Introduction
The increasing demand for pressure washing has also opened doors for aspiring business owners. The number of professionals in this field has increased. Low startup costs, increasing demand, and good profit margins are some factors that make pressure-washing businesses a solid pick.
The pressure washing market size in 2025 is USD 2.18 billion and is expected to reach USD 3 billion by 2034, as per the Precedence Research report.
Before starting the job, business dreamers must prepare a business plan. Furthermore, one of the most crucial components of the business plan is the pricing strategy. Unfortunately, many professionals are unsure of how much to charge for power washing jobs.
Generally, the right pressure washing price plan includes accurate site measurement, selecting the appropriate pricing model, and applying a suitable profit markup. Additionally, utilizing estimate software is another effective solution to this strategy.
Here, in this blog, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to estimate pressure washing prices. So, don’t miss out on our words, as this could raise a knowledge gap. Let’s go ahead!
📌 Key Takeaways
- The average power washing cost is $140 to $390, depending on the region, place condition, and other factors.
- Several factors, including labor costs, location, and the complexity of the job, influence the price of pressure washing.
- The cost of pressure washing is charged on a flat rate, per-hour, and per-square-foot basis.
- Residential & commercial buildings have different pricing structures.
What Is the Average Cost of Pressure Washing?
The average cost range of pressure washing is $140 to $390, applicable to houses. This cost range varies according to the size of the house and its location. The pressure washing driveway cost range is $50 to $200. Regarding the per-square-foot price, the power washing cost range could be $0.20 to $0.90 per square foot.
How Much To Charge For Pressure Washing Services – The Right Estimation of Costing
Professionals must follow a proper strategy to estimate the price of pressure washing accurately. Below is the right pressure washing pricing guide:
1. Take the Measurement of Space
In the journey of how much pressure washers charge, space measurement is a compulsory step that you can’t even skip. In the estimation process, it is essential to take accurate measurements.
There are two types of space measurement approaches:
1.1 Square Footage
This pricing model applies to projects that involve multiple surfaces. There is a need to find the length and width. Once you get the result, you can further multiply it by 1.35. This is a general thumb rule to identify the approximate square footage value.
For instance, if the space is 30 feet long and 20 feet wide, then according to the calculation, the result will be 30 x 20 = 600. We need to multiply it by 1.35; the output will be 600 x 1.35 = 810.
1.2 Linear Footage
Unlike square footage, which considers both length and width, linear footage only includes length. So, professionals only need to determine the length of this measurement. However, this linear footage is costlier than square footage.
2. Decide Pricing Structure
There are multiple pricing models available for the pressure washing job. Professionals need to justify their pricing structure according to the project and the type of service they offer. Here are four common pricing models you must consider when thinking about how much pressure washers charge:
2.1 Flat Rate Pricing
This pricing model involves a standard cost and is suitable for experienced pressure washers. Companies can utilize this pricing model when they have a clear understanding of the required time and resources. It doesn’t align with other factors to define the cost. Companies charge a fixed price for a power washing job. The average flat rate cost range is $100 to $250, depending on the various factors.
2.2 Hourly Pricing
This pricing model involves a per-hour cost; for instance, if you charge $15 per hour, then it translates to an hourly price ($15 x the number of hours taken to complete the job). This type of model is suitable for projects where the duration is not fixed. Likewise, some projects take a longer time to complete due to various complexities. A cost range of $50 to $150 is an average hourly rate, applicable everywhere.
2.3 Per Square Foot Pricing
How much to charge for pressure washing per square foot? The most effective solution is to use a per-square-foot pricing model. Additionally, it is ideal for a place with a uniform structure. Typically, parking areas and sports areas fall under this category. Professionals charge on a per-square-foot basis. A cost range of $0.20 to $0.90 per square foot is an average cost per square foot.
2.4 Project-Based Pricing
Project-based pricing is well-suited for complex works. It encompasses all factors, such as area size, type of surface, and any other challenges. The major issue with this model is that creating an accurate quote for each project is quite challenging. The average pressure washing prices & rates of various projects are as follows:
Project | Cost Range |
---|---|
Driveway | $90 to $240 |
Fence | $140 to $250 |
Patio | $90 to $250 |
Siding | $140 to $1,300 |
1-story house | $140 to $700 |
2-story house | $350 to $1,300 |
3-story house | $600 to $1,700 |
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3. Calculate Material & Overhead Costs
Material cost refers to the expense of the materials required for the pressure washing project. This is particularly important when considering how much to charge for pressure washing. For instance, if the team uses detergent to remove stains, then it’ll be considered in the pressure washing costs.
