How to start a pressure washing business

How to start a pressure washing business – step by step

A pressure washing business is a great independent venture. You can start one up very easily with the right equipment. But there are a few extra steps you should take to make your business legitimate and generate new business.

Register your business

You’ll need to decide on a suitable business name. So, have fun coming up with different ones!

Firstly, choose a business name and ensure its availability. Then, decide on a corporate structure and register with HMRC. Options include sole trader or limited company.

For enhanced legal and financial security, opt to register your business as a limited company, especially if growth is your goal.

If your aim is to build an independent trader reputation, choose sole trader registration for personal expertise.

Make sure you understand the process of paying sole trader taxes, VAT, and National Insurance. Registering as a sole trader with HMRC and filing an annual self-assessment tax return is your next step.

We’d recommend hiring an accountant to help work out your salary.

Don’t have time to read this now?

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But if you do have time to read, keep reading for all the information you need!

Business insurance

Starting your business with peace of mind is crucial. Opt for Public Liability Insurance, protecting against financial loss, damages, and legal expenses.

Clients value professionals with insurance, signifying a serious commitment to their role and business.

As a Checkatrade member, we require you have Public Liability Insurance, so it’s an important investment if you want to join Checkatrade too. But to help you out, once a member, you can save up to 20% off PLI with our preferred insurance partner.

Just log in to our Member’s Area today and check out the latest deals! See how much you could be saving.

Finances

Before launching your pressure washing business, calculate your finances. Cover initial costs such as pressure washing equipment, insurance, a work vehicle, and marketing to determine how much you can charge.

Save on essential business expenses with exclusive member discounts for tools, equipment, vans, fuel, and insurance by joining Checkatrade.

You’ll also need to be organised with your accounting and bookkeeping, keeping records of business expenses and invoices.

Tools and equipment

You need to invest in the right equipment to deliver a professional service and keep customers satisfied.

It’s better to buy the best you can afford, rather than buy cheaper tools/equipment. You don’t want equipment that will let you down!

These are the essentials you’ll need for your pressure washing business:

• High-pressure washer (or more than one)
• A van/trailer
• High and low-pressure hoses
• Surface cleaner
• Cleaning chemicals
• Ladder
• Telescoping wand
• Heavy duty extension cord
• Nozzles
• Hose reel

Checkatip: Maximise your marketing impact by adding your logo, phone number, and website to your truck. Turn it into a mobile advertisement for your pressure washing service.

Growing your new business

As a busy business owner, finding time to grow your pressure washing business can be challenging. In today’s digital age, thriving, especially for start-ups, involves a robust online presence.

While word of mouth is valuable, a strong marketing strategy is crucial in high-competition scenarios. Utilise platforms like LinkedIn for business-to-business marketing and Instagram or Facebook to showcase your company ethos.

Boost your credibility by sharing photos and videos of your work, providing insight into your skills. At Checkatrade, we allocate substantial budgets to ensure homeowners easily discover your services.

Investing in a Checkatrade membership means investing in your digital marketing, allowing you to stand out and reach your target audience effectively.

Grow your pressure washing business with Checkatrade

Tailored for tradespeople and homeowners, Checkatrade is the go-to platform for finding trusted professionals in the UK. Did you know 8 out of 10 homeowners prefer Checkatrade-approved tradespeople? *

Tap into the millions of homeowners seeking services on our platform. Build your online Checkatrade profile, showcase your work, accumulate reviews, and boost your online presence to grow your startup trades business.

To join, you’ll undergo checks to ensure authenticity. We do this to guarantee you’re the real deal and can deliver on your promises. Here’s what you’ll need for the checks.

How to start a pressure washing business FAQs

How long does it take to become a pressure washer?

You can start your own pressure washing business with some savings in the bank and a trusty car or van to get you to and from your jobs. You could start today if you already have the equipment you need! There is no formal qualification needed, but you’ll get more work if you already know your way around the equipment.

How much do pressure washing businesses earn?

There isn’t an established earning figure for this role. It will depend on how much you charge per hour. It could also depend on whether you can take on specialist jobs or have unique equipment. You can also decide your own hours and how often you work.

How do I train to be a pressure washer?

You don’t have to take formal training on pressure washing, although some is available if you look around online. You can gain the necessary experience working with a cleaning company.

* Research conducted by Deep Blue Thinking in October 2021