Pressure Washing Estimate: What to Include and How to Write One (With a Sample)
A good pressure washing estimate lists each surface (house siding, driveway, walkway, fence, deck) with its size and price, shows detergent and any other charges, says who provides the water, notes what cleaning cannot fix, and gives the total, a "valid until" date and the deposit. Pricing by square foot for large flat areas and by the job for small ones keeps the estimate easy to read.
Most pressure washing arguments are about surfaces and stains. The customer thought the old rust mark would disappear. You thought the price covered the fence too. Or nobody said who pays for the water. Writing each surface as a line, with a short note about stains, answers those questions before the work starts.
What should a pressure washing estimate include?
- Each surface as its own line: house siding, driveway, sidewalk, patio, deck, fence, roof, gutters. A different surface means a different method and a different price.
- The size: square feet for flat areas and siding, linear feet for fences, or a flat price per job for small items such as steps.
- The method: pressure wash or soft wash. Siding and roofs usually need lower pressure, and the estimate should say which one you will use.
- Detergents and supplies: a line for cleaning solution, sealer or rust remover if you charge for it.
- Water and power: who provides the water. If the customer has no outdoor spigot, say whether you bring a tank and what that costs.
- Stains and limits: rust, oil, paint and old mildew may not come out fully. Say that you will show before and after photos.
- Access and prep: moving cars, furniture and plants, closing windows, and where the water can drain.
- Total, validity and deposit: the total, a "valid until" date, the deposit that books the day, and how the balance is paid.
How do you price a pressure washing job?
There are two common ways. Many estimates use both: a rate per square foot for the big areas and a set price for the small ones.
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Per square foot | Area times your rate for that surface. House wash and driveways usually have different rates. | Siding, driveways, patios and other large flat areas. |
| Per job | One price for a defined small item. | Steps, a front walk, a grill pad, a mailbox pad. |
Measure before you quote. A driveway that looks like "two cars" can be 400 or 900 square feet. If you cannot measure, ask for photos and say the price is subject to a quick check on the day. For general pricing steps, read how to write an estimate.
Sample pressure washing estimate lines
These lines match the sample above. The prices are made-up examples to show the structure. Use your own rates.
| Line | Section | Qty | Example price |
|---|---|---|---|
| House wash, soft wash on siding | Labor | 1,800 sq ft | $0.18 per sq ft |
| Driveway, 2 car | Labor | 600 sq ft | $0.25 per sq ft |
| Front walkway and steps | Labor | 1 job | $60 |
| Cleaning solution and detergent | Materials | 1 job | $35 |
The example total is $569 with a 20% deposit of $113.80 to book the day. You can build the same estimate with the free estimate generator.
Do I need a license to pressure wash?
It depends on your city, county and state. Many places require a general business license, and some regulate where wash water may drain, especially near storm drains. The U.S. Small Business Administration explains how to find the licenses and permits that apply to you in its guide to applying for licenses and permits. Ask your city or county before you start. This is not legal advice.
Should I ask for a deposit?
For small jobs many pressure washers collect when the work is done. For a larger job, such as a whole house plus driveway and fence, a deposit holds the day and covers your detergent and fuel if the customer cancels. Whatever you choose, write the amount, the due date and the cancellation or rain-delay rule on the estimate.
Common mistakes on a pressure washing estimate
- One price for "the whole house". Siding, driveway and walks are different work. List each one.
- Guessing the square footage. Measure, or say the price depends on a check on the day.
- Promising stains will come out. Say what cleaning can and cannot do, and show before and after.
- Forgetting water. If you bring your own tank or a hose reel, that costs you time and fuel. Say who supplies water.
- No rain-day rule. Write what happens if weather moves the job, so rescheduling is not a debate.
- No date on the price. Put "valid until" on the estimate so an old price does not come back.
How to send a pressure washing estimate from your phone
- Open Chambaly and say the job. "Estimate for Taylor Brooks, house wash on eighteen hundred square feet at eighteen cents, driveway six hundred square feet at twenty-five cents, front walkway and steps sixty dollars, thirty-five for detergent, twenty percent deposit."
- Check the lines. Chambaly builds them in sections. If you did not give a price for a line, it suggests one and marks it so you can change it. The price is always yours.
- Send it. The PDF goes out by text, WhatsApp or email. The customer can sign it online, and with Pro+ they can pay the deposit by card.
- After the job, turn the estimate into an invoice with one tap.
Washing cars too? See the car detailing estimate guide. Also painting after the wash? The painting estimate guide shows how to price prep and paint. Ready to bill? Use the free invoice generator.
Questions
How do I write an estimate for a pressure washing job?
List each surface as its own line with its size and price, add detergent and other charges, say who provides the water, note what cleaning cannot fix, and give the total, a "valid until" date and the deposit.
Should I charge per square foot or by the job?
Both work. Per square foot suits siding, driveways and patios. A flat price per job suits small items such as steps and walkways. Many estimates use both.
Do I need to measure before I quote?
It is the safest way. A driveway that looks like two cars can vary a lot in size. If you cannot measure, ask for photos and say the price depends on a check on the day.
Can I promise that stains will come out?
No. Rust, oil, paint and old mildew may not come out fully. Say so on the estimate and show before and after photos.
Get it signed and paid from their phone.
With Pro+, your client signs with a finger and pays by card or bank. The money goes to your bank account, and if they’re late, Chambaly reminds them for you.
