Pressure washing: RENT from Home Depot or HIRE a contractor?

Question

Hey guys!

I need to power wash concrete surfaces at the property. What is more cost-effective: rent the equipment from home depot and power wash it myself or hire a contractor to do it for me?

Thanks!

Sylvia B. · Answer

That depends on the value you place on your time and the likelihood that you will mess something up. Not knowing how "handy" you are brings that question to mind.

Generally speaking, you will be out of pocket less by renting and doing it yourself, but you must consider other factors. How far away is HD? Driving there and back costs you something. Do you have to take a day off of work to do this? Are there more valuable ways you could use your time? Only you can answer those questions.

Bryan N. · Answer

I used to do it myself. But, companies in the area are so cheap now it's not worth my time anymore.

Mindy Jensen · Answer

How soon do you need the work done? What hinges on its proper execution? I have a pressure washer, and don't really know how to use it. I ended up with lines of clean next to patches of dirt my first few times using it. If you have to pressure wash it tonight so you can close on it tomorrow, better to hire it out. If you have time to figure out the machine and do it right, you can save money.

Sometimes, it is cheaper to hire it out. Get quotes for the job, then compare to cost of rental or purchase. Ask them how long they think the job will take. Then double that to come up with approximately how long it will take you to do it. Good luck!

Account Closed · Answer

I would do it myself also.

there is value to be learned from doing manual labor yourself. besides the cost savings, you will know allot more about what things cost from power washing to re-plumbing a house if you have done them yourself. I personally have done all work on my rental. Some things its reasonable to hire out such as specialty HVAC work but for the most part. There is an incomparable advantage beyond money to doing work yourself. try it, you will enjoy the work and the finished product allot more then you think if it is the fruits of your own labor and the savings will naturally follow.

Daniel Moore · Answer

As mentioned once or twice already, it really depends on the value you place on your own time. It could probably be hired out for little to nothing and would be done with minimal to no supervision.

The time saved could be used for High income producing activity producing big paychecks, or even better spent with friends and family.

You might could save 75-100$ doing it yourself, or you could use your time saved to hunt down more property, which in return could yield you thousands.

Doing it yourself would probably be a net negative for you if you look at opportunity costs.

Kyle J. · Answer

I'd suggest just buying a pressure washer. That way you already have it if/when you need to use it again. I bought one for only $150 and it made the driveway and walkway at one of my rentals look almost like brand new. They're pretty easy to use too.

Bill Gulley · Answer

Rent the machine (if you can't buy one) and rent some unemployed college aged student type! Show them and watch or DIY. I think mine was less than $200 and I use it on all kinds of things, car, truck, boats, house, rock landscaping, driveway, everything but the dog. :)

Elizabeth Colegrove · Answer

As a brand-new investor who's every penny still counts. I would do it myself. Since we have 4"5 houses I would probably invest in one myself.

Kathleen Leary · Answer

Consider, too, how often you might need to use a pressure washer. It might be worth purchasing one - with a little careful shopping, you can get a pretty decent one for $300 or so. Granted, you have to store it & schlep it back & forth, but if you need to do multiple driveways, patios, block walls, sheds, dirty siding, etc. it might be worth thinking about.

Pressure washing: RENT from Home Depot or HIRE a contractor?

Pressure washing: RENT from Home Depot or HIRE a contractor?

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