If you’re a homeowner in Livingston County, MI – from Howell to Brighton, Fowlerville to Milford, and everywhere in between, including Hartland, Pinckney, Hamburg, South Lyon, New Hudson, and Wixom – you know how important curb appeal is. And when the unpredictable Michigan weather has left your house siding, driveway, deck, or patio looking dull and grimy, professional pressure washing is often the best solution.
But then the question pops up: “How much does it really cost to pressure wash my house or driveway?” You’re not alone in asking! Like any essential home service, you want to ensure you’re getting excellent value for your investment. While the normal range for a typical pressure washing job can fall between $100 and $350, the exact power washing cost or pressure washing prices depend on several factors.
At Livingston Pressure Washing, we believe in transparent pricing. This comprehensive guide will break down the key factors that influence pressure washing rates for your home or business, helping you understand your potential investment for a truly sparkling clean exterior.
Pressure Washing vs. Power Washing: While the terms “pressure washing” and “power washing” are often used interchangeably, there’s a key distinction that impacts both effectiveness and cost. The primary difference lies in the water temperature used:
- Power Washing: Utilizes heated water or steam in addition to high-pressure water streams. The hot water is incredibly effective at dissolving stubborn stains, grease, oil, mold, and deeply embedded mildew. This method is often recommended for heavily soiled, durable surfaces like concrete driveways, commercial building exteriors, or areas with significant organic growth. While power washing costs may be slightly higher due to the energy required for heating, the superior cleaning power for specific challenges is often worth the investment.
- Pressure Washing: Employs cold water at high pressure. This is the most common and versatile method for general cleaning of various surfaces, including most residential exteriors. It efficiently removes dirt, grime, cobwebs, and light mildew without the added cost of water heating.
At Livingston Pressure Washing, we expertly assess your specific needs and surface types to recommend the most appropriate and cost-effective method, ensuring optimal results every time.
Average Pressure Washing Prices and Rates Breakdown
The total cost of your pressure washing project with Livingston Pressure Washing is influenced by several key factors. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Pricing Models: Hourly vs. Per Square Foot
Professional pressure washing services typically price jobs using one of two primary methods:
- Per Hour: Some companies charge on an hourly basis, usually ranging from $60 to $160 per hour. Most residential projects, such as a full house washing cost, are completed within two to four hours. Heavily soiled areas, intricate architectural details, or challenging access may extend the time required. Be aware that some companies may apply an hourly minimum charge.
- Per Square Foot: Many services, including Livingston Pressure Washing, often prefer to charge by the square foot, typically ranging from $0.30 to $0.70 per square foot. Flat, easily accessible surfaces like driveway cleaning cost are usually on the lower end of this scale, while more complex or delicate surfaces can be higher. Most pressure washing companies also have minimum fees, generally between $100 and $350, to cover setup and travel time. For larger areas, the cost per square foot often becomes more economical due to efficiencies.
Note on Water Usage: The cost of water used for pressure washing is typically a negligible component of the overall service fee and is factored into our pricing, so you generally won’t see a significant impact on your personal water bill.
House Washing Cost by Size
The overall size of your home is a primary determinant of house washing costs. Here’s a general guide for average costs, including labor:
| House Size | Average Costs (Labor Included) |
| 900 sq ft | $270 – $720 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $300 – $800 |
| 1,250 sq ft | $375 – $1,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $450 – $1,200 |
| 1,750 sq ft | $525 – $1,400 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $600 – $1,600 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $750 – $2,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $750 – $2,000 |
House Washing Cost by Number of Stories
The average cost to pressure wash a house typically ranges from $300-$600, but this price can vary significantly depending on the number of stories. Taller homes are more expensive to clean due to the increased difficulty and safety risks associated with accessing higher areas, often requiring specialized equipment like ladders, scaffolding, or lifts.
- One-Story House: Typically ranging from 900 to 1,200 square feet, smaller one-story homes might have a pressure washing cost as low as $75 (for very small jobs or minimum service fees).
- Two-Story House: These homes generally range between 1,500 to 2,000 square feet. Many professional pressure washing companies, including Livingston Pressure Washing, can efficiently access the second story without extensive additional equipment for most jobs.
- Three-Story House: With sizes typically between 2,500 to 3,000 square feet, accessing a third story usually goes beyond standard equipment capabilities. This type of project will likely necessitate specialized access solutions, significantly increasing the overall power washing cost.
Here’s a breakdown of power washing costs by the number of stories:
| Number of Stories | Average Cost (Labor Included) |
| 1 Story | $72 – $1,000 |
| 2 Stories | $120 – $1,600 |
| 3 Stories | $200 – $2,800 |
Pressure Washing Cost by Location (Area of Property)
Different areas of your property will incur varying pressure washing costs, generally ranging between $50-$700. If your project falls below our minimum service fee, you may find it more cost-effective to combine services and have additional areas pressure washed, ensuring maximum value. Common areas include patios, porches, decks, garage floors, fences, driveways, gutters, siding, and roofs. See our pressure washing pricing guide and cost breakdown below:
| Location | Average Cost |
| Patio | $50 – $75 |
| Porch | $100 – $150 |
| Deck | $100 – $200 |
| Garage Floor | $100 – $200 |
| Fence | $125 – $235 |
| Driveway | $180 – $240 |
| Gutters | $200 – $400 |
| Siding | $300 – $600 |
| Roof | $450 – $700 |
Pressure Washing Cost by Material
The cost of cleaning different surfaces varies greatly, ranging from $0.30 to $2.00 per square foot. Materials include concrete, vinyl, wood, brick/masonry, stucco, stone, asphalt, and composite, among others. Each material requires a specific cleaning process and the right pressure setting applied by an experienced professional to avoid damage. For example, concrete and stone, due to their porous nature, often take longer to clean thoroughly.
