How much should you charge to wash a house?
House washing is an important maintenance service that helps homeowners keep their properties clean, tidy and free of mould, dirt and grime. If you run a cleaning company or are thinking of offering house washing services, determining your pricing model is key to your business profitability and customer satisfaction. Whether you charge by the hour, flat rate or custom price, knowing industry standards and cost guides is important.
Factors
House cleaning costs can vary on:
1. Size of the House (Square Footage)
Larger homes take more time, labour and cleaning products, directly affecting the final cost. The cost per square foot of a house varies on the type of cleaning service. For example, deep or intensive cleaning takes more time than standard deep cleaning or, directly affects basic cleaning tasks.
2. Type of Cleaning Method
- Pressure Washing: Used for hard surfaces like brick or concrete and costs between $0.15 to $0.40 per square foot.
- Soft Washing: Lower pressure method using specialized cleaning solutions for soft surfaces like vinyl siding and costs around $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot.
- Hot Water Cleaning: Used for tough stains, grime and mildew, it requires extra time and extra cost.
3. Level of Dirt and Stains
Homes that need deep cleaning due to heavy mould, algae or stubborn stains require more work and more cost. Move-out cleaning and lease cleaning require more work than regular home cleaning or weekly cleaning.
4. Location and Overhead Costs
Prices may be higher in urban areas due to higher overhead costs like office rent, admin costs and cost of living. If the job site is far from your base, travel fees may apply. Independent cleaners may charge differently from professional house cleaners due to different business expenses.
5. Add-ons
Many customers ask for extra services along with house washing. Here are some add-on services that you can add to your pricing structure:
- Professional gutter cleaning service
- Window cleaning
- Roof maintenance (Roof Inspection, Roof Painting, Roof Repairs, Roof Restoration)
- Deck maintenance
- Pool cleaning
- Garage cleaning
- Facade cleaning to clean the exterior of the home
- Outdoor cleaning and outdoor pressure cleaning to remove dirt and debris from hard surfaces
- Carpet Cleaning
- Move-out cleaning and lease cleaning
- Pavement cleaning service
- Spring cleaning and regular cleaning service
- Office cleaning and commercial cleaning
- Regular home cleaning and weekly cleanings
You can add these to your pricing structure.
Average Cost
Here’s a rough estimate of house washing prices based on different home sizes and types of cleaning jobs:
| Home Size | Price Range (Soft Wash) | Price Range (Pressure Wash) |
|---|---|---|
| Small (1,000-1,500 sq. ft.) | $150 – $350 | $100 – $300 |
| Medium (1,500-2,500 sq. ft.) | $250 – $500 | $200 – $450 |
| Large (2,500-4,000+ sq. ft.) | $400 – $800 | $350 – $700 |
These average prices are general estimates and may vary depending on your business location and the specific needs of each job.
How to Price
To price right, follow these steps:
- Material Costs: Calculate the cost of cleaning solutions, equipment maintenance, pressure washer cost and eco-friendly cleaning products.
- Labour Costs: Factor in wages for house cleaners and the time it takes to complete each job. Wages should be competitive and in line with the cost of living in your area.
- Competitors in Your Area: Check what other cleaning businesses in your area charge for different types of cleaning services.
- Business Overhead: Insurance, marketing, office space, vehicle expenses and other operational costs should be added to your pricing list.
- Tiered Pricing: Offering different service levels (standard house cleaning vs deep cleaning cost) will attract a wider customer base.
Conclusion
Hiring a professional cleaning service means the job gets done efficiently, safely and with the best cleaning products available, so the homeowner can have peace of mind and a clean home.
Pricing for house washing is all about balancing costs, market rates and customer expectations. By considering house size, pricing strategy, type of cleaning services and additional services you can price right. Transparent quotes and great service will help you build a loyal customer base and grow your cleaning business.
FAQ
How often should I wash my house?
Most professional cleaners recommend washing your house every 6-12 months to prevent dirt buildup, mould growth and exterior damage. Regular cleaning will extend the life of your home’s exterior.
Is pressure washing safe for all surfaces?
No. Pressure washing is great for concrete, brick and some wood surfaces but not for delicate surfaces like vinyl siding and stucco. Professional pressure washing services will assess what type of cleaning is required before they start.
How long does a house washing service take?
A small to medium-sized house will take 2-4 hours, and a larger house will take up to 6 hours. Deck maintenance or window cleaning may take extra time.
Do I need to be home for the service?
Not necessarily. As long as water is available and the exterior of the house is clear of obstacles most cleaning companies can complete the job without the homeowner being present. Professional cleaning companies will often provide flexible scheduling to suit your needs.
Will house washing add value to my house?
Yes! A clean exterior will improve curb appeal and add value to your property. Regular cleaning and basic maintenance will also help maintain the property over time. Cleaning gutters and outdoor pressure cleaning will make your home look and last better.