If your going to flat rate, why not have a guideline. 0-1200 square ft x amount
1250-2000, 2000-3000, 3000-4000 etc. Add a stipulation about access issues etc. I personally look at every single job as there are too many variables and I also have not been doing this business as long as others. Qualifying the customer goes a long way to prevent yourself (and the customer) from wasting time. If someone calls and wants a quote, ask them how many square feet their home is, what the address is, then look it up real quick on google earth or Zillow, (confirm the square foot they tell you to make sure they aren’t lying to get a cheaper price, but don’t call them out on it just price it according to what the records show the size is if they don’t match, especially if their number is smaller) then tell them you can fine tune the bid when you get out there but depending on various factors it would range from x amount to y amount. Usually they will decide right then and there if they want to pay that much for the service. If they are ok with the “ballpark” price chances are they will do it. I have people drive by and ask me all the time how much something like this costs. I used to tell them I would give them a customized estimate, and many times I do, but now tell them it could range from this to that and half the time they leave without even asking for a card. The best customers are the ones who have the nice home, the fancy cars, the boat and the jewelry, they just want their nice stuff cleaned and in its best condition. A customer who’s house is filthy, but also needs gutters, a garage door and a fence isn’t going to buy the service if it isn’t the for the $150 guys price. They are looking for a cheap way to get something done on their neglected property they can’t really afford to keep up properly in the first place.
… and would NEVER consider calling the number from a sign on the side of the road touting the cheapest price. My team and I created a miracle today, and our customer didn’t even ask me for a quote. She just read the reviews, told me what she wanted and asked how soon I could be there.
I don’t take advantage of the customer who neglects to bargain in advance, and to make certian they’re happy I’ll suggest our regular fee and give them the opportunity to set the fee themselves. I HAVE learned that this is the only way to get a tip from the affluent because they will always pay what is asked; however, when given the opportunity to set their own price based on a suggested fee and an excellent service performed, they invariably add from a few dollars to a significant tip above what I suggest. My blue collar and customers of African descent are much more likely to tip for excellence, competence, and courtesy.
So, for this lady, will you go to her house and say, “This is our normal price? What would you like to pay?”
I’m just trying to figure out how you word it.
Mrs. Smith, You didn’t ask for an estimate before we started. I want you to understand how valuable I consider my customers who know they want our services, and who place their trust in not only the quality of our service but also the need to be flexible for more complicated jobs. For this reason, I will suggest my fee HAD we discussed it, and let you set the price. Is that fair?
Silver tongued devil I tell you! 
If someone calls and says “I want you to wash my house, just send me an invoice when you’re done”. I do exactly that. It’s really that simple. If they don’t like the price, they pay it and don’t call back. I’m not a believer in lowering prices or bargaining. I’m also one of the most reasonably priced contractors in my area.
I believe a good deal is perception of the individual. I am new, and this is my side hustle. I make $33/hr working OT at my primary job. So, when I average $50/hr doing pwash, I am happy. I take into consideration I live in a low income area, I am just starting out so $350 for a house wash and driveway is $350 i didnt have before. I will eventually charge more when I get more jobs, but for now i am happy with $50/hr.
It takes you 7 hours to wash a house and driveway?
For that property, yes, with a 30 min break for lunch. It was my first gig. I have zero work flow. It was a long 3 car drive, walkway and curb on street. Front and back porches. But that all part of the learning curve, is it not?
I just started this year and its amazing how much faster things go as you do more and more jobs. Its all part of the learning curve.
Getting the mix right so it cleans the first time.
Staging your hoses properly.
Parking in the right spot.
Asking the right questions before you get to the job so you know what to look out for.
Getting your equipment set up right.
Washing things in the right order, so you don’t have to redo something.
These are all the mistakes I’ve made so far, many more to come I’m sure.
You should be at $350 an hour.
Depends on ur market and location to say the least
Last driveway Tire marks on 1 year old driveway
i did took me 4 hours, and that was a big one.
Standard home less than 2500sft (1:15 hours and 4 car driveway 30 min)
And your equipment
How many square feet was that?
5200 sft
50$/h is not sustainable in the long run. You will quickly find expenses add up more than one may think. Invest in equipment to be more efficient as soon as possible is some of the best advice you’ll keep hearing here. For good reason.
