New Business Idea

benfowler87 · Nov 2, 2014

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a new business and wanted to get some opinions before i jump in.

Pressure washing, specializing in boat docks.

Of course ill still offer to do houses, decks, driveways, and all the normal stuff.

I have found a brand of pressure washer that is self priming allowing me to get my water supply straight from the lake. The lake water here is plenty clean enough to use. I plan on doing this from the water by boat. Coming in by boat will allow me acces to all the sides and ramp leading to the dock. I am going to have a system in place to cover the boats and keep water and overspray off of them if working on the top deck.

I'm going to do it right from the start and buy good equiptment, get a business license, and insurance. I fell that having all this established will give me acces to some bigger commercial jobs.

I really think it will spread fast once I get started on the dock side. You know the typical rich neighbors trying to keep up with each other stuff.

I know this is not going to be a get rich quick type of deal but I only work 7 out of 14 days at Alabama Power. So i have a ton of free time and thinks this could be a good bit of "play" money.

Any input? Ideas? Experience? Would you pay for this type of service?

John Galbreath Jr. · Nov 2, 2014

Cool idea. However, I have owned various pressure washers for over 20 years. I have owned a boat dock (wood) my entire life on Lay Lake. I have never even thought about pressure washing it. I have redecked it once in 40 years. If you are talking about aluminum docks and ramps, like is on Smith Lake, ok. I don't see it working on wood docks, at there is not a perceived need in my mind.

I have pressure washed the decks and driveway at my house several times. If priced right, I might hire that out in the future.

benfowler87 · Nov 2, 2014

Yes. It would be on Smith. There are very few up there that are wood. Wood was outlawed years back and some were grandfathered in. I would say 90% are aluminum with the composite board decking. Also no exposed styrofoam there either. It all has to be enclosed it the plastic cases so that wouldn't be an issue.

LandSpeeder · Nov 2, 2014

side-business. Yes. Bet you could make some fun money.
Have a fire-fighting friend who pressure-washed roofs down in Florida on days he was off... it got so busy, he was able to sell the damned business with the contracts! He sat out a year, and went right back at it with new customers, not impeding on his old list. He made so much he almost considered leaving fire-fighting, but never did.

benfowler87 · Nov 2, 2014

Just side is what I'm looking for really. Make some good play money at my own pace. And it's not like it would be hard work just steady. If it pays for itself and makes a few hundred a month in fine with that. And if it does take off big I could find someone trustworthy enough to help when I'm working.

CheapJ7 · Nov 2, 2014

What about the cleaning agents vs getting dumped in the water? What is the power company's stance on businesses operating on their lake?

benfowler87 · Nov 2, 2014

CheapJ7 said:
What about the cleaning agents vs getting dumped in the water? What is the power company's stance on businesses operating on their lake?

The only cleaner that you can use is something like Simple Green. All natural non toxic.

I haven't thought that APCO would be an issue.