Will you receive a written estimate?

All of our estimates are written using a 3 copy, custom designed forms for the power wash industry.

Is the scope of work clearly defined including areas to be finished, type of material, number of coats, and special surface preparation?

All of the steps of proper wood restoration will be listed on our forms to allow you to compare our services easily with another company.  Make sure you understand what every company is offering you and what their process is.  Some companies fail to list important aspects like the type of sealer being used or if they are only using high pressure to clean decks.  High pressure can destroy wood!

Has the company been in business 5 or more years?

Henry's Housework has provided a variety of power wash services in Maryland since1989.

Is the contractor properly insured?
 
If the contactor is not adequately insured, you may face the risk of having to insure a potential accident at best, or at worst, you could be facing a lawsuit.  This does not mean general liability alone - you should also see proof of Worker’s Compensation Insurance. 

Are recent and long term references offered?
 
References will help you determine the contactor’s ability to perform. Check ours here.
Henry's Housework has been providing power wash services for 20 years providing services to over 19,000 residential and commercial properties in Maryland.

Beware of companies that list years of experience, in some cases companies will list experience that does not involve actual power washing or they may list their employees experience combined.  This can mislead consumers into believing a company has more experience that it may actually have, that's why we have ours listed both ways.
.
Is the contractor licensed?

In Maryland power wash companies are only required to have a home improvement license to apply deck sealers.  Henry's Housework has made several attempts to get this law changed to protect consumers.  What the Maryland Home Improvement Commission fails to understand is that most damage done during deck cleaning is caused from the use of high pressure, not just the sealing.  Our MHIC License number is MHIC#65039

To check a companies licensing status in Maryland, use this link. 

Is the contractor a member of the Power Washers Of North America? (www.pwna.org)

Henry's Housework has been an active member of the PWNA since 1999
Henry Bockman is a BOD Member of the PWNA national org, and President of the local PWNA Maryland Chapter

Has the power wash contractor taken any training or certification to learn the proper procedures in power washing?

Henry's Housework has taken and passed the following certification programs:
PWNA Wood Certification
Wolman Wood Certification
ABR Wood Certification
PWNA Environmental Certification
We are also recognized as being among the leaders in the power washing industry by providing training and contractor education to companies all over the country.