| Material | Cleaning Cost per Square Foot (Labor Included) |
| Concrete | $0.30 – $0.33 |
| Vinyl | $0.30 – $0.40 |
| Wood | $0.30 – $0.50 |
| Brick/Masonry | $0.31 – $0.37 |
| Stucco | $0.33 – $0.45 |
| Stone | $0.35 – $0.75 |
| Asphalt | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Composite | $0.50 – $2.00 |
- Wood: As a delicate and porous material, wood can accumulate dirt, grime, and algae, leading to deterioration and an unsightly appearance over time. Our professional pressure washing effectively removes this buildup, restoring your wood’s natural beauty on siding, decking, and steps. Softer woods always require a low-pressure or “soft wash” approach to prevent irreversible damage.
- Vinyl: A common and durable siding material, vinyl can still accumulate grime, mildew, and stains. The pressure washing approach for vinyl depends on the level of grime built up. Important Note: Improper high-pressure washing can permanently warp or damage vinyl siding, which is precisely why trusting Livingston Pressure Washing’s professional expertise is crucial.
- Asphalt: Most roof shingles are made of asphalt. For asphalt roofs, a gentle “soft wash” is almost always the safest and most effective method to remove debris, moss, and algae streaks without dislodging granules or damaging shingles. Asphalt driveways can also be expertly pressure washed; this is often an excellent time to consider resealing them afterward for added protection.
- Brick: Brick is a rough, porous surface that can be time-consuming to clean thoroughly due to its texture and the absorbent nature of mortar. Homes with severe brick grime might take several hours to pressure wash. Brick is typically found in steps, patios, driveways, and as a primary construction material for houses, and the severity of staining or difficult access can affect pressure washing prices.
Pressure Washing by Project Type
Beyond the main house structure, other areas of your property can greatly benefit from a thorough cleaning, enhancing overall curb appeal and longevity. Here are the associated costs for pressure washing various specific areas:
- Siding: The average cost to pressure wash siding is $300-$600. This depends on your house size, the cleaning method (e.g., soft wash vs. traditional pressure wash), and the siding material, as different materials require varying cleaning times and techniques.
- Roof: The average cost to pressure wash a roof is $450-$700. This varies based on the cleaning method (a soft wash is often preferred for roofs), roof size, and surface material. Roof cleaning can be risky, and some materials should never be pressure washed. When done properly by Livingston Pressure Washing’s experienced professionals, it’s a great way to remove debris, mildew, and significantly enhance curb appeal.
- Driveway: The average cost for driveway pressure washing is between $180-$240. This depends on the size of the driveway, whether it has excessive buildup or deep stains, and any necessary prep work. Professionally pressure washing your driveway is an excellent way to prevent deterioration and improve safety by removing slippery algae.
- Deck or Patio: The average cost to pressure wash your deck or patio is $100-$150, depending on the surface’s size and material. For areas near plants or where pets and children play, we prioritize eco-friendly cleaning solutions to avoid harsh chemicals, ensuring safety for your family and landscaping.
- Gutters: The average cost to pressure wash gutters is $200-$400, depending on the linear feet needing cleaning. The height of your home also influences cost; taller homes require specialized equipment and incur higher charges due to increased risk. Clean gutters not only function better but also significantly improve your home’s appearance after a fresh house wash.
- Fencing: Pressure washing a fence ranges between $125-$235, based on the fence’s size and material. Professional pressure washing is a cost-effective option to revitalize an old fence, extending its life and restoring its beauty without the expense of full replacement.
- Garage Floor: The average cost to pressure wash a 300-square-foot garage floor is $100-$200. This service is ideal before selling your home, or if you’re planning on applying a new coating. We account for any extra time that may be required to address stubborn grease or oil stains.
- Windows: The average cost to clean windows is $190-$460. Many homeowners choose to have this service completed simultaneously with pressure washing, as sparkling windows perfectly complement clean siding. Window cleaning is an additional charge; please inquire with Livingston Pressure Washing if this is a service you require.
Commercial Building Vs. House Pressure Washing Costs
Pressure washing a home is generally less expensive than pressure washing a commercial building. Commercial properties often involve significantly larger surface areas, hard-to-reach spots, are typically taller, and may have more complex architectural features or diverse surface materials. For instance, you’ll typically pay anywhere between $0.10 to $0.75 per square foot to pressure wash a commercial building (depending on the type of business and surface), whereas you can expect residential pressure washing prices to fall around $0.30 to $0.70 per square foot for a typical home.
Ready for a Sparkling Clean? Contact Livingston Pressure Washing!
We hope this comprehensive guide provides clear insights into power washing costs and pressure washing prices for your property in the Livingston area, including Howell, Brighton, Fowlerville, Hartland, Pinckney, Hamburg, South Lyon, New Hudson, Milford, Wixom, and more! Just Ask!
For a precise and personalized estimate tailored to your specific property and needs, please don’t hesitate to contact Livingston Pressure Washing today for a free, no-obligation quote! Let us help you revitalize your home’s exterior with our professional, efficient, and reliable services.
