Due to layoffs, I have found myself unemployed for the first time in my work history. It was tough since my wife and I just bought a house 3 weeks before it happened. Needless to say, I am stressed a little. I was looking at doing some just basic gutter cleaning and such (since I worked for a gutter supply co) but after noticing so many roofs that were practically black I started doing some research and found this page. I have already talked to some nice guys on here and it amazes me the help I am already receiving. I guess I am just worried this may be too much for me by myself to take on. Am I wrong on that? Is this a 2 man operation type of job?
Also, I want to be great at it. I don't want to ruin anybody's plants or anything like that so I am trying to read up on the right chemicals to use and get me a setup running. Most of the houses around here are fairly small but man I have 100's that could be done. Anyway, just wanted to post on here and see about getting things rolling. Look forward to spending more time on here.
Give yourself a company name/phone number and put it in the signature area. Fill out your bio the best you can and your going to hear read, read and read.
Hitting the chemical section is a good start for reading, then over to the equipment section. there are some vendors that will help you with a set- up based on what your budget allows and contact with some of the guys here will help you get a jump start.
If the budget allows pick up a premium membership Gary the treasurer can help you do that. There is much info and if your serious about this it can change things for you financially.
Thanks guys! I am not depressed :) because I have faith God will pull me through anything. I have always wanted to start my own business and this just really really excites me!! My wife is a little leary mainly because she is used to me having a full time stable job. She sees me doing this as more of a side job so to speak. I have been reading like crazy to try and get as much info as possible. I think I am going to make a trip to my local Tractor Supply to see what they have as far as containers go. I know they have a 25 gal container with a 12V pump and sprayer. I think this would be too small of a container so I am going to keep looking. I am still trying to come up with a name for my company and get my insurance lined out. One question I do have is do you need someone on the ground to spray the plants constantly during the roof treatment? Right now I am just a one man operation.
Thanks guys! I am not depressed :) because I have faith God will pull me through anything. I have always wanted to start my own business and this just really really excites me!! My wife is a little leary mainly because she is used to me having a full time stable job. She sees me doing this as more of a side job so to speak. I have been reading like crazy to try and get as much info as possible. I think I am going to make a trip to my local Tractor Supply to see what they have as far as containers go. I know they have a 25 gal container with a 12V pump and sprayer. I think this would be too small of a container so I am going to keep looking. I am still trying to come up with a name for my company and get my insurance lined out. One question I do have is do you need someone on the ground to spray the plants constantly during the roof treatment? Right now I am just a one man operation.
Hi Spud and welcome! Here are a few friendly suggestions:
Join tonights TalkShoe program if you can, introduce yourself and I'm sure you'll get answers to *some* basic questions. You'll still have lots of reading and research to do, but we'll get you off to a good start.
Maybe try to find out if you're in a fellow RCIA members 'backyard'? If so, be cognizent of that. Just something to keep in mind.
Feel free to give me a ring tomorrow evening/night, and I'll answer some questions one on one if you'd like.
-- Edited by Roof Cleaning Northern Virginia (571) 250 9650 on Wednesday 30th of March 2011 05:44:13 PM
Hey Anthony { Toy 2 } Because he lost his job and bought a house should he not have to pay to be a member? I paid and maybe I am in the same situation.
It taks a lot of prep work just to get a business. The income is slow to develop. Continue looking for a job with benefits. Continue to pursue this if it is a true desire but please don't mislead yourself with false hopes of instant success.
Andy makes some valid point Jason. I've been self employed for 34 years with some good times and some not so good times. I wouldn't trade it for a 40 hr a week paycheck, health insurance and paid vacation gig. True, it will take time to build a business. Some grow faster than others while those that grow slowly at first make it and thrive. With a lot of passion and drive you can and will make this work. A part time job? Well if that's what you need, yes. There is plenty of help here and there are reasons why there is the premium section. Plain and simple... there are way to many hacks who come here, ask questions and go out to low ball the people who just helped them. Yes you can find most of what you want here but the better answer will come on the premium side.
I cant speak for spud but I have the luxury of having a bit of leeway with time and money that being said I dont expect to earn my entire years earning from roof cleaning think the hardest part of this is going to be the business side not the service side
Jacob please fill out your signature and list a proposed business name if you have one. Also i see your out of medford. That is where the ROOF WASHERS llc is located. good luck to you in future business.
Thanks for the Luck You are right around the corner from me hoping to get some jobs in the lakes enough dirty roofs their to employ all of us if they can be sold on it