Hiring a Pressure Washing Company? Ask These 10 Questions

Hiring a pressure washing company is not just about getting your home to look clean. It is about making sure the job is done safely, correctly, and without causing damage.

When pressure washing is handled the wrong way, it can crack siding, strip paint, force water behind walls, and shorten the life of outdoor surfaces.

Before choosing a pressure washing company, homeowners need to ask the right questions and understand what separates trained professionals from risky shortcuts.

Not all companies use the same equipment, pressure levels, or cleaning methods, and the cheapest option can often lead to expensive repairs later.

This guide covers the 10 most important questions to ask before scheduling service.

Each one helps you evaluate experience, safety practices, cleaning methods, and accountability so you can confidently hire a pressure washing company that protects your home while delivering real results.

Real Experience From New Jersey Homes

Many New Jersey homeowners contact Burrini’s Powerwashing after seeing uneven results or surface damage from previous cleanings.

In Morris County, customers have shared that their roofs and siding looked dull or streaked before Burrini’s team restored them with professional soft washing and surface-appropriate techniques.

One reviewer specifically noted that Burrini’s cleaned a roof with heavy algae buildup and delivered results that “looked great” after the service.

Burrini’s team adjusts cleaning approaches for different surfaces, from vinyl siding to concrete driveways, to prevent damage and deliver consistent, clean results that protect your home’s exterior.

1. Are You Fully Insured and Bonded?

This question matters because pressure washing involves water, ladders, chemicals, and high-powered equipment used around your home.

If something goes wrong and the company is not insured, the homeowner may be responsible for repair costs or injuries.

In New Jersey, this risk is especially important because homes often have vinyl siding, decks, and landscaped yards where damage can be costly and not immediately visible.

Good answer:

"Yes, we carry full liability insurance and workers’ compensation, and we can provide proof upon request.”

It shows the company is prepared, professional, and accountable.

Red flag:“

Don’t worry, we’ve never had a problem,” or “Our insurance isn’t necessary.”

In New Jersey, hiring an uninsured contractor can expose homeowners to serious financial risk.

If a worker is injured on your property or damage occurs to siding, decks, or windows, you could be held liable without proper coverage in place.

What can happen if you skip this question: Homeowners have been left paying out of pocket when siding was cracked, windows were damaged, or a worker was injured on their property. Without insurance, there is no protection if repairs or medical claims arise.

2. What Training or Experience Do Your Technicians Have?

Anyone can buy a pressure washer, but proper training is what prevents costly mistakes.

Different surfaces require different pressure levels, detergents, and cleaning techniques.

Without experience, a technician can easily damage vinyl siding, wood decks, roof shingles, or painted trim.

Good answer:

“Our technicians are trained in both soft washing and pressure washing. We adjust PSI, detergents, and methods based on the surface we’re cleaning.”

This tells you the company understands surface safety and cleaning science, not just equipment.

Red flag:

“We’ve been doing this a long time,” or “It’s just spraying water.”

In New Jersey homes, we often see damage caused by untrained crews using too much pressure on siding or decks.

Proper cleaning vinyl siding without damage requires controlled pressure and the right technique, since excessive force can dull the surface or push water behind the panels.

Water can be forced behind panels, leading to hidden moisture issues and mold growth that may not appear until weeks later.

What can happen if you skip this question: Untrained crews may use the wrong approach, leading to surface damage that doesn’t show up until days or weeks later.

3. What Cleaning Methods Do You Use, and How Do You Protect My Property?

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is assuming all pressure washing is the same.

In reality, using the wrong method on the wrong surface can cause permanent damage in minutes.

When homeowners are unsure how to handle different surfaces safely, that’s usually a sign they need professional pressure washing services rather than trial-and-error cleaning that can damage siding, roofs, or decks.

A professional pressure washing company should explain not only how they clean, but how they protect your home during the process.

Good answer:

“We adjust our cleaning method based on the surface. We use soft washing for siding, roofs, windows, and delicate areas, and controlled pressure for concrete and masonry. Before we start, we protect landscaping, cover sensitive areas, and take steps to prevent water intrusion.”

