How to Quote a Pressure Washing Job (The Right Way)

So you’ve done all of the work to set up your professional pressure washing business. You’ve formed your LLC, secured insurance, purchased your equipment, and dotted every “i” and crossed every “t.” Then it happens; your first call comes in for a quote. Suddenly, panic sets in.

You’re unsure where to price your services.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

At Spraywell, we’ve worked with pressure washing professionals across the country, and one thing we’ve learned over the years is that pricing isn’t an exact science. It’s part research, part experience, and part confidence. The good news? Once you understand how to evaluate your market, customers, and job scope, quoting becomes second nature.

Here’s how to approach pricing like a pro.

Step 1: Understand That “My Price Is Not Your Price”

A wise saying amongst tradesmen goes, “My price is not your price.”

Pricing varies significantly based on your geographic location and the local market conditions. Factors like climate, competition, and customer wealth all play a major role in what you can, and should, charge.

For example, a pressure washer in Central Illinois might price higher to account for a shorter nine-month work season, while in Florida, where pressure washing is year-round, competition keeps pricing more consistent.

In short: don’t copy another company’s rates. Use them as a reference point, but adjust to fit your area, your expenses, and your goals.

Step 2: Focus on Perceived Value

Another key factor is the importance of customer perception.
Customers are willing to pay more for a company that looks and feels professional.

Your perceived value increases with:

• A clean, branded appearance on every job site
  
  
• A modern, easy-to-navigate website
  
  
• Consistent 5-star reviews and testimonials
  
  
• Fast response times and friendly communication
  
  

In our experience, professionalism is one of the biggest pricing levers you control. Confidence, clear communication, and the ability to answer customer questions with authority can easily set your business apart and justify premium pricing.

Step 3: Use a Measuring Wheel and Charge by Square Foot

To bring consistency to your quotes, start by measuring the square footage of the cleaning area using a measuring wheel. Once you have the total area, apply standard price ranges based on the service type.

Here are some common pricing benchmarks:

Pro Tip: Always evaluate the risks and time involved before setting a final price. Jobs that look simple can become complex when obstacles, safety concerns, or height are factors.

Step 4: Consider In-Person vs. Phone Estimates

There’s nothing wrong with giving a rough estimate over the phone, especially for customers outside your normal service area or when travel time isn’t practical. However, in-person estimates often lead to:

• A higher closing rate, and
  
  
• Higher-ticket jobs, since customers see your professionalism firsthand.
  
  

In our experience, face-to-face interaction builds trust. It also gives you a chance to spot upsell opportunities such as adding a driveway cleaning to a house wash.

Step 5: Adjust, Learn, and Refine

Pricing is dynamic. Over time, you’ll notice patterns in your local market like what customers are willing to pay, which jobs are most profitable, and where your labor or chemical costs rise.

Keep a running log of every quote and result. Track your close rate, profit margin, and time per job. Within a few months, you’ll have enough data to fine-tune your pricing strategy with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Pricing your pressure washing jobs can feel overwhelming at first, but remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all formula.

Geography, perception, and professionalism all play a role in how much you can charge and how successful your business becomes. The key is to start with a framework, measure consistently, and refine based on experience.

At Spraywell, we’ve seen hundreds of contractors grow from their first quote to full-time success. With the right mindset and equipment, your business can do the same.