Hiring from a list of search results means letting someone you’ve never met spray high-pressure water at your house. A short script helps. Below are the questions to ask on the phone and at the quote, plus the answers that should make you say “next, please.” Our guide to pressure washing mistakes covers what goes wrong when these questions get skipped.

On the phone

“Walk me through your process. Do you use high pressure everywhere?” Siding makers set limits. A fiber-cement siding maker says to keep the pressure below 1500 psi on its product. A company that can explain when it adjusts for your materials is paying attention. If a roof is part of the job, is roof cleaning worth it covers that question. Worrying answer: “We just pressure wash everything. It’s fine.”

“Do you carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation, and can you send proof?” The FTC advises considering only contractors who are licensed and insured, and asking for proof of insurance. The NAIC lists both a copy of the contractor’s proof of liability insurance and proof of workers’ compensation insurance. Worrying answer: “Our guys are subcontractors, so they handle their own insurance.” Maybe, but ask to see it.

“What cleaning solution do you use, and how do you protect my plants?” Ask for a product name and a plan. To understand the answers, see pressure washing pros who teach. Worrying answer: “It’s a secret blend.”

At the quote

“Where will you set up, and what will you do around windows, outlets and light fixtures?” You want a specific answer, not reassurance. Worrying answer: “We’re careful; it’ll be fine.”

“What happens if something gets damaged?” A calm, clear answer is what you’re listening for. For sorting new marks from old ones afterward, see wash damage versus damage that was already there. Worrying answer: A shrug, or “That never happens.”

Insurance and licensing

“Can I see your certificate of insurance, and are you registered or licensed where required?” Rules depend on where you live. The SBA notes that local governments determine registration, licensing and permitting requirements. Oregon’s Construction Contractors Board, for example, lists power and pressure washing for the purpose of cleaning among work that does not require its license. Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries offers a verification tool that checks whether a contractor has an active license and is bonded and insured. Check your state’s contractor board and your city or county.

On the insurance itself, the NAIC suggests calling the insurance company to verify the coverage. Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate suggests requesting a Certificate of Insurance to verify general liability insurance. Worrying answer: “I don’t have the papers with me.”

The work itself

“Where does the wash water go?” San Diego’s guidance for mobile businesses says never to discharge wastewater into a street, ditch, storm drain or maintenance hole, and that water flowing into a storm drain goes untreated into rivers. Your city may have its own rules, so ask how the crew handles runoff. Worrying answer: “It’s diluted; it won’t hurt anything.”

Price and paperwork

“Is this quote all-inclusive?” The FTC says a written estimate should include a description of the work, materials, completion date and price. Compare quotes against the published prices in our house washing cost guide and pressure washing cost guide. Worrying answer: “It depends how long it takes.”

“What does the contract say, and what are my rights?” If you sign at home, the FTC says the contract should include a written statement of your right to cancel within three business days. Worrying answer: “You’ll love it, trust me.”

Red-flag answers

  • “Cash only,” or “pay it all now.” The FTC lists asking you to pay for everything up front or only accepting cash as a scammer tactic, and says never to make the final payment until the work is done and you’re satisfied.
  • “Sign today and I’ll start right now.” The FTC says scammers pressure you for an immediate decision.
  • “You don’t need proof of insurance.” The FTC and NAIC both say to ask for it.

Before you sign, the FTC also suggests searching online for the company’s name with words like “scam,” “review” or “complaint.” For how we check our sources, see our methodology. If an HOA letter started your search, see what to check on an HOA notice to clean your house.

Sources