Cleaning apartment complexes can be a fantastic source of income for pressure washing businesses, but it isn’t without its challenges. Today, Cody from Southeast Softwash shares insights from an on-site apartment cleaning job. Follow these top five "gremlins" to watch out for to make sure your day goes smoothly and profitably.
1. Electrical Issues
Electrical systems in apartment complexes can often be neglected and left in poor condition, which creates potential hazards when cleaning. During the walkthrough, Cody emphasizes checking for messy wiring, exposed cables, and faulty boxes. Any oversight here could lead to costly damage or even a dangerous situation. So, make sure to inspect all electrical systems beforehand and address any concerns with the property manager.
2. Water Access and Sources
Water access is often restricted in apartment complexes to prevent unauthorized use, so finding reliable water sources is crucial. Cody demonstrates how to handle this by planning for water access and ensuring the cleaning rig can operate independently if needed. Always confirm which spigots work and communicate with the property manager to avoid surprises on the job.
3. "Stuff" and Tenant Belongings
Tenants often leave personal items on balconies and patios, especially in breezeways and entryways. These items can interfere with cleaning. Make it clear to the property manager that items need to be moved, or agree on a workaround. Cody’s approach? Give tenants a chance to move items, but have a clause allowing you to skip that unit if the clutter makes cleaning difficult.
4. Breezeway Doors and Windows
Breezeways, with doors and windows that may lack weatherproofing, can be a major issue. Cody advises keeping a close eye on these areas, as water can easily seep into units if doors don’t have proper weather stripping. Always inform property managers in advance about potential water intrusion and advise tenants to place towels at the door bases. Make sure your contract includes a disclaimer covering this issue to protect against liability.
5. Vehicles and Heavy Traffic
Unlike a single-family home with minimal vehicle traffic, apartment complexes have numerous tenants and vehicles constantly coming and going. Cody’s approach here is to clean each building quickly to minimize the chances of overspray or accidental damage to vehicles. Use a methodical approach and knock out each building as efficiently as possible to reduce risks.
Ready to Make Apartment Cleaning a Profitable Venture?
Navigating the challenges of cleaning apartment complexes requires more than just a powerful rig. Southeast Softwash’s Softwash 101 Class is designed to teach you the ins and outs of successful soft-washing techniques, from equipment handling to building cleaning strategies. Join our in-person training at Southeast headquarters or choose our video training for remote learning!
Gain the knowledge and skills to turn apartment complex cleaning into a smooth and profitable venture. Check the links below to get started with Softwash 101 and be prepared to make every job a payday, not a mayday!
