Why is Pressure Washing So Expensive?

Why is Pressure Washing So Expensive?

When homeowners consider pressure washing services, one question often comes to mind: "Why is pressure washing so expensive?" The answer lies in the complex combination of professional equipment, varied surfaces, season, labor and insurance costs, and materials that ensures the job is done right. Here’s a detailed look at what goes into the pricing of professional pressure washing services.

Professional Equipment​

Professional pressure washing companies invest heavily in high-quality equipment. Unlike the consumer-grade models available at hardware stores, professional machines are built for heavy-duty use and can generate much higher flow rates. These machines often come with a range of specialized nozzles and attachments designed for different surfaces, ensuring thorough and safe cleaning. The cost of these professional-grade machines can run into thousands of dollars, an investment that ensures they can handle any job efficiently and effectively.

Variety of Surfaces​

Every home has a variety of surfaces that require different approaches to cleaning. Professionals are trained to handle these differences. For example, cleaning a wooden deck requires a different technique and pressure setting than cleaning a concrete driveway. Adjusting for these variables takes expertise and experience, further justifying the cost of hiring a professional. Operating a pressure washer may seem straightforward, but in reality, it requires significant training to become proficient. Professionals undergo months of training to learn the nuances of pressure washing different surfaces, from concrete, wood, vinyl, pavers, and brick.

Labor and Insurance Costs​

A reputable pressure washing company carries insurance to protect both their employees and their clients. This insurance covers potential damages and accidents, providing peace of mind to homeowners. Additionally, labor costs for skilled professionals are a significant part of the expense. Trained technicians earn a living wage, reflecting their expertise and the physical demands of the job.

Seasonal Demand​

Peak season demand also impacts the availability of services and pricing. If you are wanting your home cleaned in the spring but wait to schedule, you may pay a premium for the service just before that house party! In the shoulder times, summer and cooler months, you may be able to take advantage of discounts and other savings.

Preserving Your Home’s Investment​

All these evident and not-so-evident costs go into the price of cleaning your home's surfaces. Regular pressure washing not only improves the appearance of your property but also protects it from long-term damage caused by mold, mildew, and dirt buildup.

Practical Pricing of Power washing services for your home​

The cost of a house power washing service is determined by several factors:

Square footage - The square footage of the home is a starting point for determining the cost of power washing your home. The square footage of other surfaces will also be calculated to determine the price. Google Maps satellite tools or realtor sites are often used to help determine square footage.

Surface Type - The material type of the home makes a significant difference in power washing pricing as well. Most vertical surfaces are cleaned with a soft wash system but the type of material determines other factors for safely cleaning and preserving the surface. Wood, and Dryvit, sometimes known as EIFS are two sensitive home finishes. Roof cleaning and other parts of your home factor into pricing.

Stains and Special elements - different stains, and mold types impact the cleaning difficulty, process, and level of expertise needed to thoroughly soft wash or pressure clean the surface.

Geographical Location - The location of your home will also influence power washing pricing. The shore areas tend to have less mold but taller homes with several decks. Mold is prolific in the warm moist interior areas of New Jersey. Competition and availability of nearby professional services also influences pricing.

Bundling of services - homeowners can save by bundling services together to eliminate the costs of returns, adding roof cleaning, pool areas, decks, driveways, and more to a single service.

Commercial properties are priced with similar considerations, including frequency of service.

What should you expect to actually pay​

For most modest homes you are between $250 - $700 for full exterior washing. You can pay as little as $250 for a single story rancher with vinyl and as much as several thousand for a large property with roof cleaning, driveway and pool area cleaning.

Each surface will tend to have a square footage price ranging from $0.15 to $0.75 depending on the individual factors we discussed.

The best way to find out what the cost will actually be is to call a reputable company. Normally an estimate for a property can be given within 10-15 minutes over the phone or in person.

How to choose a pressure washing company​

1. Google reviews and any references are a great place to start
2. Is the company insured and licensed
3. Do they provide any service warranty
4. Are they professional in their interactions
5. Do they provide a professional proposal of services

Bethany Associates is a leading provider of pressure washing and soft wash services throughout southern New Jersey. With over 26 years of service, we look forward to providing our warrantied services for your property. We also believe it is important that you know who is cleaning your most valuable investment. We send technician pictures and bios so you know who will be at your home.