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Pressure Washing Business Plan Sample

MAY.25, 2018

Pressure Washing Business Plan Sample

Pressure washing business plan for starting your own business

Do you want to start your own pressure washing business? Starting a pressure washing business is very easy and requires minimal investment in business plan but to carry on this work successfully, you must have excellent business and marketing skills as well as a dedicated team of professional pressure washers having experience or certification in pressure washing. You must also have to acquire permits and licenses from the state so as to start operating your business. Another important thing that you need to do before you move on to starting this business is preparation of a comprehensive business plan. If you are wondering how to write one then here we are providing you the professional business plan for a pressure washing business startup named ‘James Washing Services’.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

James Washing Services will be a pressure washing company which will provide all sorts of heavy duty washing services to its customers. The company will be based in Austin, US.

2.2 Management

James will manage the overall operations of the company while the other staff will comprise of sales executives, pressure machine operators, drivers, and assistants. Considering the extensive experience of James in this industry, he knows everything about how to start a pressure washing business .

2.3 Customers

Our target market is the residential community as well as the corporate sector based in Austin.

2.4 Business Target

Our business targets for next three years are as follows:

Pressure Washing Business Plan - 3 Years Profit Forecast

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

James Washing Services will be owned by John James, a high school graduate who has spent more than 10 years in pressure washing industry.

3.2 Why the Business is being started

After completing high school, James decided to start working full time as he had never been interested in studies. He provided unparalleled pressure washing services in different reputable firms in the United States and helped them grow. Due to the appreciation and motivation from friends and clients, James finally decided to take the big step of starting his own pressure washing firm.

3.3 How the Business will be started

The business will be located midway between the residential and commercial zone of Austin. The facility comprises of Electrical grounds for the wash gun and washing system, high-pressure dead-man type water wash gun, stainless steel water storage tank, centrifugal water pump, insulator washers, 2 vacuum stations, 1 high-pressure wand self-service bay and a fifty foot fully automatic tunnel. The costs needed start pressure washing business are summarized in the chart below:

Pressure Washing Business Plan - Startup cost

The detailed start-up requirements are given below:

Services for customers

Before you open a pressure washing business , make sure to pay special attention to what services will you offer to your customers because the planning of many subsequent components depends on your services. James Washing Services will offer both in-station and out-station services to its customers. Our main services include:

  • Parking lot & driveway washing
  • Drain, duct & gutter cleaning
  • Window washing & chimney sweep services
  • Swimming pool cleaning & maintenance
  • Other industrial cleaning services

Marketing Analysis of pressure washing business

Marketing analysis is extremely important because it gives you an idea of your position in the market. Therefore, it must be considered before starting a pressure washing business plan development.

5.1 Market Trends

The pressure washing industry is a large industry which generates an annual revenue of $9 billion in the United States. The interesting fact about this industry is that no company has a leading market share in it and there are hundreds of thousands of small to medium scale businesses in the industry. According to recent statistics, there are more than 135,000 licensed pressure washing business in the United States which are responsible for employing more than 187,000 people and the industry is growing at an estimated rate of 0.5 percent.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

We are strategically located midway between the residential and commercial zones of Austin so that we may easily target the residential community as well as the corporate and industrial sector. Our experts have identified the following type of target audience which can become our future consumers:

Pressure Washing Business Plan - Market Segmentation

The detailed marketing segmentation of our target audience is as follows:

5.2.1 Corporate Sector:

This target group comprises of the factories, industries, and product manufacturers. These industries frequently need pressure washing services for cleaning and maintaining heavy industrial machines as well as industrial discharge outlets.

5.2.2 Institutions & Organizations:

Our second target group comprises of various institutions and organizations located in Manhattan including government and public-sector organizations. This group seldom needs pressure washing services, such as occasional cleaning of parking and driveways, so it has a little contribution to our sales and revenue.

