How to charge for pressure washing jobs

Last updated on September 24, 2023

Pressure washing is not an easy task. It involves heavy and tedious labour and great attention to detail, so you want to price your job properly. Finding the balance between an appealing offer and a payment that adequately compensates you for your hard work is important. Still, pressure washing costs shouldn’t be complicated. 

This guide will help you price pressure washing jobs fairly. We’ve summarised all factors you need to consider to make an informed price that will work for you and your client. 

How to quote pressure washing jobs

How you present your quote or offer will impact your customer’s decision whether to avail of your service or not. Therefore, it’s best to come up with an effective pricing strategy that will appeal to your client.

Per square foot pricing

This is the most common pricing strategy, and you can see why. Charging per square foot is a good pricing strategy for fairly simple tasks like pressure washing roofs, driveways, and decks. 

Per-hour pricing

Some customers prefer per-hour pricing because it’s very easy to comprehend and measure. Just a tip: You should consider the complexity of the work and the dirt buildup when giving an hourly rate. 

Flat rate pricing

You can charge a flat rate if you’re familiar with the complexities of the job and how much time and effort it will take. This means that you give one full figure for the whole job, no questions asked. 

How much can you charge for pressure washing?

Taskers starting out might have trouble estimating the time and effort pressure washing services take. 

You can use this quick pricing guide when quoting pressure washing jobs.  

Also read: Pressure washing cost guide 

Primary factors when pricing pressure washing jobs

How to quote for pressure washing jobs? First, consider the logistical requirements of the project. These factors will help you gauge how much resources you’ll need to get the job done. 

Here are the primary factors to consider in giving a fair (and agreeable) price to your customer. 

1. Project scope

The primary consideration should be the scope of the project when quoting for a pressure washing job. Ask your client what area of their property needs cleaning. This factor will indicate other considerations like area size and job complexity. 

2. Area size

The space measurement of the area you’re supposed to clean is one of the most important things to consider. You can identify the area size in two ways: by square footage or by linear footage. 

• Square footage can be measured by multiplying the width by the length of the area. This is perfect for flat and even surfaces like the roof, driveways, and decks. 
• Linear footage can be measured by the length of the structure. It’s usually priced higher than square footage because it’s used for pressure washing jobs for houses and boats. 

3. Job complexity

Job complexity will determine your approach to the job. For example, cleaning gutters might require more logistical planning as opposed to power washing a driveway. You also have to consider the extent of the dirt buildup and how much time it will take for you to clean it. 

Calculating pressure washing jobs

Determining your pricing can be a tricky thing, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few things to consider in calculating your pricing for your pressure washing business.

Standard market price

To get booked, you need to put out a competitive price. To know if your price is competitive, you need to research the usual rates for pressure washing services and try to match them. Doing your research will help you come up with ways you can create a better offer for customers. 

Your expenses

Consider the things you have to invest capital in before you decide how much to charge for a power washing services. Basically, these are things like power washing equipment and transportation costs.

Profit margin

Probably the most important thing you need to consider in calculating your pricing is your profit margin. You need to first and foremost determine your profit margin. How much money do you want to take home after all your expenses have been paid? 

Get pressure washing jobs on Airtasker!

Pressure washing services are not a one-size-fits-all type of thing. You need to carefully consider several factors—from a logistical perspective to a business perspective. It’s good to have an idea of what these factors are to decide on a price that’s right for you and your customer. 

Now that you know how to price your services, it’s time to find your clients! Browse cleaning jobs near you, send offers, and earn money from pressure washing jobs.