Over time, dirt builds up on areas outside of our houses, and we find ourselves wishing we had a new sidewalk, driveway, deck, siding or roof. Well, instead of replacing those areas that are dirty, you can use a pressure washer to restore those areas and make them look like new. While pressure washing is an effective way to remove dirt, algae, mold and dust, most homeowners don’t want to tackle the task on their own. For this reason, many people hire pressure washing contractors to clean the areas that are dirty. Pressure washing is a great way to improve the curb appeal and overall feel of your home. With so many contractors claiming to be the best in the business, it is easy to be confused about what to look for when choosing a contractor.

Know the risks. Choosing a contractor should not be intimidating but if your contractor makes you believe that there is no risk associated with pressure washing, then you should not hire that contractor. If pressure washing is not performed correctly, then it is possible that your roof, deck or siding can be damaged beyond repair. Ask your contractor about their policy in the event of irreparable damage to your home.

Price. Although there is always some wiggle room when it comes to the final price, you should never hire a contractor that keeps quoting you different prices every time you talk to them. If they can’t give you the exact price, they should be able to give you an estimated range. If you don’t get the estimated price in writing, it is very likely that you will have to pay much more than you’d budgeted for the project.

License. to clean Make sure that your contractor is licensed and has the proper licensing to complete the job. If the contractor tells you that they are not required to have a license, you should avoid doing business with them because they are not a true professional.

Insured. When choosing a contractor, request insurance information. If he fumbles around and can’t produce proof, walk away – no run away and find someone else. In the event of damage, you may find yourself holding the bag.

Rely on the referral. One of the best ways for choosing a contractor and to determine if he will do a satisfactory job is to ask a close friend to refer you to someone that they’ve hired in the past. If this is not an option, ask your contractor for at least 2-3 references prior to starting the job.

Better business test. If you aren’t convinced by the references you’ve contacted, you should definitely contact the Better Business Bureau and see if they have a good rating. If they don’t pass the BBB test, then you should avoid doing business with them.

No refund, no return. While it is perfectly normal for any type of contractor to require some type of deposit prior to starting a job, you should not be required to pay the full price until the job is finished and you are satisfied with the finished product. Also, ask what the policy is if you are not satisfied. Many times your deposit will be non-refundable, but there should be some sort of refund in the event of the customer’s complete and total dissatisfaction.

Go with your gut. Listen to your gut when you are choosing a contractor. If it doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t. Even if the contractor looks great on paper and all of their references seem legit, but you don’t feel right about it, then you should definitely find a different contractor.