5.2.3 Residential Community:

This will be our biggest target group as well as the biggest generator of our revenue. This target group will need our services for cleaning and maintaining their swimming pools, drains, gutters etc. The detailed market analysis of our potential customers is given in the following table:

5.3 Business Target

  • To achieve the net profit margin of $10k/month by first year, $15k by second year, and $25k by third year
  • To balance the initial cost of the startup with earned profits by the end of the first year
  • To open another facility in downtown location by the end of fifth year

5.4 Product Pricing

Product pricing is one of the most important factors in deciding the strategy for any business. After considering the market demands, we have priced all our products in the similar ranges as of our competitors.

Like marketing analysis, sales strategy is also a key success determining factor so make sure to plan it before you start your own pressure washing business .

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Highly Efficient Service! I am incredibly happy with the outcome; Alex and his team are highly efficient professionals with a diverse bank of knowledge.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

As mentioned earlier, there are more than 135,000 pressure washing business in the United States. To survive and excel in this environment, our biggest competitive advantage will be our exceptional and high-quality services. We will ensure that our workers do not damage the valuable properties of our clients and provide a timely service. The leadership and industry experience of James is itself a huge competitive advantage since he is already a famous figure in the industry.

6.2 Sales Strategy

For encouraging the sales during the initial months of our launch, we will offer a 10% discount on our services for the first three months. We will also give out cold calls and advertise our business in relevant newspapers, TV stations, and social media.

6.3 Sales Monthly

Pressure Washing Business Plan - Sales Monthly

6.4 Sales Yearly

Pressure Washing Business Plan - Sales Yearly

6.5 Sales Forecast

Pressure Washing Business Plan - Projected Cash Flow Diagram

Personnel plan

Personel plan shows information about the staff of a company along with their salaries and you should plan it before you think about how to start a small pressure washing business .

7.1 Company Staff

James will act as the General Manager of the company and will initially hire following people:

  • 1 Accountant to maintain financial and other records
  • 2 Sales Executives responsible to market and discover new ventures
  • 5 Pressure Machine Operators to operate the power machines
  • 4 Drivers to transport the mobile machines on-site
  • 4 Cleaners/Assistants to assist with cleaning operations

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

Before starting pressure washing business , you must seek the help of financial experts for crafting a detailed financial plan for your startup. The success of a business heavily depends on its accurate financial analysis so make sure to pay special attention to your financial plan before you start a pressure washing business . The financial plan covers the costs incurred on inventory, rent, equipment, personnel and it also covers how you will balance the costs with revenue and earn profit from it.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 brake-even analysis.

Pressure Washing Business Plan - Brake-even Analysis

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 profit monthly.

Pressure Washing Business Plan - PROFIT MONTHLY

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

Pressure Washing Business Plan - PROFIT YEARLY

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

Pressure Washing Business Plan - GROSS MARGIN MONTHLY

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

Pressure Washing Business Plan - GROSS MARGIN YEARLY

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

8.5 projected balance sheet, 8.6 business ratios.

Download Pressure Washing Business Plan Template in pdf

OGS capital professional writers specialized also in themes such as roofing business plan , computer repair business plan , commercial window cleaning business plan , carpet cleaning business plan template , business plan for a house scrubbing , laundromat business model and many others.

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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How to Start a $150K/Month Pressure Washing Business

  • 2 months ago

From soup kitchens and selling drugs to becoming a preacher, Joshua Brown realized:

I’m tired of creating someone else’s kingdom.

He started a pressure washing business, and it changed his life. It could do the same for you… If done right.

With his family depending on him, Joshua built a pressure-washing business while working his full-time job, which he hung onto until his first million-dollar year.

Do you want to go where you’ve never gone?

You’ll have to change what you’ve always done.

From common and costly mistakes to a blueprint for replicating his success, this may be the ultimate resource for starting a pressure-washing business.

We’ll share Joshua’s pressure washing mistakes, lessons learned, and how you can benefit from his experiences to start and grow a pressure washing business that lets you live life and thrive financially. We’ll also share an industry breakdown and tips on equipment, marketing, and more.

Case Study: Brown’s Pressure Washing

Understanding the pressure washing industry, step #1. create a business plan, step #2. establish your business, step #3. buy your equipment and supplies, step #4. set your rates, step #5. get a business bank account, step #6. start marketing, step #7. find jobs, step #8. serve clients, step #9. grow your business.

