Does anyone really have an idea of start-up costs?
I figured it would be a good information post for all to see, I really thought $1K would be enough to fire this thing up, but the budget was blown weeks ago...
Pump in a box////////////////$676.00 Tank////////////////////////////$160.00 Brass fittingsmisc. fittings//$115.00 Straps/pallet/hardware/////$50.00 3/4 intake hose/barbs///////$50.00
Total $ 1051.00
Yesterday, I spent $625.00 for a 4X6 trailer, so that pushed it further. Plus another $100.00 for ball valves/fittings and a trailer jack..........did I need these?
Yes, truck to small to make it work on a pallet. Total as of today:$1776.00//////July 4th, how odd is that.
Items still needed:
Battery Hose reel, might go the cheap Wally route Rinse hose and reel,sprayers////////yes I could use the one at home and save some $$. Ladder stabilizer////////I have two ladders. Battery charger/////////I have a small type for lawn tractor, I don't think it will work. SH Hang-tite////could use Dawn Business cards/website/decals????
I know some like Apple started with nothing, but I don't see that working now, at least not in my market.
Just wanted folks to see the true cost, if there is such a thing.
I've built 3 trailers, and the total cost was around 6k each. Add in advertising and such and you're looking at around 8-10k. Of course start with what you can but if money wasn't an object up front, that's what you could expect to drop to get set up right. That's also assuming you already have a truck.
Seriously 3-5k in start up costs is what people mean when they say it is cheap to start. Starting a Subway will cost you 180k. No pressure roof cleaning and pressure cleaning are both business that a guy can start with some credit cards and a truck. The hard part will be managing and marketing your business, especially if you don't have a little side money or credit. I started with 3 grand and the lack of money and knowledge held me back for three years. I still feel it six years in, but it takes a lot of dedication and good practices. Were not rich but we are stable and growing.
all flo pump-400 plus shipping hose reel-400.00 shipped air compressor-400-1800 kuri tek hose 200 ft -125.00-plus shipping 100 gallon tank-250-350 shipped 14-16 ft dual axel trailer-1600-2500 pressure washer-1000-6000 shipped surface cleaner-400-1200 shipped high pressure hose-100-300 shipped high pressure hose reel-170-250 shipped signage-200-1000 business cards-50.00 business website-20.00 a month business insurance-2000.00-5000.00
plus chemicals and other odds and ends
minimal start up to look like and be a professional=10,000.00
i am not including the cost of a truck in this figure either
For just roof cleaning 6k would be on the low side for an average properly setup trailer. If roof cleaning alone will support you start with that. For a more professional looking trailer setup you are looking at 8-10 K. Advertising usually runs me about 35k a year. As a result I do not have time to knock on doors or hang fliers.
Okay, I'm starting to dislike this whole box in pump kit from PT, I went out today and bought a new battery, 1000 cca from AutoZone, $110.00 out the door........................get home and try to put it in the black box and "bam", it won't fit???????
I chucked the box into the shed and used a tie down for now......I think the pump is next to ditch the box.....
all flo pump-400 plus shipping hose reel-400.00 shipped air compressor-400-1800 kuri tek hose 200 ft -125.00-plus shipping 100 gallon tank-250-350 shipped 14-16 ft dual axel trailer-1600-2500 pressure washer-1000-6000 shipped surface cleaner-400-1200 shipped high pressure hose-100-300 shipped high pressure hose reel-170-250 shipped signage-200-1000 business cards-50.00 business website-20.00 a month business insurance-2000.00-5000.00
plus chemicals and other odds and ends
minimal start up to look like and be a professional=10,000.00
i am not including the cost of a truck in this figure either
feel free to add anything that i may have missed
at least $1,000 in ladders safety equip gas cans gas- start up, marketing and getting your rythum down at least $500 sample houses-could cost real money your time to build confidence to be a real company-limitless articles of incorporation-$350 trash bags plastic rags $250 miscellanious cleaners leaf blower--$250 All the wrong stuff--$10 grand toolobxes, fittings and dodads boxes ladder stabilizers mits camera-$80 to $300 memory card computer door hangers Blood pressure medicine training help--$$$ Buy every product you think your competition uses and know it-
goes on and on and on
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Bucks County PA Roof Cleaning 267-477-1107 Free Your Pennsylvania Roof From Fungus Serving all of Bucks and Montgomery Counties and surrounding areas of Philadelphia Chalfont, PA 18914
Don't cut your self short on your advertising you need to get your name out there. When calling your local advertisers don't go where there are other roof washers are. Don't forget Insurance and workers comp if you or a friend fall off a roof you want to be covered.
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Jim Fuller A Fuller Service 5 Derry Lane Latham NY 12110 518-526-5554
It wont become a money pit until after you start cleaning. LOL. Then, a few years in, if you stick to a solid business plan, your bank becomes a pit an begins to fill rapidly. That's a Sweet feeling. Its all worth it in the end
Not counting the trailer and truck we built our current rig for around $600. Now add a PW, SC, and a few nozzle options and your over $2000.
You could build a bare bones 12 v roof cleaning setup for under $800 + vehicle, but it would be limited. I'd plan on $3k+ for a combo pro washing setup and that doesn't include vehicle, marketing, insurance, or a groundman.
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Matthew C Perry General Manager Callahan Pro Wash Professional Exterior Cleaning Services Roof Cleaning, Pressure Washing, Paver Cleaning and Restoration 813-727-5161 callahanprowash.gmail.com
It wont become a money pit until after you start cleaning. LOL. Then, a few years in, if you stick to a solid business plan, your bank becomes a pit an begins to fill rapidly. That's a Sweet feeling. Its all worth it in the end
Scott, I hope you are right........congrats on that huge apartment complex......keep us posted.....
I think if I had to do something that big I would throw up.....
Not counting the trailer and truck we built our current rig for around $600. Now add a PW, SC, and a few nozzle options and your over $2000.
You could build a bare bones 12 v roof cleaning setup for under $800 + vehicle, but it would be limited. I'd plan on $3k+ for a combo pro washing setup and that doesn't include vehicle, marketing, insurance, or a groundman.
Matthew, does that include the cost of trailer?
I think I hit $1850.00 today and still need chemicals, plus other items.......