How much should I charge for pressure washing?
Charge a price built from your own costs: labor hours, chemicals, fuel and travel, equipment wear, overhead and what it costs you to win the job, plus the profit you need. Then check it against your local market. There is no single correct national rate, because surface size, condition, access and region change every job.
Start from your costs, not a competitor's number
A competitor's price tells you little about whether that price is profitable for you. Their crew size, equipment, travel distance and overhead are different. Begin with your own numbers: how long the job takes your crew, what the chemicals and fuel cost, how far the property is from your base and how much wear the job puts on equipment. Add a share of fixed overhead such as insurance, vehicle costs, software and phone.
Include what it costs to win the job. If you spend money on ads or other marketing, divide that spend by the jobs it actually booked. A price that covers labor but ignores acquisition cost can feel busy and still lose money.
Adjust for the specific job
Size, condition and access drive time. Heavy organic growth, oil stains, delicate surfaces, second-story work, tight access or no nearby water all add time or risk. Many owners quote by square footage for flatwork and by house size or linear footage for siding and roofs, then adjust for condition. Whatever method you use, apply it consistently so your team can quote the same job the same way.
Set a minimum job charge so short jobs still cover travel and setup. Bundling services for the same visit, such as a driveway with a house wash, can raise the job value while reducing repeat travel.
Check against your local market
Once you know your break-even price, compare it with what homeowners in your service area see from other companies. If your price is well above the market, look at efficiency, route density or a more specific offer before simply discounting. If it is well below, you may be leaving profit on the table. LeadCatch does not publish market price tables here, because rates vary widely by region and season.
Make the quote easy to accept
A clear estimate states the property, surfaces included, preparation, exclusions and the total. Showing real before-and-after work from your area helps a homeowner understand why your price is worth paying. The pricing guide goes deeper on job pricing, and this article on underpricing covers add-ons. For keeping quotes moving, read how to follow up on estimates.
What to look for
- Measure or estimate the surface size and condition before quoting.
- Add up direct costs: crew hours, chemicals, fuel and travel time.
- Include overhead, equipment wear and your marketing cost per booked job.
- Add the profit margin your business needs, then compare with local competitors.
- Write down exactly what the price includes and excludes.
Where LeadCatch fits
LeadCatch does not set your prices. It helps homeowners see why your work is worth paying for: Local Video Content ($500/month, 20 short videos made and posted for you) puts real local proof in front of prospects, and every plan includes the LeadCatch app for quote follow-up. Call 404-689-1246 or book a 10-minute call.
Related questions
Should I charge by the hour or by the job?
Most homeowners prefer a fixed job price. Use your hourly cost internally to build that price, then quote the job as a total with a clear scope.
Should I just match the cheapest competitor?
Usually not. Matching a low price without knowing your own costs can mean losing money on every job. Know your break-even first.
Can better marketing let me charge more?
Clear proof of real work, good reviews and fast, professional follow-up can make homeowners more comfortable with a fair price, but LeadCatch does not guarantee any price level or number of jobs.