  • Take the free pressure washing course now

Joshua Googled “top 5 businesses to start with $5,000,” and that’s how he started Brown’s Pressure Washing . We’ll show you how to start a pressure washing business that grows from $5K invested to $225K, then $445K, then $780K, then nearly $1M in revenue in its first four years.

Today, Brown’s Pressure Washing makes $2M in annual revenue.

It wasn’t without struggle. He made a ton of mistakes. He’d run out of gas and chemicals and didn’t know what an O-ring was.

To understand how to start a pressure washing business, you need to understand the industry. Two aspects of the industry are crucial you learn about:

The pressure washing market

  • Necessary pressure washing equipment and skills

Let’s look at the industry first.

IBIS World, a business research firm, has a pressure-washing report covering everything you want to know about the industry. The report is available for $925; you might want to purchase it before applying for business loans.

The pressure washing industry is part of the nearly 23,000 businesses. These businesses have an average annual revenue of $45,073 with an average profit margin of 8.44%.

Some of the most successful pressure washing businesses make way more, though. Brown’s Pressure Washing makes $150K per month.

Check out our interview with Joshua about his pressure washing business:

YouTube player

Breakdown of industry revenue and profit

A pressure washing business owner should expect revenue to be spent on the following expenses:

  • Wages: 21-31% of revenue
  • Purchases: 31-50% on equipment, vehicles, and other purchases
  • Marketing: Expect to spend at least 1.5% to 3%, but many successful power washers spend 8-12%
  • Rent: Pressure washing rent expenses average 1-2% of revenue, but many people run their services from home offices. A home office can make the rent expense more of an on-paper cost than a monetary expense.
  • Utilities: Normally, utilities are nominal, between one-third of a percent and 2.1% of revenue.
  • Depreciation: Between 1% and 2% of revenue
  • Other Costs: Between 17.8% and 22.8% of revenue
  • Profit: The net income ratio is between 5.6% and 8.4%, but you can increase it dramatically by automating services. Joshua told us his profit margins are typically between 20% and 30%.

Pressure washing skills

Pressure washing a driveway sounds easy, but if you want to make money, you must master the use of pressure washing equipment. Home and business owners expect quality results.

If you know how to efficiently and effectively pressure wash several surfaces, like stone, cement, wood, and shingles, you’ll make your pressure washing company stand out. You will need to study, practice, and hone your skills to do this.

Pressure washing resources

Some of the best pressure washing business resources are below:

  • Hands-on Practice: Learn and get paid by another pressure washing business to develop skills.
  • Environmental Protection Agency: Contact the EPA to learn about pressure washing regulations.
  • United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners: The UAMCC provides certifications, publications, online learning, and hands-on learning.
  • YouTube Videos: The video-sharing platform offers a wealth of pressure washing tutorials.

Get FREE Access to Joshua’s Pressure Washing Masterclass

What you’ll in get FREE in the next 39 minutes:

  • Little-known secrets to successfully finance your business.
  • The basics you’ll need to quickly start earning.
  • The most profitable services to offer for unlimited clients.
  • Proven ways to maximize your marketing budget.

And so much more… See for yourself, watch the pressure washing masterclass here!

How to start a pressure washing business

People assume pressure washing is easy and takes little skill, muscle, or brainpower. While certain businesses require more talent than others, pressure washing is more complex than it may appear.

You’ll need to:

  • Create a business plan
  • Establish your business
  • Buy your equipment and supplies
  • Set your rates
  • Start marketing
  • Serve clients
  • Grow your business

We’ll help guide you through starting a pressure washing business.

Sometimes, people start a business without knowing where to take it. While this can work out in the end, it is risky. Instead, you should go into your business with a clear goal.

Do you want to create a high-value business that makes $1.8 million annually? Great! Create a business plan outlining each step you’ll take to get there. Check out our business plan writing guide to learn more.

Some important steps in the business planning process are…

Choosing a business name

Small business owners need to choose a business name carefully. You want something memorable that makes the service you provide clear. It will help with word-of-mouth advertising as your business grows.

