Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: DanielWelford on October 29, 2010, 07:58:24 pm

Title: NEW STARTER
Post by: DanielWelford on October 29, 2010, 07:58:24 pm
Hi Guys

Currently have a cleaning biz and have been asked by a couple of my existing contracts if I would be interested in doing the windows. The easy option is to sub out, but would rather learn myself and then develop the service.

I was thinking of starting with a trolley, but do they have limitations on how high they can go, or is it simply down to the size of the pump. Most of the sites are just 2/3 storey houses, but have 2 apartment blocks and 1 of these is over 4 floors! Will a trolley cope?

Furthermore, I was thinking of charging by window to keep it simple to start with. How much can I expect to charge?

Many thanks for your assistance.

Dan
Title: Re: NEW STARTER
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 29, 2010, 08:57:34 pm
Hi Guys

Welcome to the darkside, Daniel!  ;D

Currently have a cleaning biz and have been asked by a couple of my existing contracts if I would be interested in doing the windows. The easy option is to sub out, but would rather learn myself and then develop the service.

I wouldn't rule out subbing out and taking your cut - simple life see? But see below...

I was thinking of starting with a trolley, but do they have limitations on how high they can go, or is it simply down to the size of the pump. Most of the sites are just 2/3 storey houses, but have 2 apartment blocks and 1 of these is over 4 floors! Will a trolley cope?

It is down to the pump, but on apartment blocks you will find you are refilling after say 20/25 windows at 2L per window

Furthermore, I was thinking of charging by window to keep it simple to start with. How much can I expect to charge?

I think £1 a window is ok for houses, but for apartment blocks charge a bit less.
Many thanks for your assistance.

You're welcome!

Dan
Title: Re: NEW STARTER
Post by: DanielWelford on October 29, 2010, 09:32:05 pm
Thanks Gold.

How big a pole would I need for a 4 storey apartment block, and how big would the pump need to be?

Cheers  Dan
Title: Re: NEW STARTER
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 29, 2010, 09:58:25 pm
100 psi shurflo is pretty standard. And work on 10ft of pole for each floor of a block of flats built since the war. You can just get away with 35ft at a stretch if you don't have ground falling away from the building and/or you don't mind standing a bit close to the building and getting a crick in your neck!
Title: Re: NEW STARTER
Post by: DanielWelford on October 30, 2010, 04:16:57 pm
Thanks again.

Just 1 last question  ;D

I have been to view 2 of the sites this morning, the first is a single block 19 apartments over 4 floors with 87 external doors/windows.

Site 2 is 2 blocks totalling 94 apartments over 4 floors with @ 250 doors/windows.

They want quotes for a one off, bi-monthly & quarterly cleans

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Dan
Title: Re: NEW STARTER
Post by: DanielWelford on October 31, 2010, 04:15:09 pm
Anyone?
Title: Re: NEW STARTER
Post by: Spruce on October 31, 2010, 04:32:00 pm
Hi,

How long is a piece of string?

I would suggest you put up a few pictures and the area (London prices are much higher than the North) and then let the suggestions begin.

I would take Gold's advise and sub it out. The windows on the large block would probably need a 40' pole to be sure, and these are expensive, as is all the equipment needed for a couple of days work a month maybe.

I also don't think I would like the experience of learning WPF on the 3 story block of flats. For me an upstairs/downstairs was quiet daunting to begin with.

Spruce.
Title: Re: NEW STARTER
Post by: darren clarke on October 31, 2010, 05:21:51 pm
sub it out add 10% and make ur life easier
Title: Re: NEW STARTER
Post by: windiewasher on October 31, 2010, 05:39:23 pm
I know of a few people in london that say prices arent that high!


Hi,

How long is a piece of string?

I would suggest you put up a few pictures and the area (London prices are much higher than the North) and then let the suggestions begin.


I would take Gold's advise and sub it out. The windows on the large block would probably need a 40' pole to be sure, and these are expensive, as is all the equipment needed for a couple of days work a month maybe.

I also don't think I would like the experience of learning WPF on the 3 story block of flats. For me an upstairs/downstairs was quiet daunting to begin with.

Spruce.