If you’re aiming to scale your power washing business beyond one-time residential jobs, you’ll eventually find yourself working with commercial clients—property managers, building owners, or facility maintenance teams. These clients expect more than a handshake and a quote—they want a professional maintenance contract that lays everything out in black and white. ✍️🧼
A well-crafted commercial contract not only protects your business but also builds trust, sets clear expectations, and ensures you’re paid fairly and on time.
Let’s break down what every commercial power washing maintenance agreement should include to help you win bigger clients and long-term deals.
💼 Why Commercial Contracts Matter
Contracts can feel intimidating at first—but they’re essential when dealing with larger properties or recurring jobs.
Here’s why:
✅ Establishes a legal record of service scope and terms
✅ Prevents misunderstandings about frequency, cost, and responsibilities
✅ Protects you from liability or unpaid invoices
✅ Makes your business look professional and trustworthy
✅ Simplifies scheduling and reduces sales friction
Even if a client says “We don’t really need a contract,” it’s your job as the pro to provide one.
📋 Core Elements of a Power Washing Contract
Here’s what every commercial maintenance contract should contain:
1. Client and Contractor Information
Include the legal name, address, and contact details for both parties:
- Your business name and license info
- Property manager’s or company’s name
- Primary contact person, email, and phone number
- Property address (if different from billing address)
2. Scope of Work (SOW) 🧽
This is where you detail exactly what you’re cleaning and how often.
Example:
“Contractor will provide exterior pressure washing of sidewalks, loading docks, and dumpster pads at XYZ Plaza. Service will occur once per month on the second Tuesday.”
Clearly define:
- Surfaces to be cleaned (siding, concrete, awnings, etc.)
- Frequency (weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.)
- Type of cleaning (pressure, soft wash, degreasing, gum removal)
- Any areas specifically excluded from service
This removes all ambiguity and helps avoid disputes later.
3. Schedule and Duration 📅
Lay out when the service begins and how long it lasts:
- Start and end date (or “evergreen until canceled”)
- Preferred time of day (e.g., after business hours)
- Cancellation policy (30-day written notice, for example)
Recurring jobs benefit from a seasonal calendar, such as:
April – October: Monthly concrete and storefront washing
November – March: On-call only due to weather restrictions
4. Payment Terms 💳
Detail how and when you’ll get paid:
- Total monthly fee or per-visit rate
- Payment due date (e.g., Net 15 or Net 30)
- Accepted payment methods (check, ACH, credit card)
- Late payment penalties (e.g., 2% per month after 30 days)
- Deposits required (especially for large upfront projects)
Pro tip: Use automated invoicing software like Jobber or QuickBooks to stay organized and get paid faster.
5. Supplies and Equipment Responsibility 🧰
Make it clear that you provide all tools and chemicals, unless the client specifically requests otherwise.
“Contractor will supply all power washing equipment, cleaning solutions, and safety gear necessary to complete the work as described.”
This prevents any confusion over who’s bringing what to the job site.
6. Insurance and Licensing 🛡️
Commercial clients almost always want to see this:
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation (if you have employees)
- Proof of local business license
- Bonding (if required by client or state)
Include a clause like:
“Contractor shall maintain general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 and provide a Certificate of Insurance upon request.”
7. Access Requirements and Safety 🚧
List anything needed to access the property:
- Security codes or keyholder access
- Required safety briefings or sign-ins
- Permits for working at height or near traffic
- Environmental controls (e.g., wastewater runoff prevention)
Being thorough upfront means no surprises on service day.
8. Warranties and Guarantees 🔄
If you offer any type of guarantee—say it clearly.
“Contractor guarantees removal of surface dirt and mildew but cannot guarantee removal of permanent stains or etching.”
Avoid vague language like “100% satisfaction guaranteed” unless you truly mean it (and can deliver).
9. Liability Disclaimer ❗
Protect your business from being blamed for unrelated damage.
“Contractor is not responsible for pre-existing damage to surfaces or property, including but not limited to paint chipping, cracks, or loose materials revealed during cleaning.”
You can even recommend a pre-job walkthrough and photo documentation to back this up.
10. Signatures and Date ✍️
Both parties must sign and date the agreement to make it enforceable.
Consider using e-signature tools like DocuSign, PandaDoc, or HelloSign to make it easy for your clients—especially property managers working remotely.
📦 Optional Add-Ons to Consider
Depending on the property and client, you might also include:
- 🧽 Add-on service menu (gutter cleaning, graffiti removal, etc.)
- 📸 Before/after photo documentation
- 💬 Monthly reports or feedback surveys
- 🚨 Emergency call-out rates
This helps position your service as comprehensive and flexible.
🧠 Pro Tips for Closing More Contracts
✅ Bring a printed sample contract to initial meetings
✅ Include photos of similar work you’ve done (especially before/after shots)
✅ Offer 3-month trial contracts to reduce buyer hesitation
✅ Suggest bundling locations for discount (e.g., all shopping centers a client manages)
✅ Provide Certificates of Insurance and references upfront
These small touches build trust—and differentiate you from “just another cleaner.”
💬 Final Thoughts
A solid commercial power washing contract isn’t just a formality—it’s a tool for securing recurring revenue, avoiding conflicts, and growing your business with confidence.
Take the time to customize each agreement based on the client’s needs and property. The clearer and more professional your contract, the more likely a commercial customer will say, “Let’s move forward.”
Because at the end of the day, contracts close deals—and protect them too. 🧾💼