You’ll also need the business name to form a legal structure, create your website, open business accounts, and create a logo.

Determining startup costs

You can start a successful pressure washing business with low initial costs. Depending on your current scenario, you’ll need the following:

  • Pressure washer: $100-$3K
  • Nozzles and hoses: $20-$100
  • Water tank: $100-$900
  • Vehicle: From $0 to $35K depending on whether you own one already
  • Auto insurance: $1,762 annually, according to Insureon
  • Smartphone and plan: $0-$1,800
  • Business software: $0–$500
  • Marketing: $0–$5K

All told, these costs range from $220 to $48K.

Most people can start a pressure washing company for less than $5K, but Joshua explained:

Your equipment will determine how much you can make. … Start with the best equipment you can afford and build from there.

Joshua himself invested $5K to start his business. He bought a boat trailer for $300, a pressure washer for $3,500, and related equipment and expenses that made up the remainder.

To start a pressure washing company, you will need to:

  • Choose a business structure.
  • Register your business.
  • Get a pressure washing business license.
  • Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  • Get pressure washing business insurance.

Starting a power washing business is easiest with the help of a local attorney. Keep reading for more information.

Choose a business structure

Before you officially establish your pressure washing company, you’ll need to decide on a business structure.

Most local businesses are limited liability companies, or LLCs. These entities separate your personal assets from your business assets, protecting your personal assets in lawsuits. You could consider establishing a corporation for additional benefits, but that comes with its own set of challenges.

Learn more in our guide to business structures .

Register your business

When they’ve decided on a business structure, pressure washing business owners will want to create a new business entity. You’ll want to register your business name and form the business through the secretary of state in your state of operations .

Get a pressure washing business license

Many locations will require a pressure washing license. Check with your county clerk’s office or licensing office for the exact permits, licenses, and insurance a pressure washer company needs to operate legally.

Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Any pressure washing company that has employees or is registered as an LLC or corporation must get an EIN for accounting and tax filing. Get an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service .

Get pressure washing business insurance

Your new pressure washing business will need insurance to protect the business, employees, and potential customers. Each city, state, and client may have different requirements for insurance.

We recommend contacting Simply Business to find the best business insurance rates for commercial pressure washing services.

You’ll need the right equipment to start a successful pressure washing business. Josh says when you’re just starting, you’ll need a:

  • Pressure washing trailer
  • Pressure washer
  • Bumper tank
  • Chemical tank

He says that though the equipment can cost around $15K, it can earn you $200K per year.

You could spend less on pressure washing equipment, but the money you save might slow your business growth. Washing with lower pressure means you can’t take as many customers. A lower-quality pressure washer might also break down more frequently.

You should also consider an equipment rig that can go in the back of a truck. Josh told us:

A pressure washing skid costs $22K but saves even more time, is safer than a trailer, and will make you look like the most professional pressure washer in town.

You’ll probably want equipment insurance to protect against loss due to theft, damage, or malfunction.

Read our trailer setup guide to learn more about Brown’s Pressure Washing trailers.

Now that we’ve covered your initial startup costs, it’s time to move on to pricing.

Brown’s focus is on pressure washing homes and businesses. His best pressure washing contract is with Top Golf, at $60K annually.

Josh explained that his crew can clean four homes daily with a pressure washing trailer or skid and charge $300 for each job. His primary pressure washing services are:

  • Concrete cleaning and sealing
  • Gutter cleaning
  • Window cleaning
  • Commercial building cleaning

They use a unique technique called a softwash. Softwash systems differ from regular pressure washing services because they use less pressure, which makes them less likely to damage a customer’s property.

Pressure washing pricing models

All price data in this section comes from HomeGuide .

There are essentially three ways to determine the price of a pressure washing job. You can charge by:

  • Space: $0.35 to $0.77 per square foot
  • Time: $50 to $160 per hour
  • Service: $100 to $500 flat rate

Charging by space

Charging by square footage is transparent and projects objectivity to your customers. Here is a breakdown of average prices for different pressure washing services:

  • Driveway: $0.50 per square foot
  • Patio or Deck: $0.55 per square foot
  • Fencing: $0.45 per square foot
  • Roofing: $0.70 per square foot
  • Siding: $0.50 per square foot

Charging by Time

To charge by time, multiply the time you think it will take times your hourly rate. Don’t forget to include the time to estimate, book, and travel to the job in your calculation.

