How to write a pressure washing estimate with clear pricing

Confirm what needs cleaning before pricing

Record the site address, the surface material, the area and any access restrictions. Ask for photographs if they would clarify the request, but arrange an inspection when you cannot assess the work reliably. Separate a driveway, patio and walls instead of describing everything as “exterior cleaning.” Identify existing damage and any specialist treatment that needs separate assessment. Confirm water access, preparation and who moves furniture or vehicles. Follow applicable site and runoff requirements rather than assuming every job has the same conditions.

Choose a pricing basis you can explain

For area-based pricing, multiply the measured area by your own selling rate. For time-based pricing, estimate the hours and apply your rate. Check whether that rate already covers equipment, consumables, travel and your overheads before adding separate charges. Otherwise, you may count the same cost twice. Different surfaces or conditions may need different line items. Do not present a rough measurement as a confirmed quantity.

• Area-based line: measured area × your price per unit of area.
• Time-based line: estimated hours × your hourly selling rate.
• Subtotal: included line items plus any agreed separate charges.
• Payable amount: subtotal adjusted for applicable tax and agreed discounts.

A fictional pressure washing estimate

Suppose you have assessed a 100 m² paved area and chosen an illustrative rate of USD 2.50 per m². A separately agreed preparation task costs USD 25. The rate in this example already covers the cleaning labor, equipment and consumables; those items are not charged again. Tax treatment remains to be confirmed before sending a final offer.

Paved area cleaning: 100 m² × USD 2.50 = USD 250.00 Agreed preparation task: USD 25.00 Subtotal before applicable tax: USD 275.00 Included area: the assessed paved driveway only. Not included: walls, roof, repairs or sealing. Scheduling: to be agreed after the client confirms the scope.

Explain uncertainty and exclusions

If the condition or area has not been verified, label the amount as an estimate and explain what could change it. Avoid guaranteeing stain removal or a result you have not assessed. List optional work separately so the client can distinguish it from the included subtotal. Agree how any changed scope and price will be confirmed before you carry out extra work.

Check the figures and send a readable offer

Recalculate each line and confirm the currency, tax treatment, site details and timing. Add only payment terms you have actually chosen. Use ScopeMic’s free project estimate calculator to check your figures, then put the scope and pricing into a proposal draft. Review the generated document before downloading or sharing it. The client should understand what the amount covers without needing a second explanation.