at
http://www.Wolman.com There is a Contractors Certification Program you can go through there as well. Including application techniques, pricing guidelines, sample bid sheets, and oh yeah... You can get your "Official" ball cap's there too! I read the manual online yesterday and was fairly impressed.
You may also order a hard copy and a video tape for $40.00 from Wolman. At DeckSeal.com I believe it is a $97.00 charge, but included promotional materials, etc.
Wolman is a large supplier of products for the restoration of wood products. In our area the products are retailed through Sutherland Lumber.
Home Depot has a decent power washer for $299.00.
I believe this is a high-profit margin, weekend-warrior type of activity for those looking to make a few extra hundred in a relatively short time.
I estimated a deck 710 square feet, including railings and benches to require just under $60.00 of materials to clean and seal.
I would expect the price of the completed job to be approximately $562.50 w/material & Labor. A 5 hour job overall. 3 hours to prep, clean and power wash. 2 hours to seal and clean up.
Just like the "Sarge" used to say on
Hill Street Blues before the police hit the streets for their shift,
"Let's be careful out there..."
Now who's an Old Geezer???
This would be a good business to build - and franchise - if done correctly from the beginning. Placing it into the parameters of the Rich Dad series. Once operational, the 'model' could be started virtually anywhere. Then it becomes a management task. Estimating, winning bids and completion of the job.
Not much different from some examples in Rich Dad. Low initial investment. Fairly high returns on less than $100.00 in material per job.
Some may think I am against this idea but yesterday I spoke with a friend in the neighboring State about possibly Joint Venturing on a two State operation. Of course we will have the necessary license, permits and liability coverages. (I do not advocate shady, illegal operations in any way shape or form.)
Do it the right way and it will pay dividends in the long run. So think of it as the "learning curve". Just as the McDonald's franchise owner must work in another McD's for so long - before he gets his
own franchise - to learn the ropes.
Learn the basics, then get into management! Then take your working model to the next town and start again.
Success and Regards... Mike
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