There are price surveys available online; however, many new pressure washing contractors focus too much upon them. Consider them as guides and recall that they are averages that may or may not represent your geographic region. Focus instead on some of estimating principles provided here.
To start, a contractor should have a good grasp on their hourly rate. This will usually range between $40 - $80 an hour. Keep in mind however, this is an average that depends on service type, contractor experience, local demand, market competition, operating costs and consumer willingness to pay.
The actual estimate usually consists of the following:
- Setup and Site Preparation -
Consider how long will it take to setup your equipment and prepare the area for pressure washing. This can include moving patio furniture, covering plants as well as setting up ladders or scaffolding. - Cost of Materials -
This part of the estimate will be based on square footage. However, most pressure washing contractors agree that actual product coverage will vary. Over time, experience will help determine how much cleaning product or protective finish is required. Don't forget to include other consumable items such as paint brushes and rollers on deck restoration jobs for instance.Until you are more proficent at estimating, consider adding 20% to cover the cost of underruns.
- Cost of Labor -
Sub-divide the job into smaller more tangiable tasks. Whether by sides of a house or parts of a deck, these smaller sections are easier to figure labor hours. Evaluate each section seperately and determine how much labor is required. - Tear Down and Site Clean Up -
Allow time to undo your preparation process and stow equipment. - Other Expenses -
Other factors such as travel time, equipment rentals and waste water disposal directly affect job costing and may need to be included in the estimate. Keep an open eye for these added expenses.
Sample Price Estimate Break Down
The following is a sample price estimate and is provide for demostration purposes only. Without providing square footage, the sample estimate represents a 1-story vinyl sided home with peaks on the east and west sides. The north side has dense landscaping and moderate mold problems. Gutters (present on the north and south sides) show mild streaking and should present no cleaning problems.
| Description | Time or Mat'l | Cost |
| Travel time | .25 hr | N/A |
| Setup & Prep | .5 hr | $30.00 |
| Materials (siding cleaner) | 2 gal | $25.00 |
| North Side (moderate mold) | 1-1.5 hr | $60.00 - $90.00 |
| South Side | 1 hr | $60.00 |
| West & East Side (with peaks) | 2-3 hr | $120.00 - $180.00 |
| Gutters (north and south sides) | 1 hr | $60.00 |
| Tear Down and Site Clean Up | .5 hr | $30.00 |
| Total | $385.00 - $475.00 |
Off hand, this initial estimate appears a little high. After further study, the hourly assessment is too generous. Past experience show that similiar jobs require about 4-6 hours of total billable labor. After reviewing the job site once more the following estimate was developed instead.
| Description | Time or Mat'l | Cost |
| Travel time | .25 hr | N/A |
| Setup & Prep | .5 hr | $30.00 |
| Materials (siding cleaner) | 2 gal | $25.00 |
| North Side (moderate mold) | .5-1 hr | $30.00 - $60.00 |
| South Side | 1 hr | $60.00 |
| West & East Side (with peaks) | 1-2 hr | $60.00 - $120.00 |
| Gutters (north and south sides) | .5 hr | $30.00 |
| Tear Down and Site Clean Up | .5 hr | $30.00 |
| Total | $265.00 - $355.00 | |
| Final Bid | $285.00 |
Based on the local market and the level of desired service this is a more realistic estimate. How you present it is another issue. Most pressure washing contractors will not direct disclose hourly rates or bid worksheets.
Keep a detailed log of all your estimates. Once a pressure washing job is complete, compare final costs. Continually evaluate and your accuracy and adjust your estimating rates accordingly.
In short time the estimating process will ease as experience grows.