5 Things Every Homeowner Should Know Before Hiring a Pressure Washing Company

Choosing the Right Exterior Cleaning Professional

Hiring the wrong pressure washing company can result in property damage, voided warranties, and wasted money. Here in the Texas Hill Country, where homes feature everything from limestone to stucco to delicate Hardie board siding, choosing a knowledgeable professional is especially important.

Here are the five things you absolutely need to know before hiring anyone.

1. Are They Insured?

This is non-negotiable. Any legitimate exterior cleaning company should carry at minimum $1 million in general liability insurance. If they don't, you're personally liable for any damage they cause to your property — or worse, any injuries that occur on your property.

What to ask: "Can you provide a certificate of insurance?"

At APEX, we carry full $1M general liability coverage and are happy to provide proof before any job.

2. Do They Know the Difference Between Pressure Washing and Soft Washing?

This is the biggest red flag in our industry. If a company shows up with a pressure washer and plans to blast everything at 3,000+ PSI, run the other way.

Different surfaces require different methods:

• Hard surfaces (concrete, brick, stone) → Pressure washing at 2,500-4,000 PSI
• Delicate surfaces (siding, roofs, wood) → Soft washing at under 500 PSI with chemical treatment

A company that uses high pressure on your vinyl siding or roof shingles will cause damage — guaranteed.

What to ask: "What method will you use on my [specific surface]? What PSI?"

3. What Chemicals Do They Use?

Professional exterior cleaning requires more than just water. The chemicals used matter — both for effectiveness and for your property's safety.

Red flags:

• They won't tell you what they use
• They use bleach straight from a jug (improper concentration)
• They don't mention surfactants (the solution won't cling properly)
• They don't plan to protect your landscaping

What to look for:

• Sodium Hypochlorite (SH) at proper dilution ratios
• Professional surfactants designed for exterior cleaning
• A plan to pre-wet and post-rinse all landscaping
• Knowledge of which concentrations work for which surfaces

4. Do They Provide a Written Estimate and Scope of Work?

A professional company should provide a clear, written estimate that includes:

• Specific services being performed
• Surfaces being cleaned
• Methods being used (pressure wash vs. soft wash)
• Total price with no hidden fees
• Timeline for completion
• Guarantee or warranty on the work

Verbal quotes and vague descriptions are a recipe for disputes. If they can't put it in writing, they're not professional enough to trust with your property.

5. Do They Have Reviews and References?

In 2026, there's no excuse for a company without reviews. Check:

• Google Business Profile — Look for 4+ stars with detailed reviews
• Facebook — Check for real customer feedback
• Before/after photos — Any quality company should have a portfolio
• Local references — Ask if they've worked in your neighborhood

Bonus tip: Ask specifically about their experience with your type of property. A company that mostly does commercial concrete may not be the best choice for your delicate stucco home.

The APEX Difference

At APEX Exterior Cleaning, we check every one of these boxes:

• ✅ $1M general liability insurance — Certificate available on request
• ✅ Method-specific cleaning — We match the technique to the surface, every time
• ✅ Professional-grade chemicals — Proper SH concentrations with surfactants, plus full landscaping protection
• ✅ Written estimates — Clear scope, pricing, and timeline before we start
• ✅ Proven track record — Real reviews from real customers in New Braunfels and the Hill Country

Get Your Free Estimate

Ready to work with a company that does things the right way? APEX serves New Braunfels, Gruene, Canyon Lake, and all of Comal County.

Call (830) 832-2172 or request your free estimate [blocked] today.