Charging by service

Many businesses offer set prices for certain kinds of services. This can make budgeting easier for both the business and the client.

For example, your business could charge a set fee of $100 to pressure wash a deck, $150 to pressure wash a driveway, and $250 to pressure wash the exterior of a house. You will need to decide which services to provide and how much to charge for each.

To decide on a final price, you will also need to consider the cost of your services. Since the most commonly requested pressure washing service is the driveway, we will use this as an example.

Breaking down the cost to pressure wash a driveway

Assuming you’re a one-person operation, the primary costs associated with the work will be fuel and time. The average driveway will take 1-2 hours to pressure wash.

The fuel cost (for both your vehicle and pressure washer) will depend on the size of the driveway and the distance you need to drive from your business location. That said, you can calculate your costs by assuming you will use approximately two gallons per hour on the job (including travel time).

The cost of your time is much trickier to calculate. You want to make enough to offset your business expenses and compensate for wear and tear on your equipment.

So this number will largely depend on the cost of your existing business expenses. If you’re just starting with essential equipment, you can estimate that the cost to you will be around $20-$30 per hour, plus the cost of fuel.

So if you’re pressure washing a small driveway (one hour of labor) with a one-hour drive, it will cost your business about $65 (assuming fuel is $2.50 per gallon) to pressure wash one driveway. If you have employees, you must add their hourly cost to this figure.

From there, consider your competition, determine how much you want to profit, and set your price. Want more in-depth information? Learn more about estimating pressure washing jobs .

A business bank account is critical for business operations. For protection under an LLC, you must keep your personal and business accounts separate. Plus, business bank accounts make paying your taxes easier because you don’t have to sort through every expense.

Business bank accounts will even make it easier to get approved for things like business credit cards and business loans .

Find out how to open a business bank account .

Josh explained how to market a pressure washing business. He discussed the following types of pressure washing advertising:

Business cards

Door hangers.

  • Google advertising

Professional-looking videos

Television ads, hiring a professional marketer.

First, Brown invested in a massive website for the pressure washing company. Check out the website here . Then go check out our cleaning business website examples for insights into what customers look for when seeking a pressure washer.

Business cards are inexpensive marketing tools that can help you connect with partners and customers. Check out our blog about inexpensive business cards , make your own, and leave them everywhere you go.

Door hangers or flyers are also good business expenses. A power washing company can leave them at neighbors’ houses or send them in the mail after you pressure wash a property.

Google Advertising

Josh explained his experience with digital advertising in the pressure washing industry. It didn’t start off great. He failed on platforms like Nextdoor, Facebook, and Google.

But eventually, he found a strategy for Google advertising that leads to a good return on investment.

Invest your money during the warm times, then ramp down your ads during the summer. … We spend $6 per pressure wash customer on Google and make about $80 per dollar spent.

He still uses Google to market his pressure washing company but avoids most other digital advertisements. He advises dedicating about 75% of your advertising budget to Google and the rest to the following options.

Another trick to jumpstarting a pressure washing company is to create videos. Find beautiful homes that need pressure washing services, clean them, and share videos of the process.

Make sure your video is well-lit, properly framed, and edited smoothly. It will make you look more professional than other local businesses in the pressure washing industry.

This leads to another way Josh makes his pressure washing business successful.

Develop a relationship with a news network, like Brown’s Pressure Washing did when they were a new business.

Once we hit a million [in revenue per year], I started advertising in the news, Monday Night Football, and college sports. Without this relationship [with Fox 17], things would not be the same.

As a small business owner, this may sound like an expensive strategy compared to online advertising. Still, it gets your business in front of more potential customers in your target market. You can expect to pay $5 to $10 per 1,000 viewers for a 30-second ad.

Don’t be afraid to hire someone who understands effective marketing strategies. Power washing services can save a lot of money by outsourcing their advertising.

