“How much does pressure washing cost?” is the first question most homeowners in Lexington, Columbia and around Lake Murray ask, and it is also the hardest to answer in one sentence. Two houses of the same size can have very different jobs. This guide explains what actually drives the price, so you can understand a quote, compare companies fairly and avoid surprises.
We do not publish a price list, because honest pricing depends on seeing the property. We give every customer a free quote with a response within 24 hours. But here is what goes into it.
The main things that affect the price
1. What you want cleaned
A driveway, a house, a roof and a deck are all different jobs with different methods and time. Cleaning a whole exterior costs more than cleaning one surface, and bundling services often makes the visit more efficient. See what we offer on our services page.
2. The size of the area
Square footage matters, but so does height. A two-story home takes longer and needs more setup than a one-story home. A long driveway, a large deck or a big commercial lot all add time.
3. The surface and the method
Soft washing a roof or siding uses a cleaning solution, careful application and low pressure. Concrete may need stronger pressure. Wood decks and fences need a gentler approach. Specialty surfaces such as old brick, stucco or composite decking can take more care. Our post on soft washing versus pressure washing explains why the method matters.
4. How much buildup there is
Light dust and pollen come off quickly. Years of algae, mildew or moss on a shaded roof or lakeside walkway take more time and product. This is one reason regular cleaning tends to be easier, and sometimes lower stress, than waiting. See how often to wash your house in SC.
5. Access and setup
Steep roofs, tight spaces, dense landscaping, hills, long hose runs or no easy water access make the work slower. Lakefront properties with steps and long paths down to the dock need more planning too.
6. Add-ons
Window cleaning, gutter clean-out, deck cleaning and fence cleaning can be added to a house wash in the same visit. See window cleaning, gutter clean-out and deck cleaning.
7. Commercial vs residential
Commercial work often involves larger areas, scheduling around business hours and sometimes recurring service. See our commercial washing page.
Why per-square-foot pricing can be misleading
You may see companies advertise a single price per square foot. It sounds simple, but it hides the factors above. A small, easy job and a large, difficult one may be priced the same way, leaving someone overpaying or the company cutting corners. A quote based on the actual property is usually fairer.
Why very low prices can be a warning sign
If one quote is far below the others, ask why. Cheap jobs sometimes mean:
- No insurance, which leaves you responsible if something goes wrong
- Using high pressure on surfaces that need gentle cleaning
- Skipping plant protection and rinsing
- Rushing the job or leaving areas incomplete
Our guide on how to choose a pressure washing company lists the questions to ask.
What the price should include
A good quote makes clear:
- Which surfaces and areas are included
- The method for each surface (soft wash or pressure)
- Whether plant protection and rinsing are included
- Whether the company is licensed and insured
- When the work will be done and how long it should take
How to get a quote that is fair and fast
- Describe the property. House size, one or two stories, siding type and what you want cleaned.
- Send photos. A few pictures of the problem areas help a lot.
- Mention access. Gates, pets, steep areas, where the water spigot is.
- Say what is most important. If the roof matters most, tell us.
- Ask what is not included. Surprises are what you want to avoid.
Questions we hear
Do you give quotes over the phone? We can give a good idea after a conversation and photos, and we confirm details before the job.
Is the quote really free? Yes. There is no cost or obligation to request a quote.
Do you charge more for roofs? Different surfaces take different methods and time, so pricing differs by service. We explain it in the quote.
Can I bundle services? Yes. Ask for house washing, roof, driveway, windows and gutters together and we will quote them as one visit.
Key takeaways
- Price depends on what you want cleaned, the size, the surface, the buildup and the access.
- Be cautious of per-square-foot pricing and of quotes far below the rest.
- A good quote spells out the surfaces, the method and what is included.
- Photos and a short description of the property help you get a fast, accurate quote.
- Bundling services into one visit is often more efficient.
Get your free quote
We serve Lexington, Columbia, Irmo, Chapin, Red Bank, Ballentine and Gilbert. Request a free quote or call (803) 528-1996. We respond within 24 hours.