Pressure Washing Job: How to Tackle Concrete Cleaning Like a Pro
Hey everyone, Justin here from Forever Self-Employed! In today’s video, I’m sharing a recap of a recent pressure washing job where we tackled both the front and back concrete areas of a home. This job was part of a two-job day, and we were able to knock it out quickly thanks to our high-powered equipment and efficient workflow.
Job Overview
We took care of both the front driveway and back patio, using an 8-gallon-per-minute pressure washer with a surface cleaner that has three bars instead of the standard two. This allowed us to clean much faster than I usually do with my standard setup. Typically, I make two passes—one forward, one backward—but with this setup, the efficiency was amazing!
The customer initially reached out through one of my Facebook ads, but it took about two months before they were ready to schedule the job. Pro tip: Even if a client doesn’t book immediately, follow up, stay patient, and give them the time they need. Sometimes, it's just a matter of them reaching back out when they’re ready.
Key Equipment for Faster Cleaning
With the right setup, you can save hours on the job. For this particular task, I partnered with my buddy Jacob, and together we finished in about an hour—a huge improvement from my usual setup, which would have taken closer to two and a half hours. Investing in powerful equipment like an 8 GPM pressure washer and a surface cleaner with three bars can make all the difference. If you're curious about beginner or pro-level equipment, we're working on a page that will list everything you need to start or upgrade your business—from J-rods to X-jets.
Adding Value: Curbs and Furniture
One common question from clients is whether curbing is included in the pressure washing package. My answer: it depends. For this job, we were already making a solid profit, so I included the curb cleaning at no extra charge. But you can certainly add curbing as an upsell based on your profit margins.
Additionally, we had to move some furniture on the back patio. This is another potential upcharge—it saves time when the customer moves it themselves, but if you need to do it, charge accordingly. You can set a flat rate based on the amount of furniture, which brings me to our word of the day: "flat rate". Drop that in the comments if you're reading this!
Job Execution
For the cleaning, I started at the top of the back patio and worked my way down, allowing the water to drain naturally. Good drainage made it easier to complete the job without leaving standing water behind. If drainage isn't great, you might need to be strategic in how you handle the water flow to avoid puddling.
Finally, after the cleaning, we moved the furniture back onto the patio, which is a nice little touch that leaves the area looking spotless for the client.
Final Thoughts
This was a straightforward pressure washing job, but efficiency, the right equipment, and knowing when to upsell services are key to maximizing profit and getting the job done quickly. If you’re looking to up your game in the pressure washing business, I highly recommend SESW Softwash 101. It’s packed with everything you need to learn about softwash systems, techniques, and how to scale your business. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to fine-tune your skills, it’s a great resource.
If you enjoyed this job recap, please hit the thumbs-up button, and don’t forget to subscribe for more tips on growing your pressure washing business. Until next time, hustle hard and get that money, baby! Peace!
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