How to Start a Pressure Washing or Soft Washing Business
How to Start a Pressure Washing or Soft Washing Business Reasons to Start a Pressure Washing Business If you like working with your hands, and
If you like working with your hands, and seeing immediate results from your work, pressure washing or soft washing can be a rewarding business to get into. On top of this, many people can turn pressure washing into a lucrative business. Your potential clients can be anywhere, from commercial clients to your next-door neighbors. If someone owns property, they likely will have a need for your services at some point in time. Pressure washing is a high-margin service that motivated individuals can capitalize on.
Many people see pressure washing as a business with low barriers to get into, but the professionals will tell a different story. Because so many people see this as a low barrier business, the market can be very competitive. You may be able to secure the equipment, but you need to have a plan in place for acquiring customers.
While it is rewarding, a lot can go wrong quickly with pressure washing. Use the wrong setting on the wrong surface, and your new business could be looking at a hefty lawsuit from a property owner. New business owners should make it a priority to have a plan for EPA regulations, get proper insurance, and separate their personal finances from their businesses.
Depending on what state you are in, you may need a contractor’s license. You should also look at the EPA’s Stormwater resources. Your town or city’s website is also a good place to check for any licenses or permits that you may need.
A pressure washing business has the potential to bring in a lot of cash on sunny days, but in winter months, things could slow down or come to a standstill depending on where you live. Here are some questions to ask yourself before jumping into the business.
Fortunately, there are a variety of different resources available online that can teach you the ins and outs of pressure washing a soft washing. Reading and watching videos is a great place to start, but you should also get some hands-on experience before starting a business.
You can rent a pressure washer and test on different types of scrap material that you may have. You may also consider getting hired by another pressure washing company for a season.
In the U.S., there are several business structures you can choose. What business structure you have can affect your personal liability, the paperwork you need to file, and can also affect how much you will pay in taxes. When choosing a business structure, consulting with an accountant or attorney is often wise.
If you are doing business but have not registered as any other kind of business, you are automatically considered to be a sole proprietorship. Sole proprietorships do not separate business assets from personal assets. This means that you can be held personally liable for the debts and obligations of your business. If you think that your business idea is relatively low-risk, and you want to test the waters before forming a more formal business, you may consider a sole proprietorship.
An LLC can be owned by one or more people or entities, called members. One advantage of an LLC is that it offers members personal liability protection against the debts and obligations of the company, meaning that in most instances, your personal assets like your personal savings accounts or your home won’t be at risk if your LLC faces bankruptcy or lawsuits. If you have significant personal assets you would like to protect, or you feel like your business is at a higher risk, an LLC may be a wise choice.
A corporation can be owned by one or more persons or entities, called shareholders. The potential advantages of corporations include protection of the shareholders’ personal assets from the debts and obligations of the corporation, as well as potentially the ability to raise revenue from outside investors by selling shares in the company. However, there are certain formalities and tax considerations/implications that go along with forming your company as a corporation.
As the type of structure you choose for your company can have a significant impact on issues related to your personal liability, taxes, required paperwork and other formalities, it is always a good idea to consult with an experienced accountant and attorney so that you can make an informed choice.
Because you will be constantly working on other people’s property, there is a lot of risk that comes with a pressure washing business. You want to protect your business to get the most out of your investment. You should have insurance coverage in place before you start booking your clients.
General liability insurance helps protect your business against financial liabilities that result from certain types of accidents for which you are legally liable. General liability policies apply to claims for bodily injury or property damage that your business causes to third parties.
Do you drive a vehicle as part of your power washing business? A personal auto insurance policy, as opposed to a commercial auto insurance policy, does not provide liability coverage if you are driving for hire (sometimes referred to as “using your vehicle for public or livery conveyance”). Reach out to request a quote for commercial auto delivery services. Once you reach out, an insurance professional will likely need:
A BOP, or business owner’s policy, typically bundles two common insurance coverages- general liability and commercial property. Usually, these policies come with a cost savings compared to buying the coverages separately. Depending on what insurance carrier you go through, additional coverages may be available to add-on to a Business Owner’s Policy, such as data breach insurance. In order to see how much your business will pay for a BOP, you can request a quote.
If your business has even one employee, workers’ compensation may be legally required. Worker’s Comp can help cover medical bills for employees who are injured or become ill because of work related events. It can also help cover a portion of lost wages.
We work with over 100 carriers, which means more options for you. With offices located throughout the Northeast, one of our experienced insurance professionals may be closer than you think. Reaching out to our team to review coverage or request a quote is as simple as filling out our form here. If you prefer to call an office directly, you can find a list of our office locations here.
The power washing industry is very competitive. Growing your customer base won’t happen automatically or overnight, and that is an area where a lot of entrepreneurs struggle. Here are some strategies that you can implement:
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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.
How to Start a Pressure Washing or Soft Washing Business Reasons to Start a Pressure Washing Business If you like working with your hands, and
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