Acceptance to Terms

 

By accepting an estimate, the client agrees to all the terms and conditions in this agreement. You authorize Chicago Racoons to do the work as specified on the estimate. You release our company from property damage unless negligence or willful misconducts cause it. Chicago Racoons is not responsible for damage to lose siding, paint, wood, trim or windows that was previously noted as damage or found during the pre-inspection walk through.

 

Description of Binding Agreement

These terms and conditions serve as a binding agreement between the property owner, hereby identified as “client” and Chicago Racoons and its owners, employees, and subcontractors, hereby identified as “company,” for the execution or services in exchange for payment for residential or commercial exterior cleaning services to include pressure washing and non-pressure washing. The services that Chicago Racoons provide to you are subject to the following terms and we reserve the right to update the terms and conditions any time without notice to you. You can review the Terms and conditions by clicking on the Terms of Service link via our website, email communications or any other communications such as estimate or invoice links.

 

Authorizations

Client agrees to allow company on the property for the purposes of completing cleaning services requested. Client understands that the cleaning service will be completed in the timeframe given during the estimate. Due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, the cleaning service may need to be moved to the next available business day. Client understands that the company will do their best to accommodate for a quick reschedule but must work around other scheduled clients and weather. Company also has the permission to visit the property with little or no notice to assess service needs prior to the date of service, as well as to check completion after services have been rendered.

Client agrees to allow company to utilize their residential water source via outdoor spigot, which will be turned on and easily accessible on the date of service. If on well water, or if in an area with low water pressure or volume, client agrees to inform the company and will avoid using any water during the cleaning service. If clients water source is not sufficient for cleaning service, they must inform the company so they can adequately prepare to bring water with them to cover required flow. There are additional fees for the company to bring water to complete the cleaning service due to the extra required equipment to transport and feed the water from our tanks. This fee is assessed based off factors such as location and amount required. We only hookup to your home’s spigot for water and the only item to be touched by the crew members. Crew members are to inspect any spigot before cleaning to ensure there is no damage to area and inspection after. Per their required training, they must take before and after photos. Chicago Racoons will not be held accountable for previously damaged spigots. Client will be informed of any previously noted damage. Chicago Racoons will not be held accountable for any issues within or outside the home that is not related to the cleaning service. We CANNOT complete any washing service at your property if you have construction or home projects going on. Our technicians CANNOT work around construction. If you plan on doing construction on areas you are looking to have cleaned, please do not schedule a washing service around it. If we arrive at property and construction is in the works, we will assess a cancellation fee of $50.

 

Risks and Releases of Liability Acknowledgement

Chicago Racoons technicians are well trained in the equipment used in the cleaning industry and take extreme precautions in making sure the company does not cause harm to your investment. Chicago Racoons uses safe techniques with the use of low pressure on delicate surfaces such as siding. However, damage can still occur to any delicate surface due to poor maintenance, neglect to the property and or low-grade building materials. Routine maintenance per manufacture’s recommendations on the home’s surfaces, should be implemented by homeowners to avoid any potential defects. Prior to washing the home any areas of concern need to be addressed by the homeowner to insure a watertight seal. This will prevent damage from occurring. The homeowner assumes all the risks and takes responsibility for any damage that occurs due to improper maintenance.

On the date of service, the company will note any pre-existing damage on the field hand checklist sheet with the client and have them sign. If client is unable to sign at time of noted damage, the company will note the absence on the field hand check list sheet and take photos of noted damage. Homeowner will have to sign off on the checklist sheet to note they have been informed of any damage once work is complete. If homeowner is unavailable at time of completion, the office manager will notify client of any damage before work along with supporting documentation. If any new damage is found during the cleaning process, the company will cease all cleaning efforts until the client can see the damage and acknowledge its existence.

Client understands that the company has set procedures to ensure plant life around the area of cleaning is protected. Client understands that their wash could be scheduled during midday sun and there could be potential for leaf burn as water can get on and around the plant during the cleaning process. If any issues arise with plant life around the area of cleaning, the company will evaluate to see if plant life suffered from leaf burn and will recover or if it has been killed. Company will then determine plan of action after evaluation of plant life.

 

House wash acknowledgement

 

YOU MUST, have a water spigot available or other arrangement available such as water being brought to site for us to complete services. There is additional cost for us to transport water to site. WE CANNOT hookup to a water faucet, it must be a direct line.

