10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pressure Washing Company?

If you’ve ever looked at your home’s siding, driveway, or patio and thought, “Wow, this place looks worn out,” you’re not alone. Pressure washing can completely transform your property’s curb appeal. But here’s the catch: hiring the wrong company can do more harm than good.

We’ve seen it time and time again. A homeowner hires the cheapest “guy with a pressure washer,” only to end up with damaged siding, streaked windows, or a ruined deck. That’s why asking the right questions before you hire a pressure washing company isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

As New Jersey locals who’ve been in the powerwashing business for years, we’ve put together the 10 most important questions you should ask before making a decision. Consider this your checklist to avoid costly mistakes and protect your biggest investment: your home.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters?

Think of pressure washing like a haircut. You wouldn’t trust just anyone with a pair of scissors to cut your hair. The same logic applies here. A pressure washer in the wrong hands can strip paint, break windows, and even push water behind siding, leading to mold.

Asking the right questions does two things:

1. Protects your property – You make sure the company has the skill and equipment to handle your home safely.

2. Gives you peace of mind – You know you’re hiring professionals who care about quality and stand behind their work.

1. Are You Fully Insured and Bonded?

This is non-negotiable. Pressure washing involves high-powered equipment and water near your home’s structure. Accidents can happen. If a company isn’t insured, you could be stuck paying the bill for damages or injuries.

What to look for: Ask for proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation. A professional company will gladly provide it.

2. What Certifications or Training Do Your Technicians Have?

Anyone can buy a pressure washer from the local hardware store. But professional training separates the pros from the amateurs.

Why it matters: Certified technicians know the right pressure levels for different surfaces, when to use soft washing, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

3. What Cleaning Methods Do You Use?

There’s a big difference between blasting away dirt and actually cleaning a surface.

• Soft washing: Safe for roofs, siding, and delicate surfaces.

• High-pressure washing: Great for concrete, brick, and tough stains.

• Eco-friendly detergents: Essential for safety around kids, pets, and landscaping.

Ask: “Do you tailor your methods depending on the surface?” If they don’t, that’s a red flag.

4. How Will You Protect My Property?

Your landscaping, outdoor furniture, and windows need protection during the cleaning process.

Pro tip: A good company will explain how they cover plants, shield windows, and carefully move or protect anything around the work area.

5. Can You Safely Clean My Windows and Fragile Surfaces?

Windows, stucco, and painted trim can’t withstand the same force as a concrete driveway. A pro knows this.

What you want to hear: They use soft washing or specialized equipment for fragile areas to avoid cracks and streaks.

6. How Do You Schedule Jobs, and How Flexible Are You?

Life happens. Weather in New Jersey can be unpredictable. You want a company that respects your time and works with you to reschedule when needed.

Ask about: Average turnaround times, flexibility, and how they handle rain delays.

7. Can You Show Me Before-and-After Photos of Your Work?

A picture speaks louder than words. Any reputable company will proudly share examples of past projects.

Bonus: Look for photos from homes in your area. That shows local experience and credibility.

8. Do You Have Client References or Reviews I Can Check?

Online reviews are helpful, but nothing beats speaking to a past customer.

What to ask: “Do you have recent clients I can contact?” A quality company will have homeowners happy to vouch for them.

9. Do You Offer Any Guarantee or Warranty?

This is where accountability comes in. Companies that guarantee their work are confident in their results.

Good sign: They offer a satisfaction guarantee — if you’re not happy, they’ll make it right.

10. How Do You Handle Pricing and Estimates?

Let’s be real: nobody likes surprise charges.

Ask about:

• Free estimates

• What’s included in the quote

• If they charge extra for heavily stained or large areas

A trustworthy company is transparent about costs upfront.

How to Evaluate the Answers?

Knowing the questions is only half the battle. Pay attention to how companies respond.

• Good answers are specific. They’ll mention insurance providers, certifications, cleaning techniques, and guarantees.

• Bad answers are vague. If you hear “Don’t worry about it” or “We’ve been doing this forever,” that’s a red flag.

Trust your gut. If a company dodges questions, move on.

Bonus: Local Considerations in New Jersey

Every state has its quirks. Here in NJ, homes often deal with:

• Moss and algae growth thanks to humid summers.

• Salt residue in coastal towns.

• Leaf stains from our tree-lined neighborhoods.

That’s why it’s important to hire someone who knows the local environment and how to treat these specific issues.

Checklist: What to Ask Your Pressure Washing Company

Here’s a simple reference you can keep handy:

Question	Good Answer	Red Flag
Insurance	“Yes, here’s proof of liability & worker’s comp”	“Don’t worry about it”
Training	“Our team is certified and trained in soft wash & high-pressure”	“Anyone can use a washer”
Methods	“We use both soft wash and eco-friendly detergents”	“We just blast it”
Property protection	“We cover plants, windows, and furniture”	No plan in place
Guarantee	“We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee”	No guarantee

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I pressure wash my home in New Jersey? 

Most homes benefit from a yearly cleaning, especially siding and driveways.

What surfaces should never be pressure washed? Delicate surfaces like shingles, stucco, and painted trim require soft washing instead.

How much does pressure washing cost in NJ? Prices vary depending on square footage, but most homeowners can expect transparent estimates from a reputable company.

Protect Your Home with the Right Choice

Your home is your biggest investment. Don’t trust it to just anyone with a pressure washer. By asking the right questions, you’ll find a company that values safety, quality, and professionalism.

At Burrini’s Powerwashing, we live by these standards. We’re licensed, insured, and experienced right here in New Jersey. From eco-friendly cleaning methods to a 100% satisfaction guarantee, we treat your home like it’s our own.

So before you book your next service, use this checklist. And when you’re ready for a local team that gets it right the first time, call Burrini’s Powerwashing — your trusted New Jersey powerwashing experts.