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. 😓💸
The key to profitable jobs — and a reputation for fairness — 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. 🧽✅
This guide will walk you through how to estimate power washing jobs accurately and efficiently, using real-world strategies that keep your pricing competitive — and your business thriving. 💼📈
🧠 Why a Good Estimate Matters
A well-crafted estimate does more than name a price. It:
- Shows you’re professional 🧑💼
- Sets clear expectations
- Helps you plan labor, time, and equipment
- Builds trust with customers
- Protects your profits 💵
When you estimate accurately, you avoid unpleasant surprises — for both you and your client.
🔍 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:
- 📏 What surfaces need cleaning (concrete, siding, deck, roof, etc.)?
- 📐 How large is the area (in square feet or linear feet)?
- 🏚️ What’s the current condition — is it lightly soiled or heavily stained with oil, algae, mold, etc.?
- ⏱️ Are there any access issues (tight areas, steep inclines, delicate landscaping)?
- 💧 Are water sources easily available?
- 📅 What’s 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. 📸
🧮 Step 2: Choose a Pricing Model
There’s no one-size-fits-all pricing method — many power washing pros use a mix. Choose the method that fits the job:
🔹 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
🔹 By Hour:
- Best when scope is unclear or conditions are variable
- Industry rates range from $75–$150/hour, depending on experience and equipment
- Be sure to estimate labor time realistically — don’t underestimate! ⏳
🔹 Flat Rate:
- Good for smaller, repeatable jobs like “House Wash Package” or “Roof Soft Wash”
- Easier to market but must be priced to cover all your time, travel, and chemicals
👉 Many pros combine these methods: square footage for concrete, flat rate for gutters, hourly for odd jobs.
💦 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 🧴
- High or multistory surfaces = ladder work or boom lifts 🪜
- Delicate surfaces (wood, stucco) = lower pressure, slower cleaning 🧽
- Environmental risks = protecting landscaping, runoff management 🌿
- Tight scheduling = rush fees may apply ⏱️
Each challenge adds time, material, or liability — price accordingly.
🧴 Step 4: Don’t Forget Materials and Overhead
Too many pros forget to factor in the real costs behind every job. Your estimate should include:
💰 Materials:
- Detergents and cleaners 🧴
- Fuel (gas or diesel) ⛽
- Water (if you’re trucking it in) 💧
- PPE and protective gear 🦺
💼 Overhead:
- Equipment wear and tear 🛠️
- Insurance and licensing 🧾
- Marketing and admin costs
- Travel and vehicle expenses 🚐
📊 Tip: Add 10–20% to cover overhead if it’s not already built into your base pricing.
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🧾 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 🧽
- 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
🧠 Bonus Tip: Include before/after photos from similar jobs to show the value you provide.
🤝 Step 6: Upsell Without Pressure
Your estimate is the perfect time to suggest add-on services your customer may not have considered:
🎯 Examples:
- “Would you like your gutters cleaned while we’re here?”
- “We’re offering 15% off deck soft washing this month.”
- “We noticed algae on your roof — a soft wash will protect your shingles.”
Upselling isn’t pushy when it’s valuable and relevant — and it boosts your average ticket without extra travel. 💼📈
📉 Common Estimating Mistakes to Avoid
Even pros get tripped up sometimes. Watch out for:
- Underestimating time — especially on jobs with ladders or delicate surfaces
- Forgetting travel time — include drive time in hourly or minimum rates
- Ignoring chemical costs — some jobs use gallons of mix 🧪
- Not accounting for setup/cleanup time
- Failing to update prices as costs rise
🧠 Solution: Review your past jobs quarterly to refine your estimate templates and pricing.
💬 Real-World Example
Let’s 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. 👏📋
💬 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 — without burnout or guesswork.
By building a repeatable system that accounts for time, complexity, materials, and profit, you’ll land more jobs and keep more money in your pocket. 💼💵
So take the time to create estimates that are clear, competitive, and confident. Your business (and your clients) will thank you! 🙌
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