I have been asked by a friend to possibly join him in starting a roof cleaning venture. I ran across a few sites that were helpful, but this has been the best! My background is more in sales and marketing and he'll need the help in that area. My first of I'm sure many questions is how lengthy is the contract used when you get a job? I mean, what if the homeowner says the roof leaks after you clean it? or plants die, etc. I mentioned to my friend that he probably shouldn't even touch a roof that remotely looks to be in disrepair or we could be asking for trouble. is there an example of a contract posted anywhere or possibly a template that could be used. It just seems that there would be so many factors that could come back to 'bite you'. Also, with the economy the way it is, are homeowners still willing to shell out the bucks to get a clean roof? or are they just saying screw it, let it look like it looks. Thanks for helping some potential newbies!! I'll let you know how things are progressing.
I am looking to get into the business myself and I have spent a lot of time reading up on this awesome forum. Incredible knowledge base here with guys that are willing to help out.
Regarding the contract... I think I've ran across a few threads that mention something about a contract. You might use the search feature and see what comes up.
Regarding the economy... From what I gather it sounds like the guys that are set up and going are staying busy. I own a residential window cleaning business and in this economy I really haven't skipped a beat, in fact this year is the first year that I've been doing it full time, because I was getting so busy. Window cleaning is a luxury, not a necessity and my clients willing pay for the service. However, I am very aggressive on marketing and promoting what I do and I will be the same way when I start my roof cleaning business.
Like any business venture, you get out what you put in.
You can always do roof cleaning on the side until you start cooking with gas and then make the choice of doing it full time or leave it as a great second income.
I personally love being my own boss and wouldn't have it any other way.