hey guys, hope everyone on the forum is ok and well… SO! for months i have been reading and following you guys and other softwash owners on facebook. I think i am finally ready to become a softwash applicator and where i introduce something new to my country st lucia. Just doin a few tuning with my business plan as i work with ministry of commerce, our small business development unite. i registered my company name “Caribbean SmartWash Solutions.” my certificate for company registration will be shown later.
In all my reading i have never seen a start up list or cost to becoming a softwash pro even though it can vary depending on area and service offered. But here is a list i have put together, advices and suggestions will be taken into consideration.
0.50-0.75 per sq ft for all roof cleaning
if 1 gallon can clean 20,000 sq ft, then 55 gallons cleans 1100000 sq ft. this is $550,000.00 worth of cleaning
Caribbean SmartWash Solution start up list
softwash truck cradle system/
smartwash system with sample pack and certified application program
green wash 55 gallon
plant wash 20 case pallet
bleach wash finishing soap 55 gallon
rain fresh 55 gallon
terra wash 55 gallon
fall prevention kit for residential roof
ladders 16’, 24’ and 32’
ladder stand off
insurance and softwash 50 point standard
vehicle- with a bed 6 foot long to accommodate equipment
house will be rented to house business
market research show potential customers waiting for business to be started
homes
schools
hotels
cdc buildings
commercial buildings
and other infested surfaces with algae
Fred W said
Sep 21, 2014
Hmmmm..........Enrico...........here is my 2 cents worth
0.50-0.75 per sq ft for all roof cleaning
if 1 gallon can clean 20,000 sq ft, then 55 gallons cleans 1100000 sq ft. this is $550,000.00 worth of cleaning
I could never attain .50 in my area. .30 would be high but possible.
1 gallon will not come close to 20,000 sq. ft.........I use 10 -20 gallons of SH per asphalt shingle roof depending on the size.
softwash truck cradle system/smartwash system with sample pack and certified application program
I'm not sure which one you are buying so I can't really comment
green wash 55 gallon
By "green wash" I assume you mean SoftWash Systems green wash by AC. I started out using green wash but after the advice of many pro's (several of which have a SoftWash Systems skids) I switched over to Gain Ultra and the results are the same at a greatly reduced price.
I also recently tried Stick-Up. About twice the cost of Gain and I prefer the Gain.
plant wash 20 case pallet
Again I assume you are referring to the SoftWash Systems brand........I've tried Miracle Grow and the results were the same as the Plant Wash but after talking with a few pro's I decided to stick with Plant Wash by AC at SoftWash Systems.
bleach wash finishing soap 55 gallon
Again I assume you are referring to the SoftWash Systems brand........and this is also what I currently use,
rain fresh 55 gallon
terra wash 55 gallon
Have not tried either and really feel you might just be spending money to have a drum just sitting there. I have heard great things about Terra Wash for concrete cleaning but we get great results with a standard mix and a surface cleaner.
fall prevention kit for residential roof
We shoot from the ground or a ladder
ladders 16’, 24’ and 32’
Too many ladders to carry. I would not personally buy a 16'. We carry a 21' on the truck and have a 32' that we bring only when needed.......
ladder stand off
The best investment in your safety by far!
insurance and softwash 50 point standard
General Liability Insurance is a must in my opinion. Check with Joseph Walters Insurance @ josephdwalters.com
vehicle- with a bed 6 foot long to accommodate equipment
My next truck will be a van.......:} I would try to go with an 8' bed if possible. I have a 4 door truck with a 6' bed and it's just not enough for me. Most of the stuff I really don't need but it's nice knowing my truck has everything I need for most jobs....which it doesn't because it's only 6'
house will be rented to house business
No need for the added cost when you first get started......heck, even Ray just recently moved into a commercial location (or is going to move)
-- Edited by Baton Rouge Roof Cleaner on Sunday 21st of September 2014 07:50:01 AM
enrico said
Sep 21, 2014
much thanks Baton for your 2 cents. thanks for your support and advice.
ginty said
Sep 21, 2014
If you have the FUNDS buy A.C systems ,
they are the best professionally built system you can buy
aye will be purchasing a skid next season winter is just around the corner here
and the knowledge and experience you get from softwash systems you wont find anywhere else
good luck enrico
AC's system is a good system. The best questionable. I highly recommend that you get in touch with Bill, Paul or Andy at the power wash store and run your thoughts through them. They are extremely knowledgeable and will not try to sell you hype. In fact they have a start up skid system that includes a hot water pressure washer, softwash setup and includes everything you will need to get started at a fraction of the cost of the SoftWash Systems skid. You may also want to look into a RO/DI cart and water fed pole system. They are priceless. Also, do not put to much thought into the being authorized deal, Take the modules, they are extremely valuable when starting and will help with the learning curve. Not once have I ever had a customer ask or care about my SoftWash Systems master business certification. I would recommend you start out slow until you get a feel for the market and the process. As for chemicals research this forum the knowledge here is unbiased and field tested. Paying big dollars for a brand name Is not a smart business decision. What we do is not rocket science, You can do this. Believe in yourself, educate yourself and do great quality work and you will fine.
enrico said
Oct 3, 2014
thanks Michael.
