Did you know that pressure washing your home can add value of up to $15,000 on the property’s sale price?
It’s official cleaning the exterior of your home not only makes it look better but it can also enhance curb appeal and increase your home’s value.
If your home is looking unappealing and dirty, or if you want to sell your house, we have the pressure washing guide for you. But how much does it cost to get your house pressure washed and what is involved?
What Is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing a house is a great way to save time and money when it comes to cleaning the exterior of your home. Traditional methods such as scrubbing at the exterior with a brush and water can take days, however, with pressure washing the task can be completed within a matter of hours.
Pressure washing uses high-velocity water to quickly remove dirt, grime, and any other residue that can build-up on your home.
Pressure washing uses unheated water at high pressure. The high pressured water is achieved by filtering through a pressurized motor (which is either run by gas or electricity). Often pressure washing also involves cleaning products to ensure that all dirt is removed.
Do You Need a Power or Pressure Washer?
Power washing is a similar type of home exterior cleaning, however, it uses heated water. Power washing may be better for your home if for example it’s made from concrete or bricks. These types of materials can become damaged by pressure washing due to the pressure and so power washing may be more suitable.
However, most professionals use high volume and low-pressure washers that ensure they don’t damage the exterior of your home. An expert will be able to explain to you which type of washing will be most effective for you and your home.
Can You Pressure Wash Your Own Home?
If you want to save money on hiring a professional, it is possible to pressure wash your own home. However, you need to have all the right equipment and pressure washing can be dangerous, so it’s advantageous if you know what you’re doing.
For those who do decide to wash their own homes, you should use a pressure washer of no more than 800 psi. You can rent pressure washers which cost around $45 to $75 per day. Alternatively, you can buy a pressure washer for between $70 and $200 for an electric pressure washer, and between $300 and $1,000 for a gas pressure washer.
DIY Pressure Washing
When pressure washing your own home, you need to fill up the pump sprayer with bleach and water. This should be about half and half, and then you can add a bit of dish soap too.
The key to a well clean is to keep the surface wet before spraying your home with the pressure washer. Once your home has been sprayed, you can then simply rinse it off and allow it to dry.
Before getting started, make sure you’ve carefully read the instructions of your pressure washer. You need to determine the amount of pressure needed for your wash, this might be in the instructions. Remember it’s advisable to use a low pressure setting instead of a high one, as high settings can damage your home.
If you do choose to pressure wash your house, don’t forget to wear protective gear such as safety goggles and a face shield. You should also take extra care towards protecting your doors, windows, and other objects from the stream, as a pressure washer, can break glass and doors.
Dangers of Pressure Washing Your Own Home
Although it may seem cheaper to pressure wash your own home, there are some dangerous elements involved. These dangers might make it easier to get an expert to pressure wash your home for you.
The first danger is calculating the pressure per area needed. Pressure washers can be adjusted with pounds of pressure per square inch (PSI).
Different materials, such as wood, brick, and concrete, all need different PSIs, but if you’re washing it yourself you need to calculate this. Using the wrong PSI can damage your home’s exterior.
Another danger is the nozzle types, many people aren’t aware of just how powerful a pressure washer is, especially not with a narrower nozzle. Narrow nozzles create a more concentrated spray and force, which can result in damage.
Alongside damage to your property, damage to your own safety is also another danger of pressure washing your own home. Every year more than 6,000 people are injured by pressure washers. When used incorrectly or by people who don’t know what they’re doing, pressure washers can be very dangerous.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Your House Pressure Washed?
If you don’t want to do it yourself, then you can hire a professional to pressure wash your home for you. But what are the average pressure washing prices when hiring a professional?
The average cost of pressure washing is between $200 and $300. Factors that may influence the cost include the size of your house, the materials of the house, and the time it takes to wash. A professional will be able to assess the project and give you a quote before you agree.
If the professional thinks that you need your house to be power washed instead, then this might cost you a little more. The average power wash cost is between $200 and $350.
Find out more about how much getting your house, decking, sidewalk, or fence pressure washed will cost, with this service.
Live Cleaner and Add Value to Your Home
Now that you’ve read our guide on how much does it cost to get your house pressure washed, you can choose to live cleaner and add value to your home. Whether you choose to wash your home yourself or get a professional to do it for you, you’re bound to feel as refreshed as your home once you see the finished product.
If you found this article insightful, be sure to check out some of our other home improvement and lifestyle articles.
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