Pressure cleaning is a simple yet effective method of rejuvenating the appearance of your home, making it sparkle like new. The pricing for pressure cleaning services varies, influenced by the size of your property and location, among other variables. Prices start at around $100 for smaller areas like a driveway or patio. However, the cost can escalate to $700 or higher for a comprehensive cleaning of your entire house.
Pressure Cleaning Cost Breakdown
You can break down the costs of how much to pressure clean a house into equipment and labour.
Pressure Cleaning Cost Per Metre
Pressure cleaning costs between $1.50 and $3.00 per square metre, depending on the area of your cleaned property. Driveways and patios that are easier to access and require less labour tend to be lower-cost.
Cost by Project Complexity
Prices for pressure cleaning rise with the complexity of the project. Several factors can increase how much to pressure clean a house, such as significant grime accumulation, challenges in accessing certain areas, and the demands of cleaning larger or multi-story homes.
Equipment and Overhead
Choosing a professional for your pressure cleaning needs guarantees that the equipment won’t be a model from the nearest hardware store. Instead, specialists employ professional-grade tools that deliver quicker and more powerful results than the options typically accessible to the average consumer.
A standard fee usually includes investment in high-quality equipment and other operational expenses such as licensing, insurance, administrative tasks, and travel. This fee is often included in the overall estimate provided by most professionals, ensuring that the superior service you receive reflects the comprehensive costs involved.
Labour Costs
The bulk expense in pressure cleaning your home is labour, given that cleaning agents are comparatively low-cost. Since labour represents the most significant portion of the overall price, the hourly rate charged by your professional will substantially influence how much to pressure clean a house.
Hourly rates for pressure cleaning services typically range from $100 to $200. However, more challenging tasks—requiring specialized safety gear and ladder work—may increase the rate to as high as $300 per hour. Alternatively, some companies prefer to quote a flat rate for the entire project rather than charging by the hour. In such instances, the estimate already includes labour costs, simplifying the service’s pricing structure.
How Much To Pressure Clean A House by Project
How much to pressure clean a house extends beyond the exterior of your home. Other areas around your home can also benefit from cleaning, each with unique pricing based on the specific project type.
Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay for pressure cleaning different parts of your home:
Driveway
Driveways are a common focus for pressure cleaning services due to their high exposure to vehicle and pedestrian traffic, leading to rapid accumulation of dirt and grime. Pressure cleaning a driveway ranges from $2.00 to $4.00 per square metre.
On average, the expense of pressure cleaning a driveway can vary from $100 to $500, with most homeowners spending between $100 and $250. This cost fluctuation depends on the driveway’s size and the complexity of the cleaning required. Driveways with significant oil stains may need specialized treatments, such as pressure washing with a degreaser or a gentler cleaning solution, and additional labour, pushing how much to pressure clean a house higher.
Patio
Hiring a professional to pressure clean your patio or deck costs between $100 and $200. The final price is determined by several factors, including the patio or deck’s size, construction material, and accessibility. Additional charges may apply if the technician needs to navigate stairs, move obstacles, or adjust the pressure settings to prevent damage to the surface. These adjustments account for the extra time and effort required to complete the job safely and effectively.
Fence
Professionals’ cost of pressure cleaning fencing ranges from $150 to $300, with the final price largely dependent on the fence’s length and material. Wood fences, in particular, tend to be more expensive because the process is more time-consuming. Technicians must use lower-pressure settings and take extra precautions to prevent damage to the wood. In contrast, power washing PVC or metal fences can be completed more swiftly and with less concern for damage, potentially making it less costly.
Gutters
For gutter pressure washing, the rate is typically $2.00 to $5.00 per linear metre, leading to a cost range of $150 to $350 for a single-story house. If your home has multiple stories, the technician will require additional equipment, such as a ladder or cherry-picker, to safely access and clean the gutters. This necessity for specialized equipment will increase the overall cost of your project.
Exterior Walls Only
Homeowners often discover that pressure cleaning the walls can significantly enhance their building’s appearance. The average cost for such house washing projects ranges from $250 to $1,800, influenced by the area needing cleaning.
