Quick answer: Pressure washing is usually priced per surface, based on square footage or linear feet, the cleaning method and the condition of the surface, with sealing and other extras as separate lines and a minimum charge per visit.
Pricing methods for pressure washing jobs
| Method | When it fits |
|---|---|
| Per square foot | Driveways, patios, decks and siding with measurable areas. |
| Per linear foot | Fences, gutters and railings. |
| Per job with a minimum | Small jobs and bundles of several surfaces. |
You can use more than one method in the same business. What matters is that the customer can see which one applies to their estimate.
What drives the price of a pressure washing job
- Surface area and type.
- Method: pressure washing or soft washing.
- Staining, mildew or oil that needs pre-treatment.
- Water access and setup time.
- Sealing or other add-ons.
What to check before you quote
- Which surfaces, and roughly how large?
- Are there stains, mildew or oil spots?
- Is water available on site?
- Does the customer want sealing after cleaning?
Write the answers into the scope of work. When the price later depends on one of them, the customer can see the assumption you priced on.
Worked example: house wash, driveway and patio
This is the example job in our free pressure washing estimate template. The quantities and prices are illustrations to show the structure, not price recommendations; use your own costs and rates.
| Line item | Qty | Unit | Example amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| House soft wash, siding | 2400 | sq ft | $432 |
| Driveway surface cleaning | 900 | sq ft | $198 |
| Patio and walkways | 450 | sq ft | $112.50 |
| Rust or oil stain treatment | 2 | spot | $90 |
| Gutter exterior brightening | 160 | linear ft | $200 |
| Post-treatment and rinse of plants | 1 | job | $40 |
| Example subtotal | $1,072.50 |
Notice that each part of the price has its own line. A customer comparing your estimate with a cheaper one can see what the other bid may have left out, and you can discuss one line instead of defending the whole total.
Build your markup on real overhead
Whatever the method, a price has to cover four things: direct costs (materials and parts), labor at a loaded rate that includes payroll costs, overhead such as vehicles, insurance, software and the office, and profit. A simple check:
- Add up your yearly overhead and divide it by the hours you can bill in a year. That is the overhead each billable hour has to carry.
- Add it to your loaded labor cost per hour to get your break-even hourly cost.
- Add your profit margin on top, and use the result for both hourly and flat-rate prices.
Margin and markup are not the same: a 50% markup on cost is a 33% margin on the price. Decide which one you are using and apply it consistently.
Send the price, then follow up
Most pressure washing estimates are not lost on price alone. They are lost when the customer goes quiet and nobody checks in. Agree on a decision date when you send the estimate and follow up once on that date. Our follow-up email templates give you the wording.
Want a ready-made layout? Download the free pressure washing estimate template in Excel, Word or PDF, or see how SprigDeal handles a pressure washing estimate from the first quote to the signed approval.
Frequently asked questions
How do I price pressure washing by square foot?
Measure each surface, set a rate per square foot by surface type and method, add pre-treatment where needed and apply a minimum charge for small jobs.
Should I quote soft washing differently?
Yes. Name the method for each surface, because soft washing uses different equipment and chemicals than pressure washing.