Red Flags to Watch Out for When Hiring a Power Washing Contractor

Not all power washing contractors are created equal. While many are honest professionals who take pride in their work, there are plenty of underqualified or even shady operators who can leave you with damaged property, unfinished work, or a serious case of buyer’s remorse. 😬💸

To avoid wasting your time and money — or worse, causing harm to your home — you need to know the warning signs of a bad contractor. In this guide, we’ll highlight the most common red flags to watch out for when hiring a power washing service. 🚩

🚫 1. No Proof of Insurance

This is the #1 deal-breaker. Any contractor who can’t provide proof of liability insurance (and workers’ compensation if they have a team) is putting you at risk. ⚠️

Without insurance, YOU could be on the hook if:

They damage your siding or windows
They injure themselves on your property
Chemicals harm your landscaping or paint

Always ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI). If they can’t provide it or make excuses, walk away. 🏃‍♂️

📄 2. No Written Estimate or Vague Pricing

A reputable power washing company should provide a detailed written quote that outlines:

Services included
Square footage or areas covered
Type of detergent used
Timeline
Final cost

If someone says something like, “It’ll be around $200, we’ll see when we get there,” that’s a major red flag. Ambiguous pricing often leads to surprise charges later. 💰💥

🤥 3. “Too Good to Be True” Prices

Ultra-low quotes can be tempting, but they’re often too good to be true. Bargain basement pricing might mean:

Substandard equipment
Untrained workers
No insurance
Rushed or sloppy work
Upsells once they’re on your property

You get what you pay for — and in power washing, cheap can get expensive fast if damage occurs. 😓

🚫 4. No Online Presence or Reviews

In today’s world, any reputable business should have at least some digital footprint. Whether it’s Google reviews, a Facebook page, or a basic website, lack of online visibility is a red flag. 🕸️

Even worse is when a company has reviews, but they’re overwhelmingly negative — especially if the complaints are consistent (missed appointments, bad workmanship, etc.).

💡 Tip: Look for a pattern of professionalism in their reviews — not just star ratings, but real stories.

🛠️ 5. Unprofessional Equipment or Appearance

When the contractor shows up, take a quick scan:

Are they driving an unmarked vehicle?
Is the equipment rusty or covered in duct tape?
Do they lack safety gear like gloves, goggles, or ladders?

Power washing requires precision and care — and someone using subpar gear or lacking basic safety practices likely won’t treat your home with the attention it deserves. 🧯

⏰ 6. Poor Communication or Missed Appointments

From your very first inquiry, a good contractor should:

Respond promptly
Show up when they say they will
Follow through on calls, quotes, and scheduling

If they ghost you, reschedule repeatedly, or show up an hour late with no explanation — that’s likely how they’ll treat your actual service too. 🚩

You deserve clear, courteous communication at every step.

🧼 7. No Mention of Soft Washing for Delicate Surfaces

Not every surface can withstand high-pressure water. Delicate materials like:

Stucco
Vinyl siding
Wood decks
Roof shingles

…need a soft wash method — which uses low pressure and safe chemicals to clean effectively without damage.

If a contractor insists that everything should be hit with high pressure — or doesn’t even mention soft washing — that’s a red flag they don’t understand proper techniques. 💦❌

💬 8. No Satisfaction Guarantee or Warranty

A confident and reputable company will stand behind their work. Look for services that include a:

Satisfaction guarantee
Touch-up policy if areas are missed
Clear warranty on their service (even if limited)

If the contractor says, “We just spray it and that’s it — no redos,” consider going with someone else. 🧾✅

🧾 9. Cash-Only or No Receipts

If a company only accepts cash and won’t provide a receipt, you have no paper trail if something goes wrong.

Red flags:

“We don’t charge tax if it’s cash.”
“Just give me $150 now, I’ll do the rest later.”
“No need for an invoice, you trust me, right?”

Always get everything in writing, and use payment methods you can track. Transparency is a sign of professionalism. 💳📝

🛑 10. High-Pressure Sales Tactics

If someone shows up at your door and insists, “You need this done today!” — be wary.

Scare tactics like:

“Your siding has black mold!”
“Your driveway is dangerous.”
“If you don’t fix this now, it’ll cost thousands!”

…are often exaggerated to pressure you into an on-the-spot decision. Take your time, do your research, and compare companies.

🚪 Politely thank them — then shut the door.

✅ Final Thoughts

Hiring a power washing service isn’t just about who offers the best price — it’s about trust, professionalism, and peace of mind. Watching out for these red flags will save you time, money, and potential headaches. 🧠💡

When in doubt, choose a contractor who: