Pressure washing looks simple from the outside — point a wand, blast the dirt off. Done wrong, it etches concrete, strips paint, or drives water behind siding it was never meant to get behind. The difference between a clean result and a repair bill usually comes down to who’s holding the wand. Here’s what to check before you hire.
Experience with your specific surface
A company that mostly does driveways may not know the pressure and nozzle settings that keep cedar siding or painted stucco intact. Ask what they’ve worked on that’s similar to your property, not just how long they’ve been in business.
Reviews you can verify
Check Google reviews rather than testimonials curated on the company’s own site. Read a few of the lower-rated ones too — how a company responds tells you more than the average score.
Licensing and insurance
Ask for proof of liability coverage before work starts. If something goes wrong — a cracked window, a gouged deck board — insurance determines who pays for the repair.
Commercial-grade equipment
Consumer pressure washers can run at pressures that damage softer materials. Ask what PSI range they use on your surface type and whether they adjust it by material.
Price versus scope
The lowest quote is often lowest because something’s been left out — edging, downspouts, a second pass on stubborn spots. Ask what’s included before comparing numbers.
References for the same type of job
A portfolio of driveways doesn’t tell you much if you need a soft wash on siding. Ask for examples of the same service on the same surface type.
What’s in the cleaning solution
Some detergents are strong enough to damage plants or strip finishes. Ask what they use and whether it’s suited to the surface and any landscaping nearby.
Cleanup included in the job
A finished job shouldn’t leave overspray on windows, debris drifted into garden beds, or water pooling somewhere it shouldn’t. Confirm cleanup is part of the service, not billed separately.
A real portfolio
Before-and-after photos of comparable properties are the clearest sign of what to expect. If a company can’t show its own work, ask why.
A warranty on the work
A company willing to stand behind the job with a warranty is telling you it expects the result to hold up. Ask what’s covered and for how long.
If you’re comparing quotes for a job in Metro Vancouver, pressure washing is one of ours — happy to answer questions even if you go with someone else.