I was spending $9K to $10K in Google Ads, which got cut to $3K monthly when I hired a professional marketer.

You should talk to other successful pressure washing companies to find out who they hire for their marketing services.

Josh’s pressure washing business venture has a remarkable 73% closing rate. He attributes a good share of his success in booking jobs to his sales manager, Brady Ridings. Josh said:

An investor contacted me. I told him, ‘I don’t need an investor, I need a salesperson.’ That’s how I met Brady, who sold $1M his first year. His biggest challenge was fixing my mistakes.

Brady shared that to win jobs, he makes sure to use the three Cs: constant clear communication.

And Josh shared one of his secrets for getting return customers. It’s simple: Rinse the plants after cleaning a roof.

This is the step where you make your money. You’ll be at the clients’ homes or businesses. As a professional pressure washing business, you’ll want to make sure to:

  • Wear uniforms
  • Be friendly
  • Respect the customer’s property
  • Document your completed work each time
  • Collect payment

At this point, you know the basics of how to start a pressure washing business. Next, we’ll discuss some ways to grow your pressure washing business.

Growing your business doesn’t have to be complicated. Josh told us:

I want to go far with a great group of people. My goal is to get a 5-star review on every job. I tell customers that.

The company takes it seriously, too, giving every employee a bonus if they get a 5-star review from their customers. A solid 40% of customers give Brown’s Pressure Washing a 5-star review.

Here are some of the company’s strategies:

  • Build a great team.
  • Use software.
  • Consider franchising.

Read on for details about each of these.

Build a great team

A great team is the key to any business becoming successful. Josh spends a lot of time finding good people to surround himself with in his business.

Brady was the first salesperson, and he leads the sales team. Meanwhile, Josiah is in charge of operations. Both of them are part owners, and Josiah told us he was offered ownership stakes in exchange for a five-year commitment to the business.

Josh explained how he pays the team:

We use pay-for-performance. The pressure washing business performs better because it effectively makes the employees owners of their responsibility.

Check out the pressure washing business course to learn more.

Use software

An upstart pressure washing company will need some software. Brown’s uses CompanyCam to document before and after photos and videos.

CompanyCam also integrates with Housecall Pro, their customer relationship management software—and our number one pick for best client management software —to save all the photos and videos with other contact details.

Consider franchising

Success is more likely if you have a great team. Consider expanding your team by offering franchising opportunities.

We don’t make it easy to get a franchise, but if we choose to work with you, we’re behind you.

Learn more about Brown’s pressure wash business franchise .

Take the pressure washing course now

We hope you’ve found Josh’s strategies helpful to start or grow your pressure washing business. The team at Brown’s are great people, and you’ll love the course!

What’s stopping you from starting your own pressure washing business? Take the next step!

Start your successful pressure washing business

Sure, it requires a lot of preparation, but we consider pressure washing one of the best small businesses to start. Now, turning your pressure washing business into a highly successful company is up to you. Build the right skills, get equipment, and follow your business plan to start and run a company successfully.

Will you start a pressure washing side hustle or focus on starting a business that makes millions?

Brandon Boushy

Brandon Boushy lives to improve people’s lives by helping them become successful entrepreneurs. His journey started nearly 30 years ago. He consistently excelled at everything he did, but preferred to make the rules rather than follow him. His exploration of self and knowledge has helped him to get an engineering degree, MBA, and countless certifications. When freelancing and rideshare came onto the scene, he recognized the opportunity to play by his own rules. Since 2017, he has helped businesses across all industries achieve more with his research, writing, and marketing strategies. Since 2021, he has been the Lead Writer for UpFlip where he has published over 170 articles on small business success.

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How to Start a Pressure Washing Business

start a pressure washing business

Starting a pressure washing business can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn the keys to launching a successful pressure washing business.