This response shows the company understands surface safety, pressure control, and property protection.

Red flag:

“We just blast everything clean,” or “One method works for all surfaces.”

That approach often leads to cracked siding, streaked windows, damaged trim, and water forced behind walls.

What We’ve Seen When the Wrong Method Is Used

In New Jersey, Burrini’s Powerwashing has been called to homes where high pressure was used on vinyl siding and composite decking.

In several cases, water was forced behind siding panels, leading to moisture problems that were not visible right away.

That’s why our team uses soft washing for siding and roofs and controlled pressure for concrete and pavers, adjusting the process based on the surface instead of using one method everywhere.

In New Jersey homes, this can create moisture issues that don’t appear until weeks later.

What can happen if you skip this question: Using the wrong method can strip finishes, crack surfaces, or force water into places it shouldn’t go.

Common Cleaning Methods You Should Know About

A knowledgeable pressure washing company should be familiar with and explain these methods clearly:

• Soft washing: Low-pressure cleaning combined with detergents, ideal for siding, roofs, stucco, painted trim, and windows
  

• Controlled pressure washing: Used for concrete, pavers, brick, and other durable surfaces
  

• Eco-friendly detergents: Important for protecting pets, plants, and nearby soil

If a company cannot explain when and why each method is used, that’s a sign they may not be properly trained.

For roofs and other delicate surfaces, soft wash roof cleaning is the preferred approach because it removes algae and buildup safely without risking shingle damage.

How Professionals Protect Your Home

Beyond cleaning, property protection matters just as much. A reputable company will take steps such as:

• Covering or pre-wetting plants and landscaping

• Shielding windows and doors from direct pressure

• Moving or protecting outdoor furniture and décor

• Avoiding upward spraying that can push water behind siding

These precautions prevent avoidable damage and show the company treats your home with care, not shortcuts.

Many homeowners aren’t aware of the difference of pressure washing and power washing, which is why it’s important to ask how a company decides which method is right for each surface.

4. How Do You Schedule Jobs and Handle Weather Delays?

Scheduling may not seem like a major concern, but it says a lot about how a pressure washing company operates.

Weather in New Jersey can change quickly, and pressure washing should never be rushed just to stay on schedule.

Good answer:

“We schedule based on weather conditions and communicate clearly if rain or high winds require rescheduling. We confirm appointments and respect your time.”

This shows the company values quality and communication over speed.

Red flag:

“We’ll show up whenever it fits our route,” or “We clean rain or shine.”

Rushing jobs or washing in poor conditions can lead to streaking, ineffective cleaning, and unsafe working conditions.

What can happen if you skip this question: Plants can be damaged, windows can streak or crack, and water can enter behind siding.

5. Can You Show Before-and-After Photos From Similar Homes?

Seeing real results matters. Before-and-after photos help you verify a company’s experience and the quality of their work, especially on surfaces similar to your own home.

Good answer:

“Yes, we can show recent before-and-after photos from homes like yours.”

Photos from local properties or similar materials, such as vinyl siding, concrete driveways, or paver patios, show relevant experience.

Why Real Photos is Very Important

Homeowners regularly tell us that seeing before-and-after photos from similar New Jersey homes helped them feel confident moving forward.

Burrini’s Powerwashing documents work on siding, decks, patios, and driveways so customers can see how surfaces looked before cleaning and how they were restored after.

This transparency helps set realistic expectations and shows the level of care taken on each job.

Red flag:

“We don’t really take photos,” or “All jobs look the same.”

A professional pressure washing company should be proud to document its work and use photos as proof, not just promises.

What can happen if you skip this question: Delicate surfaces may crack, peel, or lose their finish, leading to avoidable repairs.

6. Do You Have Reviews or References I Can Check?

Online reviews and client references provide insight into reliability, professionalism, and consistency.

While no company is perfect, patterns in feedback tell an important story.

Good answer:

“We have verified online reviews and can provide recent local references.”