Fred W said
Oct 3, 2014
Michael Wedge wrote:
AC's system is a good system. The best questionable. I highly recommend that you get in touch with Bill, Paul or Andy at the power wash store and run your thoughts through them. They are extremely knowledgeable and will not try to sell you hype. In fact they have a start up skid system that includes a hot water pressure washer, softwash setup and includes everything you will need to get started at a fraction of the cost of the SoftWash Systems skid. You may also want to look into a RO/DI cart and water fed pole system. They are priceless. Also, do not put to much thought into the being authorized deal, Take the modules, they are extremely valuable when starting and will help with the learning curve. Not once have I ever had a customer ask or care about my SoftWash Systems master business certification. I would recommend you start out slow until you get a feel for the market and the process. As for chemicals research this forum the knowledge here is unbiased and field tested. Paying big dollars for a brand name Is not a smart business decision. What we do is not rocket science, You can do this. Believe in yourself, educate yourself and do great quality work and you will fine.
Awesome solid advice.
enrico said
Oct 12, 2014
any suggestion guys... this is the entrance where visitors come in from the skips..
planning on renting a pressure washer and a ladder with a 250 gallon water tank
Enrico you need to get yourself a 5850 Delavan pump and build yourself a set up to softwash. All you need is a car battery, Garden hose,1/8th hose barb and a garbage can for a tank. Then you can soft wash that building.
-- Edited by Art O on Sunday 12th of October 2014 02:27:08 PM
Art O said
Oct 12, 2014
Enrico you could also go down to the boat yard and see if they have a used bilge pump in one of the old boats.
enrico said
Oct 12, 2014
ok i'll find out from the boat guys at the marine police.
Fred W said
Oct 12, 2014
Soft wash all the way.....that is metal....isn't it?
enrico said
Oct 12, 2014
yes it is!! but understand, am trying to get this cleaning without the softwash system.. seeking advice on different stuff i can use to get this roof clean...they need this clean as soon as last month, if u understand..lol.
Art O said
Oct 12, 2014
Enrico that building looks to be about 60" up. How are you going to get up there?
enrico said
Oct 12, 2014
lay a 32 feet ladder against the building with a footman stabilising it at the bottom..
Be cautious using backpack sprayers and chemicals.
Try a local agricultural supplier in st Lucia. you can use pesticide spraying pumps
Dave O said
Oct 13, 2014
Enrico you may be putting yourself at risk by climbing a ladder with a backpack sprayer. You will be more prone to fall back.
Fred W said
Oct 13, 2014
Enrico.....I think you can see that we all support you here. My concern is with your safety and your reputation. Sometimes it's just better to slow down. What I mean is; a backpack sprayer might set you in the wrong direction with some big players. Would you want to hire someone with no equipment?
No equipment also means no experience generally.
Contact the guys at the Power Wash Store....they can get you into a starter unit for under $2,000. I know it can be a lot of money but well worth the investment and well worth looking professional with professional equipment......then kick some tail and buy whatever skid you want!
ginty said
Oct 14, 2014
enrico sh will do the job quick just get a pump wheelie bin hose and a surfactant mix spray rinse if you want from same wheelie bin for instant results do you have a pump available or still searching , i had a little garden hose pump which is for drawing water from rain water barrels ,from local B and Q GARDEN bit £94.00 barrel £20 quid hose had that lying around ball valve or a spray gun for watering the plants ,and an extension lead to power the pump from the pyramids electricity , and yer jamming ,
-- Edited by ginty on Tuesday 14th of October 2014 07:53:59 AM
hey guys, hope everyone on the forum is ok and well… SO! for months i have been reading and following you guys and other softwash owners on facebook. I think i am finally ready to become a softwash applicator and where i introduce something new to my country st lucia. Just doin a few tuning with my business plan as i work with ministry of commerce, our small business development unite. i registered my company name “Caribbean SmartWash Solutions.” my certificate for company registration will be shown later.
In all my reading i have never seen a start up list or cost to becoming a softwash pro even though it can vary depending on area and service offered. But here is a list i have put together, advices and suggestions will be taken into consideration.
0.50-0.75 per sq ft for all roof cleaning
if 1 gallon can clean 20,000 sq ft, then 55 gallons cleans 1100000 sq ft. this is $550,000.00 worth of cleaning
Caribbean SmartWash Solution start up list
softwash truck cradle system/
smartwash system with sample pack and certified application program
green wash 55 gallon
plant wash 20 case pallet
bleach wash finishing soap 55 gallon
rain fresh 55 gallon
terra wash 55 gallon
fall prevention kit for residential roof
ladders 16’, 24’ and 32’
ladder stand off
insurance and softwash 50 point standard
vehicle- with a bed 6 foot long to accommodate equipment
house will be rented to house business
market research show potential customers waiting for business to be started
homes
schools
hotels
cdc buildings
commercial buildings
and other infested surfaces with algae
Hmmmm..........Enrico...........here is my 2 cents worth
0.50-0.75 per sq ft for all roof cleaning
if 1 gallon can clean 20,000 sq ft, then 55 gallons cleans 1100000 sq ft. this is $550,000.00 worth of cleaning
I could never attain .50 in my area. .30 would be high but possible.