Client understands that any blemish or flaw or any existing oxidation will be more noticeable after cleaning. Vinyl sided homes that have not been maintained or has contact sun exposure will be susceptible to oxidation. Signs of oxidation are as follows: chalky white powder on siding and the clear luster removed. Please understand if your home suffers from oxidation, you may see this difference after a cleaning. When home is covered with debris, those blemishes may not stand out as much as it would be after it has been cleaned. Most of the time those issues are pointed out to the client during estimate inspection or during cleaning process. Client understands that company may not find every flaw and is not reliable if it is more noticeable after wash unless it is found to be of negligence on company end. Client understands that we require that all outside electrical outlets and fixtures are shut off before arrival to complete washing service as an additional precaution. Client also understands if we do a site unseen estimate based off provided photos or use of Eagle view software, google maps or other local listed information, that we will not be able to note any flaws in exterior surfaces. If we do a site unseen estimate, client understands we are not reliable for any unacknowledged flaw and will do our best to point this out at date of cleaning. Client also understands that our cleaning solution is specifically designed for our cleaning services and it will not cause any discoloration or damage to the siding. Client understands that if their home is severely covered in grime that they could potentially have issues with weep holes. If you notice a faint rusty color on your siding, there is no need for alarm. If you have vinyl siding, you have something called weep holes. These holes are made by the manufactures to allow ventilation and allow any condensation to drain out. With that said, these holes make a nice little home for bugs. Debris and dirt get up inside the holes and behind the siding. When we do the wash, our solution pulls the dirt and debris, sometimes left-over water and bug juices drain from these holes after we complete the wash as it goes through the drying process. The rust color/ light faint colors your seeing is bug feces, debris, mold etc. We see this occur on sections of siding that had the heaviest buildup.  This will come off with the morning dew, garden hose or rain. It is not a stain and it is not permanent. Typically, anyone that calls regarding this usually see a huge difference after the morning dew. If the weep hole runs are heavy, we will return to do a full rinse down after a visual inspection.

Client understands that during the house wash service they will receive a basic window cleaning. This is different from windows being done with a purified water-fed pole system. A basic window wash will get debris off windows, but you could be left with water spots. If you are looking for a squeaky-clean shine on windows, you will want to get the added window cleaning service which is completed with purified water-fed pole system. All water is run through a filter to ensure nothing remains in the water that could leave water spots or streaks. We recommend removing your screens to allow any debris between the window and screen to be rinsed away in a house wash. If you are getting your windows cleaned with our purified water-fed pole system, client understands they should remove screens before work. If screens are not removing, company will not remove them unless a responsibility of consent form is signed. Screens are delicate and if they are brittle, they can break. Company does not remove screens due to this unless client understands the risk of this and signs a consent form stating company will not be held liable for worn and brittle screens.

 

Roof wash acknowledgement

 

YOU MUST, have a water spigot available or other arrangement available such as water being brought to site for us to complete services. There is additional cost for us to transport water to site. WE CANNOT hookup to a water faucet, it must be a direct line.

When the company completes a roof wash service, client understands that all roofs react to our solution differently and results will vary. Our solution is guaranteed to completely kill any damaging growths such as algae, moss, or lichen. Client understands that the roof will show results of a cleaning but in some instances, it may take more time to completely remove the dead growths. This happens due to many factors such as age of roof, type of shingle, location, and the amount of buildup. Client understands that we do not pull or force growths off from roof material as it could cause damage. If client is insistent on having moss heads forcibly pulled from the roof, they must sign a waiver stating they release all liability to Chicago Racoons for any damage and that they void the soft wash method. Client understands that this could also void their warranty with the roofing manufacturer. Therefore, we do not use any other method than soft washing when washing roofs. Client understands that roofs over time have granular loss which is normal break down. Granular loss occurs more when it is infected with organic matter which diminishes roof life faster. Client understands that moss and lichen eat through the roofing material faster than algae and there is potential for more significant granular loss in those areas. Client understands that after a roof cleaning, you may see these areas of granular loss clearer than before because there is no longer organic matter hiding it. There is nothing you can do to avoid granular loss after an infection other than monitor the life of the shingle. Client also understands that our cleaning solution is specifically designed for our cleaning services and it will not cause any discoloration or damage to the roof.

