Maintaining the cleanliness and curb appeal of your home is important, and one effective way to achieve this is by regularly washing the exterior. As Kiwis, we love our DIY, so it may be tempting to handle this task yourself—but there definitely certain advantages to hiring a professional house washing service to get the job done instead. To help you make an informed decision about which option is best for you and your home, this blog post will explore the pros and cons of each option.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of DIY House Washing
Pros of DIY House Washing
1. Cost-Effectiveness
One of the most significant advantages of DIY house washing is that it can save you money. If you already have a water blaster and the necessary cleaning supplies, the cost is minimal compared to hiring a professional house washing service.
2. Flexibility
Doing it yourself allows you to clean on your own schedule. You can focus on specific areas that need attention and work at your own pace.
3. Satisfaction
As surely every Kiwi already knows, there’s a sense of satisfaction that comes with completing a project yourself. If you’re someone who enjoys DIY home improvement projects, house washing can be a rewarding task.
Cons of DIY House Washing
1. Time-Consuming
House washing is a labour-intensive task that can take hours, or even days, depending on the size of your home, how dirty it is, and the rate at which you’re able to work—which is connected to how familiar you are with exterior cleaning processes. For busy homeowners, especially those in full-time employment who’d rather kick back on the weekends, this may be a major drawback.
2. Risks of Damage
Water blasters are powerful tools, and improper use can damage your home’s siding, windows, landscaping, or even yourself. Using the wrong cleaning solutions can also cause discolouration or the deterioration of certain materials.
3. Limited Equipment and Expertise
Most homeowners don’t have access to commercial-grade equipment or the same expertise that professionals do. This could result in a less thorough clean, meaning mould, mildew, and grime might not be fully removed.
Why Hire Professional House Washing Services?
Pros of Professional House Washing Services
1. Superior Results
Professional house washing services have the experience and high-grade equipment to clean your home more thoroughly and effectively than most DIY efforts can. They know the right pressure settings and cleaning agents that are appropriate for different surfaces, ensuring a deep clean without causing damage.
2. Time-Saving
When you hire professionals, you don’t have to spend your own valuable time and energy washing your house. Professional wash technicians can complete the job in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it yourself.
3. Safety
House washing can be dangerous, especially if you’re working on a multi-storey home, handling strong chemicals, or trying to clean your roof or gutters. Professionals are trained in safety practices and equipped with all the right equipment, minimising the risk of injury or damage to your home. Furthermore, many professional house washing companies offer public liability insurance in the event that something does go wrong—a luxury you don’t get when DIYing.
4. Longer-Lasting Results
Since professional house washing services use specialised techniques and products, the results often last longer than a DIY job. This means you won’t have to worry about washing your house as frequently; once a year is enough to keep it looking spic and span.
Cons of Professional House Washing Services
1. Cost
The primary downside to hiring a professional house washing service is the cost. While prices can vary depending on the size of your home and the services required, it’s generally more expensive than doing it yourself. However, many homeowners find that the convenience, superior results, and peace of mind are worth the investment.
2. Scheduling
When working with professionals, you’ll have to coordinate with their available booking times. While most companies are flexible, it may not always be possible to get the exact time or date you want—especially if you’re trying to book during the busier seasons of spring and summer. An easy solution to this issue, however, may be as simple as booking your house wash during the less-busy seasons of autumn and winter.
Which Option is Right for You?
Choosing between DIY house washing and professional house washing services depends on several factors:
Budget
If you’re looking to save money, DIY might be the better option. However, consider whether the potential risks and effort are worth the savings—anything that goes wrong may end up costing more in the long run.
Time
Professional services are the way to go if you want the job done quickly and without hassle.
Experience
If you’re confident in your ability to handle a water blaster and have the right equipment and reagents, DIY may be feasible. Otherwise, hiring a professional ensures that the job is done correctly.
Conclusion
In the end, both DIY and professional house washing services have their merits. If you enjoy tackling home improvement projects and are comfortable using the necessary equipment, DIY could save you money. On the other hand, if you value your time, safety, and peace of mind, hiring professionals may be the best choice.
Investing in professional house washing services can extend the life of your home’s exterior paintwork, boost property value and curb appeal, and ensure a more thorough but gentle clean. Whether you decide to do it yourself or bring in the pros, regular house washing is an essential part of home maintenance.
And if you’re leaning towards the professional house washing services option, you could do worse than to get in touch with The House & Building Wash Company and see what a difference the experts can make.
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