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  We were shut down

November 10, 2010

This happened a few days ago. We werent roof cleaning. We were softwashing the buildings of an apartment complex. It just happened to be that this was a HUD project.

We were shut down by a Hud inspector who just happened to be making his rounds that day. At the time I didnt know that he couldnt stop us from working but not wanting any trouble I played as nice as possible.

I was not allowed to explain our process.

I was told to present an msds from my supplier stating that what comes out of our guns is safe. Knowing that wasnt happening we packed up at 2:00pm and drove over an hour back home.

That afternoon I faxed a letter to the inspectors office outlining our process (we softwash with large gpm pressure washers at a 20:1 ratio) and example uses of Sh. We were told that the Hud inspector could not stop us from working but our letter would be passed along and research would continue.

So we went to work the next day not knowing if we would be left alone or who knows... Seriously guys, I never expected this. We were dsing buildings. They wouldve stroked out had they smelled a 30% roof mix! It was a shock to me in front of my customer whos trust I had gained.

I posted this story on a few other bbs the evening after it happened looking for others opinions. I received some good advice from many different contractors by pm and phone. Thanks everyone.

The next day I was contacted by the PWNA. They offered to put together a letter for the inspector and my customer supporting me as a contractor and the methods that I use. What was I to say to this?! A NATIONAL organization taking my side against an....... over zealous government worker. I believe we wont have anymore trouble on this job and I know that as long as I wash I will be a member of the Power Washers of North America.

Ive posted this here for a few different reasons. I didnt mean for it to run this long.

This is real. It could be anyone of us at any time for no other reason than were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I wanted to thank the PWNA. I never expected that kind of support.

I wanted to say that I hope the RCIA can someday become this kind of an organization.  A voice for contractors like myself against those who would put us out of work for no reason other than they dont understand what we are doing.


Chris

  Shingle Care Systems

November 9, 2010

I was trying to locate all of my competition when I found a guy who serves the same area I do.  It says "Shingle Care Systems" on his trailer, so I googled it.  If I new how I would put a link in here for y'all, but I don't have a clue as to how that is done.  I wasn't able to find any info on them in the forum, but if y'all want a good laugh, go check out their prices.  My competitor is called 1st Choice Roof Cleaning and his trailer appears to be bigger than the one that they're asking $17,000 for.  I almost feel sorry for this guy. 

  Donating time and material. No power washing roof cleaning

November 9, 2010

I Donated my time and material to clean the roof on this house in Delaware over the weekend. The owner is a widow and on a fixed income. I try to Donate my time And do one job a year. This is giving back to the community for me.

  Business on a handshake?

October 31, 2010

i hear you guys talking about getting your customers to sign a contract..  and i have heard one reason is that it is easy to clean a roof but hard to sell.. and if you get a customer to agree to clean there roof with no contract, you give them a chance to shop around and get a better price.. there is always going to be someone cheaper.. 

my question is, do you really want to work for these people who are looking for a bargain roof cleaning? 

even if you get them to sign a contract, they have 3 days to back out..  so why have them sign it?...  why pressure them in to a sale they don't want?  why cant you just inform them that you can clean their roof and if they agree, just do it on a handshake? 

if your doing a quality job then why is there a need for a contract?? 

is there anyone doing business on a handshake? 

this is just a question..  as a home owner i don't like people showing up and knocking on my door and pressuring me in to buying something i don't want..  and then making me sign a contract.. even though i have three days to cancel.. 

i would rather have someone show up at my door and tell me i have a dirty roof and that they can help me if i want it.  home owners know if they have a dirty roof..  hell i had a really dirty roof at my last home..  i moved before i even knew that it could be cleaned..  i wish someone would have informed me back then.. my new home doesn't need it yet..

  Roof Cleaning in Lusby MD

October 24, 2010

 It was a long day for Vantage Point we had three roofs to do and when we were rolling up after the third I got a call from the first guy wanting to know if we had time to go back to his house because his neighbor wanted his roof cleaned also, being a small company we had to go back to the shop for more chem. We are not like the bigger companies out there this is a great day for us. The only pics were taken with my phone and they do the work no justice it looks like I was a mile away.

-- Edited by Patrick Carder on Sunday 24th of October 2010 08:43:35 PM

  Ipad

September 4, 2010

 AC Said it could be a great marketing tool for presenting my company to customers, so I Just bought one today..  Anyone else using one for their business?

  Best soap to clean SH off your hands?

October 14, 2010

I apologize if this has been covered here, but I couldn't find it with the search button.  I woke up 3 times last night my face was on my hand and I was gagging.  Can be good or bad, but in this case I'd say I am fortunate not to have a wife or girlfriend at the moment.  I want to hear how many spouses complain about the smell and/or the best soap to clean your hands with?

  everything must go!

October 4, 2010

hotzy hot water skid unit 3000 psi @4.5gpm 16 horse Honda
all american cold water maching 3000 psi@ 10 gpm 25 horse kohler enging
Simpson cold water machine 3000 Psi @ 5.5 gpm
alkota hot water unit
24 inch ground force surgace cleaner
3 Reelcraft hose reels
2 all flo pumps
1 Rigid air compressor
water tanks
1 pick up truck
1 box truck
1 flat bed truck
1 open trailer
1 closed trailer

tried to load pic wouldnt work

 

moving to Florida getting a job with Lori at PWP

 

  Part of the business Plan.. please shoot some holes for me

September 28, 2010

I am in the process of getting everything in line to kick off the business.

So far I have an 18 year old that will be my roof guy.  He is a close friend of mine that I coached in football.

I do not want to deal with all the payroll and tax stuff, so this is what I plan on doing.

I will make him a 10% partner of the LLC.

He will receive 10% of the profits and I will receive 90%.

He will receive 1/8 of the bid price for the roof for his labor.

1/4 of the bid price will go to me. 

1/4 will go to chemicals and other parts/needs

1/4 will go towards the business. (minus other over will equal profit)

the other 1/8 will go to who ever "sells" the job. 


So if we do a house for $400.

If my buddy sold the house.

He will end up with $100..

I will end up with $100..

$100 will go towards chemicals and other

$100 will go into the business.


If we are both "partners"...   we both be business owners and have to file our own taxes at the end of the year correct?  I will not have to actually pay him and myself a payroll check with taxes already deducted?

Please feel free to shoot this full of holes.. that is why I am asking. 


I know some out there will ask why I dont just do the work myself and pay this guy a minimal amount to be the ground guy...   but the reason is..   Im about 6'2 340lbs..  and I have no plans on climbing any ladders anytime soon.



Also, in terms of paying solely on commision.

How is that taxed, or contracted?

If I have a couple of people who want to sell for me, and I offer them an 1/8 of the bid price for a sell..   how does that need to work?

Thanks guys..