The overhead costs cover all expenses linked to the project’s operation. It covers transportation, power & water consumption, office supplies, and business marketing. Now, to calculate the hourly overhead cost, you need to use the following formulas:
Overhead Cost Per Job = Total Overhead Cost in a Month/ No. of Jobs Per Month
Hourly Overhead Cost = Monthly Overhead Cost/ No. of Billable Hours Per Month
The average pressure washing prices per square foot for various materials are as follows:
Material | Cost (per square foot) |
---|---|
Vinyl | $0.20 to $0.50 |
Concrete | $0.20 to $0.32 |
Wood | $0.20 to $0.40 |
Stone | $0.30 to $0.70 |
Asphalt | $0.40 to $1.00 |
Stucco | $0.30 to $0.40 |
Brisk/Masonry | $.30 to $0.35 |
Composite | $0.40 to $2.00 |
More Insights for You:
4. Sum Up all the Costs
Add all the costs associated with labor, overhead, and materials used during the pressure washing project. Suppose you charge $0.30 per square foot and deal with a site of size 30’ x 40’, then the service charge is $0.30 x 1200 = $360.
Now, calculating Overhead Costs for the Job = Hourly Overhead Costs / Number of Hours Taken for the Job.
Assuming $6,000 as the total overhead cost and the number of hours is 400 per month, the overhead cost will be –
$6,000 / 400 = $15
Let’s say the material cost is $20.
The total cost will be – $360 + $15 + $20 = $395
Ensure that you first calculate the service cost and overhead costs before totaling all the costs.
5. Include the Profit Markup
Including project markup is necessary when calculating pressure washing prices & rates. It is easy to determine the profit markup by using the following formula:
Total Price = Cost / (1- Profit Margin)
The most applicable profit margin range is 20% to 30%. Let’s assume the sum of all your costs for the pressure washing service is $200, and the profit margin is 20%, as per the above formula.
Total price = $200/ (1- 20)
= $200/0.80
= $250
Always Remember: The cost ranges of cold water & hot water are not identical in the power washing jobs. Professionals can charge $40 to $50 for cold water and $50 to $55 for hot water cleaning.
6. Create a Professional Estimate
When you have all the cost details ready, the next step is to estimate power washing jobs. You need to add the following details:
-
- Serial number and date of estimate
- Pressure washing business name, logo & contact details
- Your clients details
- Types of pressure washing services you offer
- Approximate period you take to complete
- Tax details
- Terms and conditions
You can estimate power washing jobs manually (pen and paper). However, the most effective method is to use a pressure washing estimate template. Once the estimation is ready, review it and send it to the client.
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What Factors Should Be Considered When Pricing Pressure Washing Jobs?
Certain factors decide the pricing strategy for your power washing services. Professionals need to set the cost while considering these factors. Here are some power washing pricing factors:
Labor Cost
Labor costs in power washing jobs can vary depending on your state. It also varies depending on the project size. Of course, a large pressure washing project will require a larger workforce than a small one. Hence, due to the increased time and effort required for large projects, the cost will be higher compared to small ones.
Overhead Cost & Material Expenses
This is another factor that impacts pressure washing prices & rates. Different projects need different types of materials. For instance, a large project will require extra water, or robust strains need detergents, which impact the cost. Professionals often require specialized tools and equipment to perform their tasks effectively.
Current Market Rates
Different regions have different rates. In the USA, the cost of pressure washing in Texas may differ from that in California. Therefore, professionals must perform proper research on the current market cost and then set the price accordingly. Most pressure washers charge based on the market cost and labor costs of the particular region in which they operate. Always focus on the current market when pricing pressure washing jobs.
Property Type
Residential and commercial properties have different pricing structures. This is because the job complexity in commercial properties may be higher than that of residential properties. As a result, the cost of commercial pressure washing jobs is generally higher than that of residential jobs. Therefore, always establish distinct pricing strategies for both.
Accessibility & Traveling Distance
The distance of the professionals from the pressure washing site also affects the cost of the job. If the distance is greater, the cost will be greater, as professionals also need to cover the fuel consumption expenditure. Thus, distance is also a contributing factor in pressure washing pricing.
Season
Pressure washing companies can set their price according to the season. During winter weather, demand for pressure washing is lower, resulting in lower prices. Prices are high during the summer due to peak demand.
Competitor Prices
What prices do your competitors offer? You must have a clear understanding of it. This will help you maintain a satisfactory level in the competitive market. You can offer lower prices than your competitors, but don’t compromise on the profit.
💡Pro Tip:
Providing a discount or deals can enhance the chances of repeat business. Providing a discount is a good approach to attracting customers.
Wrapping Up
Here, we conclude our discussion on the question of how to charge for pressure washing. The pressure washing business is a good option if you are passionate about outdoor labor.
Ensure that your business’s pricing strategy is always aligned with the profit you generate. Estimating pressure washing prices is a challenging task, but it can be accomplished with proper research and accurate calculations. Another strategy is to choose the right estimation software.
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