How to Quote Pressure Washing – Step‑by‑Step Pricing Guide

When figuring out how to quote pressure washing, you’re deciding how much to charge a client for cleaning a surface with high‑pressure water. Also known as pressure washing quoting, it blends math, market knowledge, and a clear view of your costs. A solid quote builds trust, prevents surprises, and helps you stay profitable.

Getting the numbers right starts with understanding the key pieces of a pressure washing business, an operation that offers exterior cleaning services for homes, businesses, and public spaces. Inside that, your pricing strategy, the method you use to set rates based on labor, travel, and material costs decides whether a job will boost or drain your cash flow. Then there’s the equipment cost, the purchase, maintenance, and fuel expenses of pressure washers, hoses, and safety gear. Finally, you need to factor in your profit margin, the percentage of each job that ends up as net earnings after covering all expenses. These four entities connect like a puzzle: a realistic quote depends on knowing your business model, applying a clear pricing strategy, accounting for equipment spend, and targeting a healthy profit margin.

Key Factors in a Reliable Quote

First, calculate the labor time. Walk the site, note surface type, area size, and any tricky spots. Roughly, a standard driveway takes 30‑45 minutes, while a two‑storey house may need an hour or more. Multiply the hours by your hourly rate – this rate should already include your wage, taxes, and a slice for overhead.

Second, add travel expenses. Distance, fuel price, and vehicle wear all matter. A simple formula many UK cleaners use is £0.45 per mile plus a flat £5 travel fee for any job beyond the 10‑mile radius.

Third, factor equipment costs. If you own a 3,000 psi washer that cost £800 and lasts 2,000 hours, that’s £0.40 per hour of use. Add detergent, nozzle wear, and any consumables. For a quick quote, many pros add a flat £10‑£15 equipment surcharge per job.

Fourth, include insurance and licensing. Public liability insurance in the UK typically runs about £120 a year for a small outfit. Spread that across the jobs you expect to do – say 120 jobs a year – and you’ve got another £1 per quote.

Finally, decide on your profit margin. Most pressure washing contractors aim for 20‑30% net profit. Take the subtotal of labor, travel, equipment, and insurance, then add the desired margin. For example, a job costing £150 in direct expenses with a 25% margin becomes a £187.50 quote.

Putting these steps together creates a transparent, repeatable system. Clients appreciate the breakdown, and you avoid under‑charging. how to quote pressure washing isn’t just about adding numbers; it’s about building credibility that turns one‑off jobs into regular contracts.

In the articles below you’ll see deeper dives into each of these pieces – from calculating startup costs for a new pressure washing business, to choosing the right equipment, to marketing your services without relying on cheap price wars. Use the insights to sharpen your own quoting process and start winning more jobs with confidence.