Measure the area, multiply by your rate per square foot, then check what is left after costs. ProfitDrawer's pressure washing guide works an example: a 960 sq ft driveway plus a 120 sq ft walk is 1,080 sq ft, and at $0.20 per sq ft the price is $216. Direct costs are $34 and the job takes 2 hours, leaving $182, or $91 an hour before insurance, marketing and taxes. Example numbers only.
Steps:
- Measure with a measuring wheel or a map app before you quote (the example driveway is 24 ft x 40 ft and the walk 4 ft x 30 ft).
- Multiply square feet by your rate.
- Subtract direct costs. In the example: chemicals $10, machine fuel $6, driving 20 miles at $0.40 ($8) and equipment wear $10.
- Divide what is left by the hours, setup and cleanup included.
If that hourly number is too low once your fixed costs are added, raise the rate or set a minimum job price (the guide's example is $150) so small jobs still pay.
Adjust for the job:
- Charge more for oil stains, heavy mildew, two-story houses and long drives.
- House washing is often priced by house size or by linear foot instead.
- A bundle (driveway, walk and house) priced a little below the three separate prices raises the job size.
The free price per job calculator can check any quote.
Source: How to Start a Pressure Washing Business (Step by Step for Beginners) · Updated
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General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check the rules for your state and your situation.