
If you run a power washing business, you already know: pricing can make or break your success. Price too high and you scare off customers. Too low, and you work yourself into the ground for little reward. ๐๐ธ
The key to profitable jobs โ and a reputation for fairness โ is mastering the art of the estimate. Whether you’re quoting a small driveway or a full exterior package, having a clear, consistent system will help you win more work without undercutting your value. ๐งฝโ
This guide will walk you through how to estimate power washing jobs accurately and efficiently, using real-world strategies that keep your pricing competitive โ and your business thriving. ๐ผ๐
๐ง Why a Good Estimate Matters
A well-crafted estimate does more than name a price. It:
- Shows youโre professional ๐งโ๐ผ
- Sets clear expectations
- Helps you plan labor, time, and equipment
- Builds trust with customers
- Protects your profits ๐ต
When you estimate accurately, you avoid unpleasant surprises โ for both you and your client.
๐ Step 1: Gather the Right Information
Before you give a number, you need to understand the full scope of the job.
Ask the right questions:
- ๐ What surfaces need cleaning (concrete, siding, deck, roof, etc.)?
- ๐ How large is the area (in square feet or linear feet)?
- ๐๏ธ Whatโs the current condition โ is it lightly soiled or heavily stained with oil, algae, mold, etc.?
- โฑ๏ธ Are there any access issues (tight areas, steep inclines, delicate landscaping)?
- ๐ง Are water sources easily available?
- ๐ Whatโs the timeline for completion?
Pro tip: Offer free on-site estimates if possible. Seeing the job in person can help you catch hidden details and upsell additional services. ๐ธ
๐งฎ Step 2: Choose a Pricing Model
Thereโs no one-size-fits-all pricing method โ many power washing pros use a mix. Choose the method that fits the job:
๐น By Square Foot:
- Popular for large surfaces like driveways, parking lots, patios
- Rates typically range from $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot depending on surface and soil level
- Example: 2,000 sq ft driveway @ $0.25/sq ft = $500
๐น By Hour:
- Best when scope is unclear or conditions are variable
- Industry rates range from $75โ$150/hour, depending on experience and equipment
- Be sure to estimate labor time realistically โ donโt underestimate! โณ
๐น Flat Rate:
- Good for smaller, repeatable jobs like โHouse Wash Packageโ or โRoof Soft Washโ
- Easier to market but must be priced to cover all your time, travel, and chemicals
๐ Many pros combine these methods: square footage for concrete, flat rate for gutters, hourly for odd jobs.
๐ฆ Step 3: Factor in Job Complexity
Two 1,000 sq ft driveways are not created equal. Adjust your estimate based on complexity:
Consider these variables:
- Heavy staining = more time + more chemicals ๐งด
- High or multistory surfaces = ladder work or boom lifts ๐ช
- Delicate surfaces (wood, stucco) = lower pressure, slower cleaning ๐งฝ
- Environmental risks = protecting landscaping, runoff management ๐ฟ
- Tight scheduling = rush fees may apply โฑ๏ธ
Each challenge adds time, material, or liability โ price accordingly.
๐งด Step 4: Donโt Forget Materials and Overhead
Too many pros forget to factor in the real costs behind every job. Your estimate should include:
๐ฐ Materials:
- Detergents and cleaners ๐งด
- Fuel (gas or diesel) โฝ
- Water (if youโre trucking it in) ๐ง
- PPE and protective gear ๐ฆบ
๐ผ Overhead:
- Equipment wear and tear ๐ ๏ธ
- Insurance and licensing ๐งพ
- Marketing and admin costs
- Travel and vehicle expenses ๐
๐ Tip: Add 10โ20% to cover overhead if itโs not already built into your base pricing.
๐งพ Step 5: Present a Clear, Professional Estimate
Whether you use a digital tool (like Jobber, Housecall Pro, or QuickBooks) or a printable form, your estimate should include:
- Job description ๐งฝ
- Surfaces to be cleaned and square footage
- Pricing breakdown (per sq ft, per hour, or flat rate)
- Chemicals being used (if applicable)
- Estimated duration
- Terms and conditions
- Contact info and expiration date
๐ง Bonus Tip: Include before/after photos from similar jobs to show the value you provide.
๐ค Step 6: Upsell Without Pressure
Your estimate is the perfect time to suggest add-on services your customer may not have considered:
๐ฏ Examples:
- โWould you like your gutters cleaned while weโre here?โ
- โWeโre offering 15% off deck soft washing this month.โ
- โWe noticed algae on your roof โ a soft wash will protect your shingles.โ
Upselling isnโt pushy when itโs valuable and relevant โ and it boosts your average ticket without extra travel. ๐ผ๐
๐ Common Estimating Mistakes to Avoid
Even pros get tripped up sometimes. Watch out for:
- Underestimating time โ especially on jobs with ladders or delicate surfaces
- Forgetting travel time โ include drive time in hourly or minimum rates
- Ignoring chemical costs โ some jobs use gallons of mix ๐งช
- Not accounting for setup/cleanup time
- Failing to update prices as costs rise
๐ง Solution: Review your past jobs quarterly to refine your estimate templates and pricing.
๐ฌ Real-World Example
Letโs say a homeowner needs:
- Driveway (1,500 sq ft, concrete)
- Siding soft wash (2,000 sq ft, vinyl)
- Gutter cleaning
Your estimate:
- Driveway @ $0.20/sq ft = $300
- Siding @ $0.30/sq ft = $600
- Gutter cleaning flat rate = $100
- Total = $1,000
Include estimated time (6 hours), detergent used, and offer a 10% off seasonal promo. ๐๐
๐ฌ Final Thoughts
Accurate estimating is an essential skill for every power washing pro. It helps you work smarter, charge fairly, and grow a sustainable business โ without burnout or guesswork.
By building a repeatable system that accounts for time, complexity, materials, and profit, youโll land more jobs and keep more money in your pocket. ๐ผ๐ต
So take the time to create estimates that are clear, competitive, and confident. Your business (and your clients) will thank you! ๐