How to Price Pressure Washing Jobs like a Pro to Make More Moolah
Hey, pressure washing pals! Are you tired of guessing how to price your pressure washing jobs? We’ve got the secret sauce for a profitable business that’ll keep you from sinking under pressure (pun intended). Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details of how to quote pressure washing gigs and find the sweet spot for your pricing.
How to Cha-Ching for Pressure Washing Services:
1. Figuring out the” square-footage” thingamajig

Start with the “should’ve-been-an-architect” phase where you measure the property’s square footage.
Take that trusty tape measure or fancy laser measure, and calculate the square footage using this super-simple math equation:

If things get complicated and you need to clean multiple surfaces (like the driveway, patio, and that one green fence), just do this for each area and add it all up. Voila!
2. Choosing your pricing strategy

Pick one of these pressure washing pricing strategies that fits like a glove for your business:
a. Price per hour is a great strategy to ensure you get paid for every second you’re working. The charge may vary based on location, job size, and equipment.
b. Price per square foot will be your best friend for jobs that involve numerous surfaces to clean. The charge depends on the scope of work and location.
c. Flat rate pricing strategy is the go-to for experienced pressure washers who know their stuff. Most pressure washers work with a fixed rate, depending on the job.
Things to keep in mind
When situations demand more time, effort, or materials, don’t shy away from increasing your prices. Consider things like:

1. Type of property: Is it residential or commercial?
2. Size of property: The bigger, the longer!
3. Condition of property: Any stubborn oil stains or mold-infested walls?
4. Accessibility: Do you need a grappling hook to access areas?
– Equipment and supplies: Any special gadgets or ladders needed on-site?
5. Competitor pricing: Know your competition and what they charge for similar services.
3. Calculate overhead costs and material expenses

Account for those pesky operational fees and things you need to purchase for your business, like:
– Electric pressure washers and other equipment
– Insurance payments
– Gas and vehicle maintenance
– Advertising expenses
Start by calculating your hourly overhead costs using this nifty formula:
Total monthly overhead costs ÷ # of billable hours per month

Next, calculate the overhead costs for the job with:
Hourly overhead costs ÷ # of hours the job will take to completeFinally, add the material expenses, like cleaning chemicals, and pad it ever so slightly to compensate for getting the materials.

4. Bring in the profits!

Now it’s time to add that sweet, sweet profit markup.
Say, if your ideal profit margin is 30%, use this formula to determine your markup:
(Pressure washing service cost + overhead cost + material cost) x 0.30
And there you have it, folks! It’s pricing made easy for pressure washing jobs. Now go forth and earn those big bucks without breaking a sweat!
5. Crunch the numbers for the total cost, my dear friend

Break out the abacus and tally up the service cost, overhead, materials cost, and markup to unveil the ultimate price tag for your thrilling pressure washing adventure.
Behold – the grand breakdown of what a driveway soap opera might look like:
Square footage: 800 (20′ x 40′, darling)
Service cost: $160 ($0.20 per square foot x 800 square feet)
Overhead cost: $8 ($4,000 ÷ 500 billable hours)
Materials cost: $25 (pressure washer detergent and degreaser, oh my!)
Profit markup: $58 (($160 + $8 + $25) x 0.30)
Total: $251
6. Artfully craft a pressure washing estimate

- Armed with the secret formula on how much to charge for your power washing excellence, embrace your inner poet and create an estimate for your eagerly-awaiting clientele.
- Jot down the job details by hand (fountain pen, anyone?), or summon an estimate template to whisk in client information and job particulars in just a jiffy. Then, send your electronic masterpiece off for your customer’s grand approval.
7. The ever-fickle world of adjusting your pressure washing prices

Pricing strategies are like silly putty— never rigid, my friends. Embrace the beauty of change and be prepared to fine-tune your pricing.
For instance, you may consider showering clients with discounts if:
- You’re a newcomer seeking that glorious first customer
Neighbors unite in a cluster of clients, shortening your commute and fueling a sense of community
- You encounter people who crave regular, ongoing services (monthly window washing, anyone?)
You explore the enchanting world of complementary services
Alas, you may need to elevate your prices if:
- Sundry expenses like materials, gasoline, overhead, and other business-related costs sky-rocket
- Job requests flood in like a tidal wave and you’re struggling to keep afloat.
- A desire to grow your power washing empire starts to blossom.


- Strategically pricing your pressure washing services is a daring dance between profit-making and meeting the needs of your precious community.
- As you flourish, you’ll uncover the secrets of fine-tuning overhead and job costs to keep your business sleek and bountifully profitable.
- In the meantime, pour your soul into building a brand worthy of legends, minimize expenses, and dazzle clients with unparalleled service.
- For within these humble actions lies the formula to make your pressure washing business the talk of the town.
