Things You'll Need:
- Liability insurance
- Workers compensation insurance
- Pressure washer
- Hoses
- X-Jet nozzle
- Truck
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Step 1
Contact your licensing department to find out if you need a contractor's license. While plenty of states do not require pressure washers to be licensed, some states require that you have a construction license.
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Step 2
Purchase liability insurance and workers compensation insurance for your employees. Most pressure washers have at least $1 million in liability insurance. You should also insure your equipment.
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Step 3
Enroll in a course with the Power Washers of North America (see Resources). Courses include Wood Deck Restoration and Preservation to learn proper wood restoration techniques and avoidable mistakes, House Washing, Roof Cleaning, and Lo-Rise Building Cleaning to learn how to tackle certain types of dirt and grime and proper techniques, and the Environmental Awareness and Cleaning Program to get you up to speed on proper chemical usage and water storage. Pressure washers using the incorrect water pressure can damage wood and siding. A course that teaches you how to avoid damaging a client's property is well worth the investment. In addition, being able to restore wood and ensuring that you are compliant with federal environmental rules will set you above other contractors in your area. Additionally, you will be able to register your business with the Power Washers of North America, which will give your business further credibility.
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Step 4
Purchase a pressure washer. Generally, opt for gas powered over electric, since you won't always have easy access to outlets. If you can afford it, opt for a trailer-mounted pressure washer, which will have a large capacity and can be pulled by your truck, reducing the wear and tear within the bed of your truck. Other things to consider are the PSI (pounds per square inch) rating, GPM (gallons per minute), and whether you can use hot water. Hot water may allow you to use a lower PSI, making it better suited for certain materials. Your PSI should be at least 2,000, but no more than about 5,000. Other supplies include hoses, chemicals and an X-Jet nozzle.
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Step 5
Evaluate your expenses and write up a price list that will allow you to make a profit. Consider the time you anticipate you will need to invest with each job, the materials you'll use, and how much you'll charge based on what other pressure cleaners in your area are charging. Your price list may need to be adjusted once you've completed a variety of jobs. According to PressureNet.net, average fees for a house range from $100 to $300 and $40 to $65 for mobile homes. For commercial properties, driveways, garage floors and parking lots, you may want to charge per square foot.
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Step 6
Contact government buildings and schools to get their business. Register with your Chamber of Commerce. Post fliers on bulletin boards at home improvement stores.