 

Touch Ups on roofs:

Client understands that the company may have to return to complete touch ups. It is understood that there is potential to have some light brown areas that remain after treatment on heavy patches of algae. These light brown areas are dead algae which before treatment were black streaks. If this occurs, client understands it will take some time for the remaining dead algae to come off with assistance of natural elements such as sun exposure and rain. We request clients wait 6 to 8 weeks for the brown areas to fade. If after 6 to 8 weeks, the brown areas remain, we request you contact us immediately so we can come physically view the area to appropriately determine the next step. If roof has moss or lichen growth it will take some time for those to completely fall off. Since we do not use high pressure, we let our solution do the work. If the growth is deep into the shingle it will take time for it to remove. Those growths will turn white when treated with our solution. The client understands that the growths will dry out and fall off as the natural elements such as wind and rain assist with the removal process. If after 6 to 8 weeks, the growths remain we request client reaches out to company. We will then do onsite assessment to determine next step.

Touch ups are determined after a 6-8-week mark which allows the proper time to determine if a reapplication of solution is necessary to completely remove the organic matter. Touch ups are not charged to the client if it has been determined that a second reapplication of solution is necessary for proper treatment on initial quote.

 

1) Water Usage: You agree to provide Chicago Racoons the right to use an on-site water supply as needed to complete the stated project without compensation. It is the customer’s responsibility to make sure the water supply is on and in working order before we arrive. Additional charges may apply if water is not available.

2) Electrical Usage: You agree to provide Chicago Racoons the right to use an on-site source of electricity as needed to complete the stated project without compensation for such use. Additional charges may apply if an exterior electricity is not available.

3) Safety: While Chicago Racoons is on location and performing work and for a period of 24 hours after completion, you are responsible for keeping all children, pets and other vulnerable individuals away from the work area and off of the work surfaces. This is for their safety as well as our own.

4) Work stoppage: In the event that work must be stopped while job is in progress, due to changes by customer or unforeseen defects or delays on the customer’s part, the customer will pay for labor time incurred. If the situation can be remedied on the job by the contractor, he will do so with customer’s consent and a signed waiver.

5) Payment: Full Payment of any balance is due upon completion unless other payment terms are arranged prior to beginning work on the job.  Any variance to this policy must be agreed upon and in writing on our contract. Payments to Chicago Racoons are to be paid by cash, check or Credit Card. Late charges will be immediately assessed on all balances not paid in accordance with contract terms. The customer agrees to pay any cost incurred by Chicago Racoons related to the collection of outstanding balances, including but not limited to attorney and filing fees.

6) Scheduling: Scheduling in a business in which productivity and job completion relies upon the weather is difficult as inclement weather may affect scheduling. However, we try our very best to keep re-scheduling and scheduling conflicts to a minimum. If circumstances arise that are beyond our control, it may affect your project start and completion dates. You will be promptly notified by phone and/or of any such changes.

7) Removal & Replacement of Deck Contents: Removal and replacement of grills, deck furniture, planters and any other items are the responsibility of the homeowner. Should we need to remove items from the deck, we will not be responsible for any damage, breakage or for storage issues. Additional labor charges may apply for the removal/protection/replacement of these items.

8) Removal & Replacement of Signage: Customer shall remove or adequately protect all exterior signage or similar exterior objects that could be damaged due to exposure to high water pressure or chlorine based chemicals/solutions. Additional labor charges may apply for the removal/protection/replacement of these items.

9) Damages: Chicago Racoons is not responsible for damages due to any defective or improperly installed siding, loose shingles or siding, broken or opened windows, improperly sealed windows and doors, wood rot, defective construction, improperly secured wires, loose or improperly installed gutters and leaders and improper caulking. In every aluminum siding case and in some cases with vinyl siding, the sun and weather will bleach the color or cause fading. Power washing, which entails removal of chalky, gritty or failing surface materials may cause the faded aspects of the vinyl or aluminum to stand out. Chicago Racoons will not be responsible for such conditions. Chicago Racoons will not be responsible for loose mortar that may dislodge during the cleaning process. Chicago Racoons is not liable for any consequential or incidental damage or for any loss resulting from defects as noted in the agreement. Accordingly, you hereby hold Chicago Racoons  harmless for any damage to your structure, surfaces or improvements thereon that result from the pressure washing process.