Importantly, a critical step in starting a pressure washing business is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

Follow these 14 steps to start a pressure washing business:

  • Choose the Name for Your Pressure Washing Business
  • Develop Your Pressure Washing Business Plan
  • Choose the Legal Structure for Your Pressure Washing Business
  • Secure Startup Funding for Your Pressure Washing Business (If Needed)
  • Secure a Lease for Your Location
  • Register Your Pressure Washing Business with the IRS
  • Open a Business Bank Account
  • Get a Business Credit Card
  • Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
  • Get Business Insurance for Your Pressure Washing Business
  • Buy or Lease the Right Pressure Washing Business Equipment
  • Develop Your Pressure Washing Business Marketing Materials
  • Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Pressure Washing Business
  • Open for Business

1. Choose the Name for Your Pressure Washing Business

The first step to starting a pressure washing business is to choose your business’ name.  

This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your pressure washing business:

  • Make sure the name is available. Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
  • Keep it simple. The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
  • Think about marketing. Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your pressure washing business.

2. Develop Your Pressure Washing Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting a pressure washing business is to develop your pressure washing business plan . The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your business.

Your business plan should include the following sections:

  • Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your pressure washing business.
  • Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your pressure washing business and what type of pressure washing business you operate. For example, are you a mobile pressure washing business, a commercial pressure washing business, or a residential pressure washing business.
  • Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the pressure washing business industry. Conduct market research and document how big the industry is and what trends are affecting it.
  • Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target customers are and their demographics. For example, how old are they? Where do they live? What do they find important when purchasing services like the ones you will offer?
  • Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
  • Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
  • Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer 
  • Prices : Document the prices of your products/services
  • Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
  • Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract customers to your pressure washing business? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing.
  • Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your day-to-day operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
  • Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
  • Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
  • What startup costs will you incur?
  • How will your pressure washing business make money?
  • What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
  • Do you need to raise funding to launch your business?

3. Choose the Legal Structure for Your Pressure Washing Business

Next you need to choose a legal structure for your pressure washing business and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your business.

Below are the five most common legal structures:

1) Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the owner of the pressure washing business and the business are the same legal person. The owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small businesses. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to start a pressure washing business together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business. 

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A Limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for a pressure washing business include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a pressure washing business is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Once you register your pressure washing business, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your company.

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4. Secure Startup Funding for Your Pressure Washing Business (If Needed)

In developing your pressure washing business plan , you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business. 

If so, the main sources of funding for a pressure washing business to consider are personal savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in a pressure washing business that they believe has high potential for growth.

5. Secure a Lease for Your Location

When looking for a location for your pressure washing company, you’ll want to find an area that is highly trafficked and visible. The best locations are those with a lot of foot traffic, as this will help you to drum up business. You’ll also want to make sure that the location you choose has ample parking, as you’ll need to be able to park your truck and trailer. 

A secure location is key to ensure that your vehicles and equipment are safe from theft and damage.  The size of the location that you choose will depend on how big of a truck and trailer that you have. 

6. Register Your Pressure Washing Business with the IRS

Next, you need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a bank account in your pressure washing business’ name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

  • Identify and contact the bank you want to use
  • Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
  • Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
  • Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

8. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your pressure washing business to help you separate personal and business expenses.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the name of your business, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

9. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

The licenses and permits necessary to start a pressure washing business may vary from state to state. However, in general, you will likely need a business license, as well as a license to operate a pressure washing business. You may also need a permit to operate a power washer. To find out what licenses and permits are required in your city or state, contact your local licensing agency or chamber of commerce.

10. Get Business Insurance for Your Pressure Washing Business

Below are the main types of insurance to consider for your business:

  • General liability insurance : This covers accidents and injuries that occur on your property. It also covers damages caused by your employees or products.
  • Auto insurance : If a vehicle is used in your business, this type of insurance will cover if a vehicle is damaged or stolen.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance : If you have employees, this type of policy works with your general liability policy to protect against workplace injuries and accidents. It also covers medical expenses and lost wages.
  • Commercial property insurance : This covers damage to your property caused by fire, theft, or vandalism.
  • Business interruption insurance : This covers lost income and expenses if your business is forced to close due to a covered event.
  • Professional liability insurance : This protects your business against claims of professional negligence.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs. 

