How to Quote Pressure Washing Jobs
Pressure washing quotes that get accepted are itemized by surface, honest about condition and access, and easy to compare against the competition.
Charles Martinez
QuoteCrest Team
Why vague pressure washing quotes lose jobs
Pressure washing looks simple from the outside — a machine, some water, done. Clients who have never hired a pressure washing company often expect to pay $100 for everything. When your quote comes in at $450 with no explanation, they move on.
The solution is an itemized quote that accounts for surface type, area, condition, and access. When clients can see why the price is what it is, they stop shopping.
Quote by surface type and square footage
Different surfaces require different pressure, chemicals, and time. Quote them separately:
- Concrete driveway (2-car, ~600 sq ft) — degreaser pre-treat, 3,000 PSI wash: $120
- Front walkway and steps (~150 sq ft) — $45
- Rear patio (composite decking, ~400 sq ft) — low-pressure soft wash required: $110
- Vinyl siding (two-story, ~1,400 sq ft) — soft wash with house wash solution: $180
- Fence (wood, 80 linear ft) — $70
Clients who see surface-by-surface pricing understand that the cost reflects real differences, not padding.
Factor in surface condition
A driveway untouched for five years takes longer to clean than one done annually. Build condition into your pricing:
- Standard condition — base price as quoted
- Heavily stained or algae-covered — 20% surcharge; additional dwell time required
- Oil or rust staining — chemical treatment required, quoted separately after inspection
Being upfront about condition-based pricing prevents disputes when the job takes longer than expected.
Soft wash vs high pressure
Many surfaces — painted wood, stucco, older brick, roofs — can be damaged by high pressure. If you use soft washing for these surfaces, say so in the quote. It positions you as the informed choice:
"Roof and siding cleaned using soft wash (low-pressure, high-dilution surfactant). High-pressure on these surfaces causes premature paint failure and warranty issues."
Homeowners who have been burned before by aggressive pressure washing will choose you on the strength of that one sentence.
Offer sealing as an add-on
Sealing concrete or pavers after washing extends the clean and protects against future staining. This is one of the highest-margin add-ons in the trade:
- (Optional) Concrete sealer (driveway + walkway): $180
- (Optional) Paver polymeric sand reapplication: $95
- (Optional) Wood deck sealant: $140
Add these to every quote. Most clients will not ask on their own, but many will say yes when it is in front of them.
Address access and water supply
Some jobs require the crew to bring their own water supply. Others have access issues — locked gates, low-clearance fences, shared driveways. Cover this in the quote:
"Quote assumes access to a standard outdoor hose bib. If none is available, water tank surcharge of $75 applies. Please ensure driveway and gate access on the day of service."
Setting expectations upfront prevents last-minute complications and protects your schedule.
Show before/after expectations
Clients sometimes expect pressure washing to reverse years of weathering or remove embedded stains that pre-date the surface's current color. A brief note in your quote manages expectations:
"Results depend on surface condition and age. Most concrete driveways show 80–95% improvement. Permanent rust and deep oil stains may require additional chemical treatment."
This protects you from callbacks and leaves clients pleasantly surprised rather than disappointed.
A pressure washing quote does not need to be long. It needs to be specific. When clients can see exactly what you are washing, what method you are using, and why it costs what it does, they stop comparing you to competitors who sent a single number in a text message.