 

Content Release & Use

Client agrees to allow Chicago Racoons to utilize any photos, videos, reviews, or descriptions of the property in the context of advertising. Chicago Racoons will use these photos, videos, or descriptions without any compensation to the client. The media will be solely used for advertising and training purposes. The client agrees not to seek punitive action in a civil court or law regarding the use of the above media. We will not include sensitive information such as addresses or names. The client agrees to allow Chicago Racoons to display a sign for marketing on their property, but more importantly, to inform guests that surfaces have been cleaned in the last 24 hours and to be aware that surfaces may be slick. The signs will be placed off the walking paths, and tastefully so they are not distracting, but are visible.

 

On the Day of Service: 

1. Please have a water spigot activated and accessible.
2. Please ensure any video surveillance cameras or door cameras are covered.
3. Please have all windows and doors shut tightly.
4. Pleas ensure have all exterior power outlets are covered/closed.
5. We recommend you shut off all outside electrical outlets and fixtures at breaker box prior to arrival.
6. We recommend you have the screens removed for better rinsing between windows (recommended not required), if you have heavy debris between window and screen it will not come as clean. We do not remove window screens.
7. Please have all pet’s inside before and during cleaning. Remove any pet feeding or watering bowls, toys etc. from areas to be cleaned.
8. Please clear the work areas of all items and remove all sensitive materials from the areas being washed such as flags, doormats, area rugs and decor.
9. During house wash, please ensure vehicles are at minimum 10ft away from the garage or wash area as overspray will get on the vehicle. During concrete cleaning please ensure all vehicles are removed off the driveway.
10. Customer must inform us of any organic paints used prior washing. If customer fail to do so, they assume responsibility for any damages.
    

Exclusions & Limitations:

• A $75 deposit is required to secure your cleaning service. This deposit is non-refundable. The deposit will be subtracted from total quoted price after service is completed on your invoice.  The deposit must be paid to keep your scheduled slot in connection with approving the quote sent via signature. Example: A job is quoted $300. We require a $75.00 deposit leaving the remaining balance due after service of $225.00. Sometimes, we may request for a higher deposit depending upon job due to material or type of cleaning. This will be outlined specifically with details from the office manager.
• A $55 fee will be assessed at our disclosure if client does not have proper water source ready when technicians arrive, or if the water pressure is not a consistent pressure of 40 PSI or if water failure occurs. Example of water failure is if filtration system fails or water system fails inside your house or well pump stops at no fault to us and the water pressure/stream falls less than 40 PSI. YOU MUST, have a water source available or other arrangement available such as water being brought to site for us to complete services. There is additional cost for us to transport water to site.
• A $50.00 cancellation fee will be assessed if client cancels service without 72-hour notice, or if the company arrives and cannot wash due to steps 1-4 not being completed or if there is construction work happening at property that inhibits service from occurring.
• A fee of $50 will be assessed if company returns to site to review a noted issue or complaint and is found to not be caused from improper cleaning by crew. Example: We complete a house wash in the morning and get a call in the evening stating there is remaining debris on the siding. We do a full review with designated crew and field hand checklist sheets first. We return to the site to review the area. We find out that lawn care services were done that afternoon. The debris on siding was created after we completed the wash. This is not considered at fault of the company).
• A $45.00 fee will be assessed if screens are not removed for date of cleaning if service being completed is for window cleaning with purified water-fed pole system. This fee is to cover the extra time of labor to remove screens. (Client understands company is not held liable for damaged screens as screen removal entails previous arrangements with company)
• A $45.00 processing fee will be assessed for any returned checks.
• If water intrusion occurs, the company will not be held responsible. We make every effort to prevent this but due to unavoidable issues such as bad seals around windows and doors and cracks in concrete foundations.
• Notify the company if there are any surfaces on or near the home that cannot have any form of our cleaning solution on them. If we are failed to be notified of this, the company is not responsible for any ill effect on any surfaces.
• All prices are subject to change without prior notice due to fuel prices and/or availability.

If Any Damage Occurs

Chicago Racoons will be obligated under our terms and conditions for any damage that was a direct result of operator error, negligence, or willful misconduct. Damages must be discovered and reports to us 3 days of completion of service. The company will be allowed 30 calendar days from the date of written receipt to inspect the premises and have the sole option in repairing or contracting repair to any damages that was result of negligence.