While many tasks around your home are great projects for the do-it-yourself community, some are better suited for professionals. Rather than attempting this exterior maintenance task alone, turn to a professional for quality results and numerous other benefits. Considering the pros and cons of DIY vs. professional power washing demonstrates the advantages of calling an expert.
DIY Power Washing
DIY power washing involves buying or renting a pressure washer to complete washing tasks.
Pros
Renting a power washer is not too expensive on a per-day basis. For smaller projects, you can adequately wash surfaces and keep the task cost-effective, though you will likely need to pay for equipment purchase or rental and other costs like cleaning supplies. Some homeowners enjoy having full control over the operation and outcome of the project.
Cons
While doable, power washing your home is time-consuming and potentially dangerous. For example, there are countless hard-to-reach areas on a typical home that are difficult to clean with a standard pressure washer. In this situation, your first instinct will likely be to grab a ladder. While logical, there is a high risk of injury since there is a great amount of pressure coming from the wand.
Additionally, the pressure can easily damage the structure of your vinyl siding. Damage from DIY work will likely nullify any warranty on a home’s roof, siding or concrete.
Another common perception is that, in general, it is cheaper to power wash on your own. While that may be true for small and concentrated areas, there are several overlooked factors:
- Cost of equipment (pressure washer rental/purchase, fuel, etc.)
- How much soap/cleansers cost
- Cost of water used
- Opportunity cost
While opportunity cost may not be top of mind, it is critical to know that washing a house without professional-grade equipment can take days to complete. The time spent power washing your home could instead go toward the many other vital tasks you perform in your free time. Additionally, the task is physically demanding, from climbing a ladder to moving around the heavy equipment. You can do the work, but your energy may be better spent elsewhere.
Even if you spend several days washing your home, the results may differ from what you expected. Professional companies own specialized equipment, cleansers and techniques that enable them to provide high-quality results. A rented machine and commercially available cleansers can’t accomplish the same level of cleaning on your siding.
Professional Power Washing
Professional power washing involves hiring an expert who comes to your home with specialized equipment and cleansers to complete cleaning tasks.
Pros
Hiring one of the professional power washing services in your area will yield the best results for your home. Reputable companies have the experience and processes to clean your property safely and efficiently. They know how to handle the demands of different surfaces, creating a quality result while maintaining the integrity of surfaces from your roof to vinyl siding.
As previously mentioned, a standard residential pressure washer will not have the capability to reach high areas or effectively clean stubborn areas of a home. Conversely, a company will have the equipment and technology to clean your entire home thoroughly. On top of that, here are a few other benefits of professional power washing:
- Time-saving: You do not have to spend your weekend or free time power washing. A professional can accomplish the work much faster, typically in a few hours, rather than the several days a DIY method might take.ng one of the professional power washing services in your area will yield the best results for your home. Reputable power washing companies have the experience and processes to clean your property safely and efficiently.
- Safety: A reputable company is fully insured in case of any unforeseen issues. You will also avoid the risk of injury to yourself.
- Effectiveness: All contaminants, like algae, mildew, dirt, grime and moss, will be removed from your home for a visibly improved result.
- Cost-effectiveness: You will have a single expense vs. shopping around for a long list of equipment and supplies.
Cons
No alternatives to professional work give you the same level of results. While DIY methods may seem cheaper, they have costs, from rental to supplies. While professional services come with higher costs, the result often directly relates to what you put in. Price is usually directly correlated to quality.
Even among contractors, a lower price may mean lower value. Look beyond price and spend time researching a company’s credibility and reviews. Also, look for companies with a specialized focus on power washing and a significant history in the industry.
This research will prevent a situation where someone shows up with just a pickup truck and the same pressure washer you could have rented. Additionally, a contractor like this may become elusive once the job is paid for, which can be especially problematic if there are any issues with the job. Unfortunately, fly-by-night companies do exist.
The Unmatched Results of Expert Power Washing
When you choose professional services, you get the highest value. Professionals bring specialized equipment, cleansers and knowledge of the cleaning process to handle projects of varying sizes and material types. Hiring a professional saves you time and enhances your safety and that of your home.
Hiring a Professional Like Perfect Power Wash
Now that you understand the differences between professional vs. DIY power washing, it is time to call the pros. Perfect Power Wash sets the standard for professional services. At the time of this post, our team has washed nearly 100,000 homes in our 20 years of business. We take pride in all aspects of our customer-first process, which ensures every home is efficiently and effectively cleaned. Here is the typical process we follow for our services:
- Arrange your service in one short phone call with a power washing expert.
- Receive a text with a picture of your technician when they are on their way.
- Whether you are home or not, our technician diligently power washes your home.
- You are notified (and/or walked around your property) when the job is complete.
- We don’t charge you until the day after the service.
- We follow up with you the next day to ensure we exceed your expectations.
Contact Us for a Quote
Are you looking for home power washing? Still not sure if you want to hire a professional to do the work? We would be happy to discuss with you why hiring Perfect Power Wash is the right choice. Just call 866-289-8244 our team today or start the process by requesting a free quote.
