If your Hampton home’s exterior looks worse for wear with grimy siding, dirty walkways, or a dingy deck, it may be time to hire pressure washing near me in the area. While pressure washing can spruce up your property, how do you find reputable Hampton pressure washing companies? What should you look for, and what questions should you ask? This guide covers vital factors when vetting and hiring pressure washers in Hampton to get your house gleaming.
Pressure Washing Methods: Soft Wash vs. Power Wash
When hiring pressure washing Hampton specialists, the first decision point is clarifying the cleaning method. There are two main techniques used – soft wash and power washing.
Soft wash pressure washing relies on chemical cleaners and low-pressure water to remove dirt and grime. Specialty detergents and additives cling to surfaces to break down grease, mold, mildew, and other common outdoor buildups. The benefit of soft washing is it’s gentler than power washing. For more delicate exteriors like wood, brick, or composite decking, gentle chemical cleaning may be necessary to avoid surface damage with aggressive blasting.
Power washing uses hot or cold water blasted at high pressures (often over 2,000 PSI). The intense hydraulic pressure spraying can quickly strip even the most stubborn gunk without added chemicals. However, power washing can etch delicate siding or wood finishes in inexperienced hands, damage mortar joints, or drive water into unwanted places. Understanding your exterior surfaces will ensure you choose the right approach.
Insurance & Licensing
Once you understand surface cleaning methods, ask about licensing and insurance when vetting a Hampton pressure washing company. A licensed business will have the necessary permits and local equipment registrations to operate legally in specific areas. Confirm what municipal or county permits and licenses the company holds.
Ask to check proof of liability insurance as well. Any reputable Hampton pressure washing crew will carry adequate general liability coverage and workers’ compensation policies to cover any property damage or onsite injuries during a pressure washing job. Calling insurance companies to verify active policies is always a wise move.
Experience Levels
Of course, you must also inquire about crew experience before hiring any Hampton pressure washing services. Years of experience and specialty equipment are essential for an efficient, quality project. New pressure washing companies may offer tempting low rates but could ultimately damage exterior surfaces with overly-zealous cleaning.
Ask how long the company has been operating and whether the crew are full-time professional technicians with formal pressure washing training. Also, clarify the types of properties the company typically works on (private residential homes, commercial buildings, etc.) Ideally, you want a provider with extensive experience pressure cleaning Hamptons homes similar to your property type.
Online Reviews
Do some online sleuthing before committing as well. Google the company, check BBB ratings and read online reviews on Yelp or Angie’s List. While every contractor has a few negative reviews, look for recurring themes that may indicate problems. Professional responses to criticisms can inspire confidence in the provider’s customer service.
A quality MCP Softwash company will have an overall 4+ star rating with positive commentary on the cleaning results, crew professionalism, pricing transparency, and more. Facebook business page reviews and real Before/After project galleries can further verify expertise.
Project Quotes
Reputable power washing companies always provide free onsite estimates before signing a contract. This allows the crew leader to inspect all exterior surfaces needing cleaning and discuss objectives with a homeowner. During an estimate, raise any particular concerns about more delicate areas like wood decking or decorative accents above ground level. Clarify the chemical cleaning solutions or pressure settings they will apply to avoid surface damage.
The square footage involved is a significant factor in any pressure washing quote. Some contractors charge per square foot for washing siding, walkways, decks, and exterior features. Get an accurate measurement of your home to compare rates fairly – and always get estimates in writing!
Look for detailed quotes that spell out the prep work, cleaning methods, equipment used, and exact charges broken down by task. Avoid vague pricing open to surprise add-ons down the line. Clarify what is included in quoted costs – such as cleaning chemical supplies, fuel surcharges, or debris hauling fees. Ask about any warranty protections if cleaning results fail to meet expectations.
Safety & Prep Work
When evaluating pressure washing services, be sure to ask about preparations they will make to safeguard your property during the project. Experienced crews will mask off any nearby windows or vehicles using protective coverings to prevent stray water or chemical splash damage. Some companies place door guards down when working near entryways as well.
Proper drainage and debris containment matter, too. Reputable pressure washers contain all blasting runoff for adequate drainage while cleaning. Check where wastewater will flow and how they prevent excess discharge from spreading into planting beds or lawns.
Crews take precautions to avoid chemical overspray drifting onto precious home gardens and landscaping. Once washing is completed, they should leave your property clean by hauling off all loose paint chips, leaves, mulch piles, and other debris. Any temporary outdoor furnishings or decor moved during the pressure washing job should be adequately replaced.
Insurance coverage also comes into play if any property or landscape damages do accidentally occur. Safety training on operating commercial-grade pressure washing gear also prevents avoidable mistakes. So confirm crews are formally trained before allowing inexperienced providers access to what can turn into an aggressive blasting process with hot pressurized water.
Emergency Services
While spring and summer are popular seasons to book exterior house washing, winter weather and lack of routine maintenance also take a toll; if neglected dirty siding or sidewalk mildew has built up severely, new customer discounts from pressure washing near me may offset short notice or weekend cleaning costs. Always confirm regular hourly charges for emergency services compared to standard prep quotes. For winter mold or storm debris issues, ensure the soft wash products and pressure settings will be gentle enough for weather-weakened building materials. Steer clear of intense power blasting frozen, water-logged, or fragile surfaces to avoid unnecessary damage.
This gives Hampton homeowners key things to ask and evaluate when hiring pressure washing contractors for quality results without any safety or service issues. Taking the time to vet area crews thoroughly keeps properties looking fresh while protecting your investment – whether simply maintaining or tackling neglected problem areas. Check credentials, confirm capabilities to handle specific surface types, and get written promises on preparations, cleaning methods, and included coverage before signing pressure washing agreements.
