If you’re running a power washing business, one of the trickiest questions you’ll face is: How much should I charge? 💭
Set your prices too low, and you’ll barely cover your costs — let alone grow. Set them too high, and you risk losing business to competitors. The key is to find a pricing strategy that’s fair to the customer but still profitable for you. 🧼📈
This article breaks down how to confidently price your services — whether you’re washing driveways, siding, commercial buildings, or entire fleets. We’ll cover real-world strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and practical formulas you can apply today. 💪
🧠 Why Pricing Is So Important
Your pricing strategy impacts everything:
- Your profit margins 💰
- The clients you attract 👥
- Your brand perception 🏷️
- Your long-term sustainability 🌱
Think of it this way: pricing isn’t just about what the job is worth — it’s about what your business is worth.
📊 Common Pricing Models in Power Washing
Before we dive into how to set your own prices, let’s look at the most popular models used in the industry:
1️⃣ Flat Rate Pricing
Charge a fixed price based on the service type:
- $150 for driveway cleaning
- $300 for house washing (up to 2,000 sq ft)
- $500 for roof cleaning
✅ Easy to understand
✅ Quick quotes
❌ Less flexible for complex jobs
2️⃣ Per Square Foot Pricing
Charge based on the size of the surface:
- $0.10–$0.50 per sq ft for flatwork (driveways, patios)
- $0.15–$0.75 per sq ft for buildings or houses
✅ Scales with job size
✅ More accurate for large jobs
❌ Requires on-site measuring or aerial estimating
3️⃣ Hourly Rate Pricing
Charge for your time (often used by beginners):
- $75–$150 per hour (varies by region and overhead)
✅ Simple to calculate
✅ Good for uncertain or open-ended jobs
❌ Doesn’t reward efficiency
❌ Customers may feel uneasy without clear total
4️⃣ Tiered or Package Pricing
Create service bundles:
- Basic: Driveway wash + rinse — $149
- Premium: Driveway + patio + sealant — $349
- Ultimate: Whole home package — $699
✅ Easier upsells
✅ Great for residential customers
❌ May not suit commercial jobs
💸 Know Your Costs Before You Set Prices
You can’t price for profit until you understand your costs. Otherwise, you’ll end up working hard… for pennies.
Here’s what you need to factor in:
📋 Fixed Costs
These don’t change, no matter how many jobs you do:
- Equipment purchase & maintenance
- Insurance & licensing
- CRM/software subscriptions
- Vehicle payments
- Marketing & website
🧽 Variable Costs
These change based on the job:
- Gas and transportation
- Detergents and chemicals
- Labor (including your own time)
- Water (if provided by you)
- Equipment wear and tear
Use this simple formula:
Price = Total Costs + Desired Profit Margin
Let’s say a job costs you $60 in labor, chemicals, and gas. If you want a 50% margin, you should price it at $120 minimum.
🔢 Example: Residential Driveway Cleaning
Square Footage: 800 sq ft
Your Rate: $0.25/sq ft
Quote: $200
If the job takes 1.5 hours and costs you $50 total:
- Revenue: $200
- Costs: $50
- Profit: $150
- Effective Hourly Rate: $100/hour
That’s a solid job. But if you priced it at $100, your profit drops to $50 — barely worth the effort after taxes and wear on your equipment.
💬 Factors That Affect Pricing
No two jobs are exactly alike. Here’s what should impact your quote:
🧱 Surface Type
Concrete is easier than brick. Vinyl siding is easier than stucco. Know what you’re working with.
🧼 Dirt Level
Light surface grime? Quick job. Years of buildup, mold, or grease? Price accordingly.
🧗♂️ Accessibility
If you need ladders, scaffolding, or special gear, charge more. Don’t forget safety risks!
📍 Location
Tighter urban jobs take longer to park and unload. Rural jobs require more travel. Adjust for time and fuel.
🕓 Scheduling Needs
Emergency cleanups or after-hours service? Add a rush fee.
💡 Don’t Compete on Price Alone
It’s tempting to undercut competitors — especially when starting out. But low prices send a message: cheap, not professional.
Instead, focus on:
- ✅ Better service
- ✅ Faster response
- ✅ Professional appearance
- ✅ Excellent reviews
- ✅ Strong guarantees
Clients will pay more for someone they trust. Your confidence in your pricing = their confidence in your business. 💪
🎁 Smart Pricing Strategies
🎯 Use a Minimum Charge
No job should be under $100–$150, no matter how small. You still have setup, travel, and cleanup time.
📦 Offer Packages
Bundling services increases ticket size. Example:
“Driveway wash: $150 — OR driveway + patio + sidewalk for $249!”
🔁 Incentivize Recurring Services
Offer discounts for scheduled quarterly or bi-annual cleanings. You’ll stabilize your income and build loyal clients.
💬 Leave Room to Negotiate (Wisely)
Don’t discount blindly. Instead, adjust:
- Reduce service scope
- Offer free add-ons instead of price cuts
- Add value (e.g., “We’ll include gutter rinsing at no extra charge”)
🛠️ Tools to Help You Quote Faster
- 📱 Jobber or Housecall Pro — Automate quotes & track pricing
- 📏 Google Earth or RoofSnap — Measure square footage remotely
- 📷 CompanyCam — Take and store before/after pics for upselling
The faster and more professionally you quote, the more likely you are to win the job. 📝✅
🤔 What If Customers Say You’re Too Expensive?
Not every client is your client. If someone’s looking for the cheapest deal, they probably won’t respect your time, equipment, or expertise.
Instead of lowering your price:
- Explain what’s included (insurance, guarantees, quality work)
- Offer a smaller service package
- Politely let them go
Clients who appreciate value will stick around longer — and refer others like them. 📣
🧼 Final Thoughts: Be Confident, Be Consistent
Pricing is part art, part science. It takes time to find the sweet spot — but the right pricing strategy will set your business up for long-term success.
To recap:
✅ Know your costs
✅ Use square footage or package pricing
✅ Adjust for surface, location, and difficulty
✅ Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth
✅ Use tools to streamline quoting
✅ Stand firm on value, not just price
When you price jobs fairly and profitably, everyone wins. Your customers get excellent results, and you build a business that lasts. 💰🚿💼