It shows transparency and confidence in their service.

Red flag:

“You don’t need to check reviews,” or “We don’t have any.”

A lack of reviews or unwillingness to share references often signals inexperience or inconsistent service.

What can happen if you skip this question: Jobs may be rushed or done in poor conditions, leading to streaking or incomplete cleaning.

7. Do You Offer Any Type of Guarantee or Warranty?

A guarantee shows confidence and accountability. A pressure washing company that stands behind its work is more likely to care about doing the job right the first time.

Good answer:

“Yes, we offer a satisfaction guarantee. If something isn’t right, we come back and fix it.”

This tells you the company values long-term trust, not quick jobs.

Red flag:

“All sales are final,” or “We don’t offer guarantees.”

Without a guarantee, you have little protection if results fall short or issues appear after the job is done.

What can happen if you skip this question: You may hire a company without knowing what level of quality to expect.

8. How Do You Price Your Services and Provide Estimates?

Clear pricing is a sign of professionalism. A reputable pressure washing company should explain how pricing is calculated and what is included in the estimate.

Good answer:

“We provide clear, upfront estimates based on surface type, size, and condition. There are no surprise fees.”

Red flag:

“We’ll figure it out after we start,” or “It depends, you’ll see.”

Unclear pricing often leads to unexpected charges or rushed work to stay profitable.

What can happen if you skip this question: You may miss warning signs about poor communication or inconsistent results.

9. Are You Familiar With Local Conditions in New Jersey?

Local experience matters more than many homeowners realize. New Jersey homes face specific challenges that affect pressure washing results.

A knowledgeable pressure washing company should understand:

• Algae and moss growth from humid summers

• Leaf stains and organic buildup from tree-heavy neighborhoods

• Salt residue near coastal and high-traffic areas

• Freeze-thaw cycles that affect concrete and pavers

Good answer:

“Yes, we regularly work on New Jersey homes and adjust our cleaning methods for local conditions.”

Red flag:

“We use the same approach everywhere.”

What can happen if you skip this question: You may have no recourse if the results fall short or problems appear later.

10. What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

This final question reveals how a company handles responsibility. Even with proper care, issues can happen. What matters is how they are addressed.

Good answer:

“If an issue comes up, we document it, communicate immediately, and make it right.”

Red flag:

“That’s never happened before,” or “That’s not our problem.”

A professional pressure washing company will have a clear process for handling concerns instead of avoiding them.

What can happen if you skip this question: You may face unexpected costs or rushed work to stay within budget.

What New Jersey Homeowners Need to Know Before Hiring a Pressure Washing Company

Pressure washing in New Jersey comes with challenges that don’t exist everywhere, and a company unfamiliar with local conditions can easily cause damage.

In many NJ neighborhoods, moss and algae most often appear on north-facing siding, shaded roofs, and areas near tree lines where moisture lingers longer.

Vinyl siding and composite decking, which are common across Morris, Essex, and Bergen counties, are especially vulnerable if cleaned too aggressively.

Homes closer to the coast often deal with salt residue buildup, while inland areas see heavier organic staining from leaves and pollen.

During winter, freeze–thaw cycles can weaken concrete and paver joints, making improper pressure washing more likely to cause cracking or surface erosion.

This is why it matters to hire a pressure washing company that understands where buildup forms, which surfaces are most at risk, and how New Jersey weather affects cleaning results, not just one that uses the same approach everywhere.

Quick Hiring Checklist for Pressure Washing Companies

Use this checklist as a final comparison tool after speaking with a few companies. If any box raises concerns, it’s a sign to keep looking.

Question Area	What You Want to Hear	Warning Sign
Insurance	Proof of liability & worker’s comp	“You don’t need to worry”
Training	Surface-specific cleaning methods	“Anyone can do this”
Methods	Soft wash + controlled pressure	One method for everything
Property protection	Plants, windows, surroundings protected	No clear plan
Guarantee	Satisfaction or workmanship guarantee	No accountability

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are common questions New Jersey homeowners ask before scheduling pressure washing services.

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.