You’re proud of your home and want to make sure it’s always in the best possible condition. Exterior grime, organic debris, and staining can all take a toll on your curb appeal, so it’s only natural you’d want to have it addressed. At first blush, hiring an inexperienced contractor for outdoor cleaning and stain removal might seem like a great way to save money and get on the schedule sooner. The truth is any potential savings can quickly be wiped out when you work with a cheaper and less knowledgeable service provider.
The 3 Big Risks of Hiring Inexperienced Contractors for Outdoor Cleaning
While things can go wrong in any number of unexpected ways, there are three primary risks you’re assuming when you agree to hire a newly-minted contractor or a moonlighting handyman.
- Using the Wrong Amount of Pressure – If a little is good, a lot must be great, right? When it comes to cleaning outdoor surfaces and the exterior of your home, this is definitely not the case. No matter how satisfying the idea of powering away stains and discoloration may be, too much pressure can have serious repercussions. High pressure has the potential to damage stain on wood surfaces, etch concrete, puncture holes in vinyl surfaces and even strip stain from wood. This type of treatment often voids any warranties you may have; worst of all, the damage from extreme pressure is often permanent and cannot be repaired.
- Using the Wrong Products or Cleaning Processes – There’s no magic bullet to remove all stains and sources of discoloration. Each situation is unique and requires an individual approach. An experienced contractor will need to know how long a stain has been a problem, how it occurred and what unsuccessful steps have been taken to remove it in the past. At best, using the wrong products or cleaning systems will simply be ineffective and the stain will not be removed. At worst, staining and discoloration can be exacerbated. It’s also essential to note that an inexperienced contractor may lack essential chemical knowledge. When the wrong chemical combination truly has the potential to be deadly, there’s no room to “test out” multiple approaches.
- Not Taking Safety Precautions Seriously – With experience comes knowledge, especially when it comes to job safety. Less seasoned contractors can tend to play fast and loose with safety guidelines, which not only puts workers in danger but also your property. Inexperienced service providers may also lack adequate insurance coverage, introducing a host of potential headaches for everyone involved if an injury does occur.
What to Look for in a Contractor
Ideally, anyone you hire to work on your home will be professionally trained in safety, carry the appropriate insurance coverage, and have the knowledge necessary to get the job done correctly.
Our technicians are extensively trained, knowledgeable about best practices, and behave professionally at all times. The soft-washing system we employ does not damage finishes or surfaces, so you never have to worry about risking a warranty. If you’re ready to remove staining, debris and unsightly discoloration on your home or outdoor surfaces, we can help.