11. Buy or Lease the Right Pressure Washing Business Equipment

To start a pressure washing business, you’ll need to purchase pressure washing equipment. You can find pressure washers in a variety of price ranges, so be sure to do your research and find the one that’s right for you. In some cases, you may be able to rent a pressure washer from your local equipment supply company. This is an option if you don’t want to make a long-term commitment by buying one.

Other equipment that you will need are supplies and accessories such as soap/cleaners, extension cords, water hose connectors and safety gear.

12. Develop Your Pressure Washing Business Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your own pressure washing business.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

  • Logo: Spend some time developing a good logo for your pressure washing business. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
  • Website: Likewise, a professional pressure washing business website provides potential customers with information about the services you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your website will affect how customers perceive you.
  • Social Media Accounts: establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your pressure washing business.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

13. purchase and setup the software needed to run your pressure washing business.

There are a few software programs that you will need in order to run a pressure or power washing business. The first is a customer management system, which will help you keep track of your customers’ contact information, as well as their orders and payments. You will also need a financial management system, which will help you keep track of your expenses and profits. Finally, you will need a marketing automation system, which will help you automate your marketing tasks, such as email marketing and social media marketing.

14. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your pressure washing business. If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful business. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you.  

Additional Resources

Pressure Washing Mavericks

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Pressure Washing Business FAQs

Is it hard to start a pressure washing business.

It is a relatively easy business to start, but this will vary depending on your skills, experience, and resources. However, if you follow the steps above, you should be able to start your pressure washing business without too much difficulty.

How can I start a pressure washing business with no experience?

Here are a few ways to start a pressure washing business with no experience. 

  • Start by researching the industry. There are many online resources that can provide you with information on how to start a pressure washing business.
  • Join an industry association. This will give you access to valuable resources and networking opportunities.
  • Attend trade shows and other events in the industry. This will help you learn about the latest trends and technologies in the pressure washing industry.
  • Contact local businesses and ask if they would be interested in having their property pressure washed. This is a great way to get started in the business and build your client base.
  • Take advantage of government incentives to start a small business, such as the SBA 504 loan program. These loans provide financing at lower interest rates and can be used to purchase pressure washing equipment and supplies for your business.

Is a pressure washing business a good idea and/or a good investment?

A pressure washing business can be a great idea if you have the right skills and are able to market yourself effectively. 

Here are just a few of the benefits of starting a pressure washing business:

  • It's relatively simple to start up.
  • You can usually start up for relatively little money.
  • You can set your own hours and work when you want.
  • There is a high demand for pressure washing services.

What type of pressure washing business is most profitable?

The most profitable type of pressure washing business is one that offers services to businesses rather than residential customers. This is because businesses are typically more willing to pay for high-quality services, and they have more regular cleaning needs. Residential customers may only need their driveway or deck cleaned once a year, while businesses may need their parking lot or building facade washed every week.

How much does it cost to start a pressure washing business?

The cost of starting a pressure washing business varies depending on the size and type of business you want to start. Most of this initial investment is for equipment and supplies.

What are the ongoing expenses for a pressure washing business?

There are a few ongoing expenses that are associated with starting and running a pressure washing business. One of the main expenses is the cost of marketing and advertising your business. You'll also need to invest in equipment and supplies, such as pressure washers, detergents, and hoses. Finally, you'll need to factor in the cost of liability insurance and any other licenses or permits that may be required for your area.

How does a pressure washing business make money?

A pressure washing business makes money by charging customers for its services. It typically charges by the hour, and the price varies depending on the size of the area that needs to be cleaned. A pressure washing business can also make money by selling detergents, sealants, and other products to its customers.

Is owning a pressure washing business profitable?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the profitability of a pressure washing business will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size and location of the business, the type of services offered, and the pricing strategy employed. However, there is certainly potential for profit in the pressure washing industry, and with a little research and planning, you can set up a successful business that provides quality services to your customers.

Why do pressure washing businesses fail?

Fluctuating income, the high cost of equipment and lack of knowledge are the top three reasons pressure washing businesses fail. To increase your chances of success, start by choosing a niche market to focus on, investing in quality equipment and educating yourself on the best techniques to run your pressure washing business.

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