Hiring a power washing company is supposed to leave your property sparkling clean — not leave you stressed out or disappointed. But unfortunately, not all service experiences go smoothly. Whether it’s streaky siding, missed areas, or a job that’s flat-out abandoned halfway through, some homeowners find themselves wondering what to do when the work they paid for doesn’t live up to expectations. 😩
In this article, we’ll walk you through what to do if a power washing job is incomplete or poorly done, how to protect yourself before hiring a company, and how to ensure any issues are handled professionally and fairly. ✅🧽
🧾 Step 1: Review the Original Agreement or Quote
Before you get angry or jump to conclusions, take a moment to revisit the original contract, written estimate, or service agreement. Did the power washing company:
- List the specific areas to be cleaned?
- Mention stain removal, sealing, or extras?
- Provide a completion date or time estimate?
- Offer a satisfaction guarantee or warranty?
Sometimes a homeowner assumes certain things are included when they weren’t officially quoted. Still, if the service promised something and didn’t deliver, that’s worth addressing.
📝 If there was no formal agreement — only a handshake or vague conversation — it may be harder to resolve, but not impossible.
📸 Step 2: Document the Issues Thoroughly
Take clear before-and-after photos of:
- Areas that were missed or poorly cleaned
- Any damage caused during the process (chipped paint, dead plants, etc.)
- Equipment left behind or messes made
- Overall condition of the job site
Photos are powerful proof — especially if you end up requesting a refund, posting a review, or pursuing further action. 📷
Bonus: If you have a timestamped copy of the quote or email thread, keep that handy too.
☎️ Step 3: Contact the Company Professionally
Reach out to the company via email or phone — and stay calm and polite. Most reputable businesses want the chance to make things right.
Use a message like this:
“Hi, I recently hired your company for power washing on [date] at [your address]. I noticed a few areas that weren’t cleaned as discussed, including [list issues]. I’ve attached some photos for reference. Can we schedule a follow-up to address this?”
Avoid emotional or accusatory language. Give them a fair chance to respond and correct the problem.
📆 Most good companies will offer a free touch-up or partial refund to resolve the issue.
🔁 Step 4: Request a Resolution (Reasonably)
Depending on the issue, you might ask for:
- A redo of the missed areas
- A discount or partial refund
- A written apology or guarantee on future work
- A fix for any property damage (with photos as proof)
If the company refuses to take responsibility or becomes unprofessional, move to the next step.
⚖️ Step 5: Leave a Review or File a Complaint
Still no resolution? You can take the issue public:
- 💻 Leave an honest, fact-based review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook
- 🛑 File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- 📣 Post in Nextdoor or local groups (if you’re warning neighbors)
- 📞 Contact your local consumer protection office
Be sure to stick to facts, not insults. A calm, detailed review is often more effective than a rage-filled rant — and it shows others what to expect. 😐
🧑⚖️ Step 6: Consider Legal or Financial Recourse
For serious damage or large payments gone wrong, you may have legal options:
- File a small claims court case (usually under $5,000–$10,000 depending on your state)
- Dispute the charge with your credit card provider (if applicable)
- Contact an attorney if there’s significant property damage
This should be your last resort, but it’s available if the situation warrants it.
💡 How to Prevent Issues in the First Place
Nobody wants to deal with post-job drama. Here’s how to avoid problems up front:
✅ Get a written contract or email agreement
✅ Ask for references or read verified reviews
✅ Check for insurance and licensing
✅ Walk through the job site before and after with the crew
✅ Don’t pay 100% upfront — a deposit is okay, but full payment should follow completion
A little caution goes a long way toward avoiding headaches. 🧠🛡️
🏁 Final Thoughts
It’s frustrating to feel let down after paying for professional service — especially when it’s something as visible and straightforward as power washing. But if your job was incomplete or poorly done, you’re not powerless.
By documenting the issue, communicating clearly, and following up professionally, you can often reach a resolution that gets things back on track — or at least protects other homeowners from a similar experience. 🧽📣
And remember: the best protection against bad service is doing your homework before you hire. Because when it comes to power washing, a good job should leave your place spotless — not your wallet or your patience. 💸🧼🏡
