Power washing is an effective way to clean various surfaces, including driveways, decks, patios, and walls. If you’re a power washing contractor, one of the most important aspects of your business is pricing. Charging too much can scare off potential customers, while charging too little can hurt your bottom line. Here are some tips on how to charge for power washing:
Factors that Affect Power Washing Prices
Before you can determine a fair and profitable price for your power washing services, you need to consider several factors:
- The size of the surface to be cleaned
- The difficulty of the job (e.g. stains, mold, or hard-to-reach areas)
- The type of surface (e.g. concrete, wood, or vinyl)
- The location of the job (e.g. urban or rural area)
- Your level of experience and expertise
Each of these factors can affect the amount of time and resources you need to complete a power washing job, which in turn affects your pricing. Let’s take a closer look at each factor:
Size of the Surface
The larger the surface to be cleaned, the longer it will take you to complete the job. This means you’ll need to charge more for larger surfaces. A good rule of thumb is to charge per square foot, with a minimum charge for small jobs.
Difficulty of the Job
Some power washing jobs are more difficult than others. For example, if a surface has heavy stains, mold, or mildew, it will take more time and effort to clean. You may need to use special chemicals or equipment to remove tough stains, which can increase your costs. Additionally, if a surface is hard to reach (e.g. a tall building or a roof), you may need to use scaffolding or other equipment, which can also drive up your prices.
Type of Surface
Not all surfaces are created equal when it comes to power washing. Some surfaces, such as concrete and brick, are more durable and can withstand higher pressure washing. Other surfaces, such as wood and vinyl, require gentler cleaning methods to avoid damage. You’ll need to factor in the type of surface when determining your pricing.
Location of the Job
The location of the job can also affect your pricing. If you’re working in an urban area with high overhead costs, you may need to charge more to cover your expenses. Conversely, if you’re working in a rural area with lower costs of living, you may be able to charge less.
Your Level of Experience
Your level of experience and expertise can also play a role in your pricing. If you’re just starting out in the power washing industry, you may need to charge less to attract customers. As you gain more experience and build a reputation for quality work, you can increase your prices.
How to Estimate Power Washing Prices
Now that you know the factors that affect power washing prices, you can use this information to estimate your pricing. Here are some steps to follow:
- Measure the surface area to be cleaned in square feet.
- Determine the type of surface and the cleaning method needed.
- Assess the difficulty of the job (e.g. stains, mold, or hard-to-reach areas).
- Factor in your overhead costs (e.g. equipment, chemicals, labor).
- Consider your level of experience and the local market rates.
- Calculate your price per square foot and add any other fees (e.g. travel costs).
Once you’ve estimated your pricing, it’s important to communicate your rates clearly to potential customers. You can do this by creating a pricing sheet or providing quotes based on the specifics of each job.
Related Questions
1. How much should I charge for power washing a driveway?
The cost of power washing a driveway can vary depending on the size and difficulty of the job. A typical price range is around $0.08 to $0.35 per square foot. For a 1,000 square foot driveway, you could charge anywhere from $80 to $350.
2. Do I need to charge different prices for different types of surfaces?
Yes, you may need to charge different prices for different types of surfaces. Some surfaces, such as concrete and brick, can withstand higher pressure washing and may require less time and effort to clean. Other surfaces, such as wood and vinyl, require gentler cleaning methods and may take longer to clean.
3. Should I offer discounts for multiple power washing jobs?
Offering discounts for multiple power washing jobs can be a good way to attract repeat business and build customer loyalty. You could offer a percentage discount for multiple surfaces or a flat rate discount for multiple jobs over a certain dollar amount.
4. Should I charge by the hour or by the job?
It’s usually better to charge by the job rather than by the hour. This way, you can provide a clear and consistent pricing structure to your customers. If you charge by the hour, the customer may be hesitant to agree to a job if they’re not sure how long it will take.