Most homeowners now understand the benefits of cleaning and how often they should power wash their homes. However, some are reluctant to hire a firm to assist because they don't know who to trust.
Considering the powerful equipment in play, this is understandable. After all, no property owner wants to risk damage to their building. To assist homeowners, the team at Ortiz Pro Wash compiled this list of things to consider when hiring a contractor.
Expertise
Soft washing, power washing, and pressure washing are three very different techniques. While there are guidelines on which to use on which surface, there is no substitute for experience. Using too little pressure leads to unsatisfactory results, while too much can:
- Warp metal
- Crack tiles
- Chip concrete
- Scour wood
- Crack vinyl siding
Choosing a firm with expertise in the project at hand makes good fiscal sense and offers peace of mind.
Customer Reviews
Prospective clients should never rely solely on reviews from the contractor's website. Instead, they should check third-party sites and reviews with photographs or videos. These will offer definitive evidence of how good or poor a job the company typically does.
While every company will have some negative comments, the positive ones should overwhelm these. Should prospective clients notice a pattern in the negative reviews, it might be time to look elsewhere.
Is There A Guarantee?
Reputable companies will stand behind the results they achieve and be confident enough to put that guarantee in writing. At the very least, they should be willing to allow you to inspect their work before they leave.
Insurance
Falls from roofs are the leading cause of death or injury in the construction industry. If the firm the property owner hires does not have sufficient insurance to cover such incidents, the worker or their family might hold the property owner liable.
The property owner will usually also be liable for damage to their or other people's property due to such incidents.
Cost
It's never a good idea to base such a crucial decision solely on price, but it can be helpful to get several quotes. Estimates that are much higher or lower than average are red flags. The contractor is either inexperienced or desperate to secure business.
Neither bodes well for the project.
Customer Service
Clients should start vetting customer service from the first phone call. Is the company easy to contact? Do they value the client or treat them as an inconvenience? Are they transparent about their pricing and willing to be flexible with the work schedule?
Reputable firms provide free, on-site estimates and detailed quotes. They will be willing to work the price into the contract, allowing for unforeseen circumstances. Their experience will make them confident in sticking to the price they set.
Would You Like to See a Professional at Work?
For more information on choosing the right firm for your project, or to save yourself the trouble of vetting contractors, contact Ortiz Pro Wash at (302) 228-6599.
