Why these questions work
Each question below tests something that affects your result: whether you are protected, whether the price is real, and whether the crew understands your surfaces. A good company answers them quickly and plainly. Hesitation, vague answers or irritation are useful information too.
You do not need to ask all ten in one call. Pick the ones that matter for your job. A storefront owner will care more about timing and water handling, while a homeowner with old stucco will care more about method.
Write down the answers as you go. Comparing two or three companies side by side makes the differences obvious.
Questions 1 and 2: protection and price
Question 1: Can you send a certificate of insurance? A good answer is yes, followed by a document with current dates. Anything like "we are covered, don't worry" without paperwork is not enough.
Question 2: How is the price calculated, and is it final before you start? Look for a clear rate, such as a price per square foot or linear foot, and a flat total agreed before work begins. Be wary of quotes that "depend on what we find" with no limit.
It also helps to ask what is included. Does the driveway price cover the apron and the sidewalk strip at the curb? Does a house wash include eaves, the outer faces of gutters or the garage door? Clear scope prevents disappointment on the day.
Questions 3 and 4: method
Question 3: How will you clean each of my surfaces? A good answer separates them. Concrete with a surface cleaner, stucco and painted areas with a low-pressure soft wash, wood with care to avoid raising the grain. One pressure for everything is a bad sign.
Question 4: Do you pre-treat, and how long does the solution sit? Pre-treatment and dwell time are what break down oil, mildew and organic stains. Someone who skips them usually compensates with more pressure, and more pressure is how surfaces get damaged.
A useful follow-up is to ask what pressure they would use on your stucco or wood, and why. You do not need to know the right number yourself. You are listening for a reason tied to the surface, such as protecting the texture or avoiding raised grain.
Questions 5 and 6: plants, pets and property
Question 5: How do you protect plants, windows and nearby surfaces? Good answers include pre-wetting plants, rinsing them afterward, keeping solution off delicate areas and watching overspray near cars and glass.
Question 6: What do you need from me before the day? A thoughtful company will mention moving cars, unlocking gates, bringing pets inside, closing windows and access to an outdoor spigot. If they ask nothing, they may not be planning ahead.
If you have a tenant, neighbor or shared driveway, ask how they handle people walking through the work area. A good crew will mention keeping paths clear or working one section at a time.
Questions 7 and 8: expectations and water
Question 7: Which of my stains will come out, and which may only lighten? Honest companies tell you that old rust, deep oil and some hard water marks may only fade. A promise that everything will look brand new is a red flag.
Question 8: Where does the wash water go? In Los Angeles, Municipal Code section 64.70.02 prohibits discharging untreated wash water from paved-surface washing into the storm drain system unless a permit allows it. A good answer explains how they keep runoff out of the gutter on your job.
A related question is whether they will test a small area first on unusual surfaces like natural stone, painted concrete or older brick. Testing takes minutes and avoids surprises.
Questions 9 and 10: finishing the job
Question 9: Do you do a walkthrough at the end? You want to look at the work together before the crew leaves, so anything missed can be touched up on the spot. At Say Wash It we walk the job with the customer at the end for exactly that reason.
Question 10: What should I do afterward, and when should this be cleaned again? A good answer covers drying time before driving or walking on surfaces, whether sealing makes sense and a realistic cleaning interval for your property. In LA that often means thinking about the rainy season and the dusty summer.
If you want a number to compare against while you make calls, the instant quote on this page shows our price as of October 2026 before you ever talk to anyone.
Key points
Why these questions work
Each question below tests something that affects your result: whether you are protected, whether the price is real, and whether the crew understands your surfaces. A good company answers them quickly and plainly. Hesitation, vague answers or irritation are useful information too.
Questions 7 and 8: expectations and water
Question 7: Which of my stains will come out, and which may only lighten? Honest companies tell you that old rust, deep oil and some hard water marks may only fade. A promise that everything will look brand new is a red flag.