[taffy_2]

what kit do you need to start a window cleaning buisness i.e size of squeeges size of mops etc etc

[STEVE71163]

Hi Taffy
          Welcome to the Forum

If you take a look through the previous posts in this section you should find all the information you are looking for.

Steve

[pdhanson]

Until recently, I'd have said that minimum start up kit would consist of the following:

2 Section Alloy Ladders (~3.5m unextended) £120
Bucket   £2.00
Applicator & T-Bar   £15
14" Squeegee    £15
4 Scrims          £14
2 Pouches     £11
Scraper £4
Any old Belt     £2
Roof rack & straps if you have a car or van £80
Insurance Policy    £110

Thats about £374


If I was starting now, I'd hesitate to get all that, instead of jumping in with that stuff I'd consider putting the money towards a pole system.

Silly

[matt]

2 Section Alloy Ladders (~3.5m unextended) £120

50 quid from wicks, lets face it, we only go up to the bottom of the first floor window, so you dont need a TRADE ladder

[pdhanson]

I started off with exactly those ladders from wickes!  They're like an old friend.  (Though they cost me £55, not £50)

I needed 3 section though, so I thought I might as well make the switch to trade as you dont get 3 sec domestic.

The 2 sections trade are about 10Kg heavier than domestic, takes some getting used to.

Some insurance companies can get funny if you dont use trade duty, but I did perfectly well with domestic for months.

Silly

[matt]

my local wicks have the for 50 quid, as i priced a pair up for a mate who is thinking of working 1 day a week

[Reflective Property Services]

Try screwfix http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/cat.jsp?cId=101557&ts=26318 they do trade ladders starting from £70 up, cheapest ive seen

Alex

[pdhanson]

That's fair comment.

I'm sorry to hear about your friend.

When you hear things like this it brings to mind just how dangerous window cleaning (with ladders) actually is.

Silly

[fez]

If you buy a decent ladder (not DIY!! ), you'll feel more confident in your work and you'll clean faster.

Faster cleaning = more money!! Don't be a skinflint - it doesn't pay off in the end!

[g_griffin]

You`re right it doesn`t pay off.
Trade will last a lot longer so you don`t save anything and you will be better off( financially and safety wise) long term.

    Gerry.

[stevekennedy]

If you do get the cheaper ladder, make sure you write a risk assesment to explain that, due to the nature of your work, (ie you need to reposition/carry the ladder about 200 times a day!), you are using the lighter duty. You should also keep a daily register and sign it every day to prove you have checked the ladder for defects because the HSE reckons that domestic ladders are more prone to wear out. Then if the something happens, your insurance company will be more likely to pay up.

.... or you could just buy a trade ladder  

[fez]

For the sake of a hundred  quid, you're much better off with a trade ladder. I've got one - but I wish that I'd bought a double pointer!

Maybe in the summer..................!