Roof
Roof cleaning tends to be more expensive than other cleaning projects, ranging from $2.50 to $3.50 per square metre. This increased cost primarily stems from the challenges involved, such as transporting equipment to the roof and maneuvering on the sloped surface, which necessitate additional safety gear. The cost generally falls between $650 and $1000.
One Story House
Pressure cleaning an entire one-story home costs $200 – $1000. The most significant factors affecting how much to pressure clean a house include.
- Your location.
- The size of your house.
- The difficulty of reaching every area of your home.
Smaller homes may get away with as little as $150 for a pressure washing, while larger one-story homes using a power washer may go up to $1,500.
Two Story House
Some professional pressure cleaners can clean the exterior of a two-story home without needing extra equipment. You’ll pay $550 to $1,900 to have either type of washing conducted, depending mainly on the size of your home and the difficulty of the project.
Three Story House
Pressure cleaning a three-story home costs $950 to $2,400, but that price may increase based on project difficulty.
The top of a three-story home will be beyond the reach of most pressure cleaners, even the professional-grade ones that technicians use. Thus, the pro who comes to your home will likely need a ladder, scissor lift, or cherry picker to complete your project.
When to Pressure Wash Your House
Annual Pressure cleaning will maintain your home’s appearance and integrity. Still, timing is critical to avoid the pitfalls of wet weather. Opting to pressure wash during warmer months is always a safe bet. However, be mindful that spring and summer tend to see a spike in demand for these services, which might lead to longer wait times to secure a professional and influence how much to pressure clean a house, possibly making it higher due to the increased demand.
How Much to Pressure Clean a House Yourself?
Choosing to pressure wash or your house yourself can lead to significant labour savings, potentially keeping $100 to $200 per hour in your pocket. However, you will incur expenses for renting or buying the necessary equipment, which will offset some of the money you save by not paying for professional labour.
Hire Costs
Hiring a pressure cleaner will cost you between $90 and $300 for each day of use. With adequate experience and sufficient time, completing most cleaning tasks within a single day is feasible. However, for more extensive projects, like washing the exterior of a house, the process may extend beyond a day, particularly for homes with difficult-to-reach spots or those that span two or more stories.
Purchase Costs
Purchasing a pressure cleaner involves an upfront investment of between $150 and $1,500. While more affordable, entry-level models are available, they often need more durability for long-term and frequent use. If you anticipate needing your pressure washer regularly, investing in a higher-priced, more robust model will ensure longevity and reliability.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional
While pressure cleaning can seem straightforward, it carries its risks. It requires a good understanding of the equipment’s power and the surfaces cleaned. For instance, softer materials like wood necessitate less pressure than more challenging surfaces like concrete to avoid damage and potential repair costs.
Moreover, pressure cleaners pose significant safety risks if misused or without caution. The high-pressure spray can cause severe lacerations if it contacts the skin. Additionally, tasks that involve climbing ladders or working on roofs increase the risk of accidents, especially when attempting to pressure clean higher areas like second stories, roofs, or gutters.
Given these hazards, it is advisable to consider the services of a professional pressure cleaning company. Professionals are equipped with the necessary training and safety gear to handle the job efficiently and safely, mitigating the risks associated with pressure cleaning.
Selecting the ideal local power washing company for your exterior cleaning necessitates gathering multiple quotes to compare options. When you’re in touch with each professional, it’s crucial to ask specific questions to narrow down your choices effectively:
- Pricing Structure: Do you bill by the hour, or does the project determine the how much to pressure clean a house?
- Estimates: Can you provide a written estimate detailing the entire scope of work?
- Chemicals Used: What cleaning agents do you use? Are they environmentally friendly and safe for pets and children?
- Scheduling: How soon can you fit my project into your schedule?
- Duration: What is the expected duration of the job?
- Water Source: Will you use your water supply, or do you need to connect to my home’s water?
- Guarantees: Is there a warranty on your work to cover potential damages?
- Insurance: Do you carry full insurance for your services?
These questions will help you gauge the pressure cleaning company’s professionalism and reliability and ensure their services align with your needs and expectations.