As your power washing business begins to grow, you’ll eventually reach a tipping point: more jobs than you or your team can handle directly. That’s when many owners start thinking about subcontracting. But is bringing in subs the right move for your company?
Subcontracting can open the door to expansion, flexibility, and higher profits—but it also comes with risks that can damage your reputation and bottom line if not managed carefully. 🧠📉
In this article, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of subcontracting power washing jobs, and how to decide if it’s a smart move for your business.
✅ PRO: Scale Faster Without Hiring Full-Time Staff 🚀
Hiring employees takes time, money, and paperwork. Subcontractors can help you:
- Take on more jobs without increasing overhead
- Expand into new service areas or cities
- Handle seasonal demand without permanent payroll increases
Instead of managing a payroll and HR requirements, you pay by the job—clean, simple, and scalable. 💼
❌ CON: Less Control Over Quality and Customer Experience 🧼🔍
Subcontractors work under your brand, but they’re not your employees. That means:
- Inconsistent service quality
- Poor customer communication
- Missed or delayed jobs
- Sloppy workmanship reflecting poorly on you, not them
📉 One bad review from a subcontracted job can do serious damage if not caught quickly.
✅ PRO: Lower Operating Costs and Overhead 💸
Because subcontractors use their own equipment, vehicles, and insurance, your business:
- Doesn’t need to front capital for trucks or gear
- Saves on maintenance and repairs
- Avoids payroll taxes and benefits
This creates a lean business model where you focus on sales and marketing, not labor management.
🧠 Tip: Negotiate per-job rates to ensure you’re still making a strong profit margin after the subcontractor’s fee.
❌ CON: Potential Legal and Liability Issues ⚖️🛑
You must be cautious about legal classifications and responsibilities.
🚫 Misclassifying workers as subcontractors can lead to fines and lawsuits from labor boards.
🛡️ If your sub lacks proper insurance, you may be liable for damage or injuries.
📄 A poorly written contract may leave you unable to recover losses from no-shows or job issues.
Always use legally reviewed contracts and request up-to-date liability and worker’s comp insurance from any sub you work with.
✅ PRO: Expand Your Service Offerings 🧰
Want to offer services outside your current expertise—like roof washing, concrete sealing, or soft washing?
Subcontractors allow you to sell a wider range of services without learning or buying new equipment. This can increase your average ticket and give customers a one-stop-shop experience.
🔧 Example: You focus on house washes and driveways but sub out fence staining and sealing.
❌ CON: Communication Challenges 📞❗
You’ll be relying on someone else to represent your business in person. That means:
- Misunderstandings with the customer
- Delays in start or finish times
- Lack of real-time updates from the job site
- Frustrated clients who “thought they hired you”
📲 To prevent this, use mobile scheduling apps (like Jobber or Housecall Pro) that allow you to assign jobs, track updates, and keep all communication documented.
✅ PRO: Enter New Markets with Low Risk 📍
Want to test a new city or suburb before opening a location there?
Subcontractors already based in that area can help you:
- Take on overflow work
- Offer faster service times
- Compete locally without high investment
🧠 If the market proves profitable, you can transition into hiring full-time staff later.
❌ CON: Risk of Losing Control Over Branding 🎨
Subcontractors often wear their own uniforms, use their own vehicles, and may even promote their own businesses.
That means your carefully crafted brand image may be diluted—or worse, confused with someone else’s.
🛑 Be clear in your agreements that they’re representing your company, and set expectations for appearance, customer interaction, and cleanliness.
🧠 Best Practices for Working with Subcontractors
If you decide subcontracting is right for your business, follow these guidelines:
✔️ Use Detailed Contracts
- Scope of work
- Payment terms
- Timelines
- Standards for communication and customer service
✔️ Require Insurance and Licensing
Always collect up-to-date documents and verify with the state if necessary.
✔️ Establish Clear Expectations
Provide written SOPs and checklists so subs understand exactly what’s required.
✔️ Pay Fairly but Profitably
Leave enough margin for your business while offering an attractive per-job rate.
✔️ Start Small and Evaluate
Test subcontractors on small jobs first and track performance carefully.
✔️ Request Photos Before and After
Visual proof of completed work helps avoid disputes and keeps your records clean.
🔍 Should You Subcontract?
Ask yourself:
- Are you turning away work due to labor limitations?
- Do you want to expand without hiring full-time?
- Can you manage the added layer of communication and oversight?
- Are you willing to take on legal responsibilities and risk?
If the answer is yes—and you have the systems in place—subcontracting can be an effective way to grow and diversify without overextending. 🌱📈
💬 Final Thoughts
Subcontracting in the power washing industry isn’t a perfect fit for everyone—but it’s a smart tool when used strategically.
Done right, it can unlock growth, streamline operations, and allow you to build a lean, agile business. Done wrong, it can hurt your reputation and drain your profits.
So subcontract with intention. Build relationships with reliable pros, protect your business with contracts, and never compromise your standards. 🧽💼💪
