House wash (siding)
Flatwork and wood
Costs and minimum
How the numbers are worked out
House siding area = perimeter × average siding height. Driveway area = length × width. Each surface is priced as area × your rate for that surface. Chemicals = total area ÷ 1,000 × your cost per 1,000 sq ft. If the total is below your minimum job charge, a minimum charge adjustment brings it up to the minimum.
Example with the defaults: a 160 ft perimeter at 15 ft is 2,400 sq ft of siding, × $0.20 = $480. The 40 × 20 ft driveway is 800 sq ft, × $0.18 = $144. The 300 sq ft deck at $0.35 is $105. Chemicals for 3,500 sq ft at $8 per 1,000 are $28, plus a $25 trip fee. The job comes to $782 before tax, above the $175 minimum.
Tips for pressure washing estimates
- Price every surface on its own line. Customers who see the driveway and deck priced separately often add one they had not planned.
- Note in the estimate whether the house is soft-washed or pressure-washed, and how you protect plants, windows and outlets.
- Oil stains, rust and gum removal take extra time and chemicals; add them as separate lines rather than raising the rate per square foot.
- Check your rates cover your costs and target margin with the job price calculator and the travel cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate square footage for a house wash?
Measure the perimeter of the house (walk around it with a measuring wheel or add up the wall lengths) and multiply by the average siding height: about 10 ft for one story and 18 to 20 ft for two stories. Gables add a little more. A house with a 160 ft perimeter and 15 ft average height has 2,400 sq ft of siding.
How do pressure washing businesses price per square foot?
Most price each surface separately per square foot, because a soft-washed house, a concrete driveway and a wood deck take different time, pressure and chemicals. Many also set a minimum job charge so small jobs still cover the trip and setup. Use your own rates: the defaults on this page are only examples, not market prices.
What is a minimum charge and why use one?
A minimum charge is the lowest price you accept for any job, whatever its size. Loading the trailer, driving, setting up and cleaning up take the same time on a small patio as on a big driveway. If the priced surfaces come to less than your minimum, this calculator adds a minimum charge adjustment line so the estimate still reaches it.
Can I send this as an estimate?
Yes. Click Turn into an estimate. Each surface becomes a line item in the free Estimate & Invoice Maker, where you add your logo and customer details and download a PDF. Your business details from earlier drafts are kept.
Estimates for planning only. Rates shown are examples, not market prices; use your own.
Related: Free pressure washing estimate template · Painting estimate calculator · Job price calculator