1 gallon will not come close to 20,000 sq. ft.........I use 10 -20 gallons of SH per asphalt shingle roof depending on the size.
softwash truck cradle system/smartwash system with sample pack and certified application program
I'm not sure which one you are buying so I can't really comment
green wash 55 gallon
By "green wash" I assume you mean SoftWash Systems green wash by AC. I started out using green wash but after the advice of many pro's (several of which have a SoftWash Systems skids) I switched over to Gain Ultra and the results are the same at a greatly reduced price.
I also recently tried Stick-Up. About twice the cost of Gain and I prefer the Gain.
plant wash 20 case pallet
Again I assume you are referring to the SoftWash Systems brand........I've tried Miracle Grow and the results were the same as the Plant Wash but after talking with a few pro's I decided to stick with Plant Wash by AC at SoftWash Systems.
bleach wash finishing soap 55 gallon
Again I assume you are referring to the SoftWash Systems brand........and this is also what I currently use,
rain fresh 55 gallon
terra wash 55 gallon
Have not tried either and really feel you might just be spending money to have a drum just sitting there. I have heard great things about Terra Wash for concrete cleaning but we get great results with a standard mix and a surface cleaner.
fall prevention kit for residential roof
We shoot from the ground or a ladder
ladders 16’, 24’ and 32’
Too many ladders to carry. I would not personally buy a 16'. We carry a 21' on the truck and have a 32' that we bring only when needed.......
ladder stand off
The best investment in your safety by far!
insurance and softwash 50 point standard
General Liability Insurance is a must in my opinion. Check with Joseph Walters Insurance @ josephdwalters.com
vehicle- with a bed 6 foot long to accommodate equipment
My next truck will be a van.......:} I would try to go with an 8' bed if possible. I have a 4 door truck with a 6' bed and it's just not enough for me. Most of the stuff I really don't need but it's nice knowing my truck has everything I need for most jobs....which it doesn't because it's only 6'
house will be rented to house business
No need for the added cost when you first get started......heck, even Ray just recently moved into a commercial location (or is going to move)
-- Edited by Baton Rouge Roof Cleaner on Sunday 21st of September 2014 07:50:01 AM
much thanks Baton for your 2 cents. thanks for your support and advice.
they are the best professionally built system you can buy
aye will be purchasing a skid next season winter is just around the corner here
and the knowledge and experience you get from softwash systems you wont find anywhere else
good luck enrico
DPI injection GEN3 skid
ladder racks
Terrawash
is on my xmas list
AC's system is a good system. The best questionable. I highly recommend that you get in touch with Bill, Paul or Andy at the power wash store and run your thoughts through them. They are extremely knowledgeable and will not try to sell you hype. In fact they have a start up skid system that includes a hot water pressure washer, softwash setup and includes everything you will need to get started at a fraction of the cost of the SoftWash Systems skid. You may also want to look into a RO/DI cart and water fed pole system. They are priceless. Also, do not put to much thought into the being authorized deal, Take the modules, they are extremely valuable when starting and will help with the learning curve. Not once have I ever had a customer ask or care about my SoftWash Systems master business certification. I would recommend you start out slow until you get a feel for the market and the process. As for chemicals research this forum the knowledge here is unbiased and field tested. Paying big dollars for a brand name Is not a smart business decision. What we do is not rocket science, You can do this. Believe in yourself, educate yourself and do great quality work and you will fine.
Awesome solid advice.
any suggestion guys... this is the entrance where visitors come in from the skips..
planning on renting a pressure washer and a ladder with a 250 gallon water tank
-- Edited by Art O on Sunday 12th of October 2014 02:27:08 PM
Be cautious using backpack sprayers and chemicals.
Try a local agricultural supplier in st Lucia. you can use pesticide spraying pumps
No equipment also means no experience generally.
Contact the guys at the Power Wash Store....they can get you into a starter unit for under $2,000. I know it can be a lot of money but well worth the investment and well worth looking professional with professional equipment......then kick some tail and buy whatever skid you want!
enrico sh will do the job quick just get a pump wheelie bin hose and a surfactant mix spray rinse if you want from same wheelie bin for instant results
do you have a pump available or still searching , i had a little garden hose pump which is for drawing water from rain water barrels ,from local B and Q
GARDEN bit £94.00 barrel £20 quid hose had that lying around ball valve or a spray gun for watering the plants ,and an extension lead to power the pump from the pyramids electricity , and yer jamming ,
-- Edited by ginty on Tuesday 14th of October 2014 07:53:59 AM