Pressure washers, also known as power washers, are some of the most impressive pieces of machinery you can get your hands on. In this era of viral “oddly satisfying things” sweeping across the web, it’s no coincidence that a timelapse video of pressure washing in action can rack up over 2.5 million views and counting.
And they’re even more impressive in real life.
Anyone who’s had the pleasure of blasting a dirty surface with a pressure washer has questioned how to start a pressure washing business. As someone looking to start your own, you’re no doubt thinking the same thing. This guide will walk you through what it takes to begin a pressure washing business and how to position it for long-term success.
Let’s walk through each step and all the work and considerations it entails, beginning with…
This step is all about positioning yourself for the next two. It involves researching and making sure you have everything in place to plan out success over the short and long term.
What does your washing business need in order to succeed? It’s essential to make sure you have everything in place. That means securing:
Equipment – This is the most essential part when offering a pressure washing service. You need to make sure you have:
Labor – Pressure washing equipment needs operators. That means ensuring you and any workers you hire are:
Transportation – As a business owner, you need to have a way to get your pressure washing equipment and workers to and from job sites. This requires at least one car or van, if not multiple:
Space – There are a few important considerations in terms of space:
Funds – It takes money to make money. You need to make sure you have personal funds, investment capital, or reliable credit in place for:
Making sure you have what you need also involves a ton of research, which brings us to our next point.
Knowing what you need to have and do will enable you to plan out your launch. So, you need to make sure you research:
What your pressure washing company will be – This means an in-depth understanding of what your business will consist of, including:
What the environment is like – In other words, what’s the context of your business, including:
What the launch process entails – You’re already doing this part, which is great! Moving forward, you’ll need to figure out what’s required to start a business in general and particularly in your area, including:
Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to execute it!
Pick and register your business name and structure Sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, etc.
File for tax identification: An Employer Identification Number (EIN) for federal taxes A state tax ID number, if needed
Secure any and all licenses needed At the federal level At the state level At your local (city, town, etc.) level
Open up a business banking account separate from your personal accounts
Establish an online presence For selling your services For marketing and growing your business
Insure your business
That last point brings us to the third and final step for your cleaning service.
Insurance is such an important part of the launch that it gets its own step. Business insurance has to do with not just legal requirements, but also best practices to keep your pressure washing company financially secure.
As a business owner that manages a cleaning service, it’s essential that you and your employees are legally protected. Let’s go over the legal stuff first:
Required insurance
Across the U.S., two major kinds of business insurance are required of every applicable business:
For both kinds of required coverage, specific limits and minimums vary by state. Additional insurance requirements also vary across different local jurisdictions.
Beyond what you need, there’s also what you (and every business) should have.
Recommended insurance
General liability coverage is considered essential for most businesses, though not legally required. It’s extremely important for a cleaning business that involves high-power machinery, moving parts, and other people’s possessions.
General liability insurance protects you from third-party claims of:
So, if a customer, client, or any other third party is harmed and sues, you won’t have to face the claim alone.
Pressure washing insurance, simplified
Here at Thimble, our mission is simplifying insurance for small businesses owners, like you.
We custom-tailor plans that meet you where you are. They’re flexible like your schedule, affordable for your budget, and easily accessible in just 60 seconds or less. Just click “Get a Quote” or download the Thimble app, answer three quick questions, and you can purchase a pressure washing insurance plan by the hour, day, or month.
We wash away your insurance woes so you can get back to power washing like a pro.
So, now that you know what it takes to start your pressure washing business, it’s time to get out there and blow the competition away just like your pressure washer blows the dirt off any surface it blasts. To recap, all you need to do is follow three simple steps:
So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Our editorial content is intended for informational purposes only and is not written by a licensed insurance agent. Terms and conditions for rate and coverage may vary by class of business and state.
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DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this page is intended to provide general information only. For specific legal advice, please contact an attorney. For advice regarding your particular insurance needs, you should speak with your broker or agent to ensure that you have the appropriate coverages and limits.
