate each threat. 

Step 3: Create a Business Plan

A detailed business plan is crucial to future success when starting a pressure washing business. Without a well-thought-out business plan, entrepreneurs struggle to stay afloat in a competitive and ever-changing market. The business plan is your roadmap, helping you identify the best strategies and tactics to reach your goals and create success. With the right plan, you can be confident that your pressure-washing business will have everything it needs to succeed. Here is a great template to help you get started!

Step 4: Be Ready Financially

There are a few steps you need to be ready financially when starting a pressure washing business.

1. Buy Equipment and Supplies Needed to Get Started

Buying the right equipment is important when starting a power or pressure-washing business. This guide will help you choose the right equipment and supplies, and this guide will help you choose the right soaps. 

2. Set Your Rates

Power washing typically costs between $183 to $380 in the U.S., with the national average being $281. Breaking it down further, house power washing usually costs between $220 to $380, pressure washing a driveway costs $130 to $220, and a deck or patio costs $250 to $420. 

Pressure washing typically pays between $60-100 per hour. Prices can vary drastically, especially between jobs like pressure washing a home, roof, deck, patio, etc. It’s vital to consider expenses for each gig, like gas, distance, time, admin, equipment and products required, and more. Set competitive rates when starting a pressure washing business and adjust accordingly as time goes on. 

3. Set Up Banking for Your Business

When starting a pressure washing business, make sure you keep your finances separate from your business. Open a business account and funnel all transactions and expenses through it to make it easier and cheaper for an accountant to help you during tax season! 

Step 5: Insurance Options

When running a business, you must prepare for the unexpected. That’s where business insurance comes in. Whether you’re a startup or a well-established business, having the right coverage could be the difference between a successful business and one that goes bankrupt. Business insurance covers a range of eventualities and can be tailored to suit your particular needs. Common types of coverage include:

• Liability insurance – protect your business from third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injuries such as slander or false advertising. Think of it as a safety net for your business.
• Property insurance – covers the physical assets of your business, such as your office space, equipment, and inventory. When it comes to protecting your business, property insurance is a must-have.
• Business interruption insurance – things don’t always go according to plan. If your business is forced to close temporarily due to a covered event like a natural disaster, business interruption insurance can help you recoup your losses.
• Product liability insurance – protects you if someone files a claim saying your products caused them bodily injury or property damage. Investing in this type of insurance is a good idea to ensure you’re covered.
• Employee practices liability insurance – this type of insurance covers claims from employees alleging discrimination, sexual harassment, or other wrongful termination.
• Workers’ compensation insurance – there are safety risks when it comes to pressure washing jobs. If an employee is injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance can help cover medical expenses and income replacement. Knowing your workers are covered can give you peace of mind and help keep your business running smoothly.

Business insurance can be a valuable asset in helping you protect your business and ensure its long-term success. By taking the time to understand the different types of coverage available, you can make sure you have proper protection in place.

Step 6: Marketing

When starting a pressure washing business, several marketing steps must be considered. Here’s a checklist to help you to get started: 

• Create a website optimized for SEO. 
• Provide quality content on your site that helps customers easily find information about your business and testimonials from other costumes. 
• Develop a social media strategy and brand presence by posting content relevant to establishing authority, trust, and a desire for your customers to work with you.
• Give customers discounts for referring your services to friends and family.

If you want more detailed tips and ways to scale your business, check out our blog: Our Top Pressure Washing Marketing Tips to Scale Your Business.

Key Takeaways:

• Pressure washing jobs are approximately $192 and $401 per job. That means if you do two jobs a day, at the average price of $250 each, you’re looking at an estimated annual income of $130,000, working just 260 days per year. 
• A detailed business plan is crucial to future success when starting a pressure washing business. Without a well-thought-out business plan, entrepreneurs struggle to stay afloat in a competitive and ever-changing market. 
• Pressure washing typically pays between $60-100 per hour, and prices can vary drastically, especially between jobs like pressure washing a home, roof, deck, patio, etc.
• When running a business, preparing for the unexpected is essential. That’s where business insurance comes in. 
• If you want more detailed tips and ways to scale your business, check out our blog: Our Top Pressure Washing Marketing Tips to Scale Your Business.

PowerWash.com

We want to help you start your pressure washing business and make it a success. That’s why we’re here to help you with our complete line of power washing equipment, video tutorials, training, and even pressure washing business tips. We’re the leading destination for all things power washing, and we’ve got you covered, whether you’re just starting or a seasoned pro. Our team of experts is always ready to answer questions, and our products are from the top brands in the industry. So why not make PowerWash.com your one-stop shop for power washing success? Contact us, and get started today!