How Do You Bill for Pressure Washing in the UK?
Pressure washing is one of the most versatile property maintenance services — from sprucing up a garden patio to restoring a commercial car park. But if you’re running (or starting) a pressure washing business in the UK, one of the first questions you’ll face is:
👉 How do I bill for pressure washing, and what should I charge in £?
Pricing pressure washing jobs can feel tricky at first. You want to stay competitive, but you also need to cover your costs and make a healthy profit. This guide will walk you through how to bill for pressure washing in the UK, step by step.
We’ll cover:
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The different billing methods UK contractors use.
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The factors that affect pricing.
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Average price ranges in pounds (£).
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Example breakdowns for domestic and commercial jobs.
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Sample invoice layouts.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to structure your billing system and confidently quote clients.
1. Common Billing Methods in the UK
In the UK, most pressure washing companies use one of four billing approaches. Each has its pros and cons depending on the type of job.
| Billing Method | How It Works | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | Charge by the hour (e.g., £40–£70/hr). | Small residential jobs where time varies. | Simple; covers labour easily. | Clients may feel uncertain about total cost. |
| Per Square Metre | Price per m² (e.g., £2–£5/m²). | Patios, driveways, decking, car parks. | Transparent; easy to calculate. | Requires accurate measurements. |
| Flat Rate / Per Job | Fixed fee for the entire job (e.g., £250 for a 2-car driveway). | Standardised domestic jobs. | Easy for customers to understand. | Risk of underestimating job time. |
| Commercial Contract Rate | Negotiated bulk pricing, often monthly or annually. | Shops, car parks, industrial estates. | Consistent income stream. | More complex quoting and contracts. |
👉 Tip: Many UK contractors combine methods. For example, you might charge per square metre for patios but use an hourly rate for tricky, irregular cleaning jobs.
2. Factors That Affect UK Pressure Washing Prices
Before you send a quote, you need to consider more than just the area to be cleaned.
Here are the main factors that influence billing in the UK:
| Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Size of the Area | Larger spaces = higher total cost, though £/m² rate may decrease for bulk jobs. |
| Surface Type | Concrete, block paving, natural stone, decking, render, cladding all require different pressure/chemicals. |
| Condition | Heavy moss, oil stains, chewing gum removal, or years of neglect increase price. |
| Access & Water Supply | Hard-to-reach areas or need to bring your own water tank increases cost. |
| Waste Disposal | Commercial jobs may need drainage, waste capture, or licensed disposal. |
| Travel Distance | Longer travel from your base may add a call-out fee (£20–£50). |
| Residential vs Commercial | Residential often simpler; commercial often requires insurance, RAMS paperwork, and safety compliance. |
3. Average UK Pressure Washing Rates
Let’s look at typical UK market prices. (Note: These vary by region — London and the South East are usually higher than the Midlands or North.)
Residential Pressure Washing Prices
| Service | Typical Rate (UK) |
|---|---|
| Small patio (20m²) | £60 – £100 |
| Medium driveway (40–60m²) | £150 – £250 |
| Large driveway (100m²+) | £350 – £500+ |
| Decking (per m²) | £3 – £5/m² |
| Fencing/walls (per m²) | £2.50 – £4/m² |
Commercial Pressure Washing Prices
| Service | Typical Rate (UK) |
|---|---|
| Shop front (per visit) | £80 – £150 |
| Small car park (200–400m²) | £500 – £1,000 |
| Large car park / forecourt (1,000m²+) | £2,000 – £5,000 |
| Chewing gum removal (per m²) | £5 – £10/m² |
| Graffiti removal (per m²) | £8 – £15/m² |
4. Example Billing Calculations
Here’s how different billing methods might look for the same job: cleaning a 50m² block-paved driveway in Manchester.
| Billing Method | Calculation | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | 3 hours @ £50/hr | £150 |
| Per Square Metre | 50m² x £3/m² | £150 |
| Flat Rate | Fixed driveway price | £160 |
👉 Notice how similar these totals are. The main difference is how you communicate the price to the customer.
5. Building a Pricing Formula
A smart way to ensure you’re always profitable is to build a simple formula:
Total Price = Base Call-Out Fee + (Rate × Area) + Extras
Example:
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Base Call-Out Fee: £30 (covers travel, setup, insurance).
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Rate: £3/m².
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Area: 40m² driveway.
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Extras: Oil stain treatment (£25).
Calculation: £30 + (£3 × 40) + £25 = £175.
This way, you can quickly and consistently quote jobs while covering costs.
6. Optional Extras You Can Bill For
Upselling extras is a great way to increase revenue per job. Many UK contractors charge separately for:
| Extra Service | Typical Additional Fee |
|---|---|
| Re-sanding block paving | £2 – £3/m² |
| Sealing surfaces | £5 – £8/m² |
| Weed/moss treatment | £20 – £50 |
| Oil stain removal | £15 – £40 per patch |
| Gutter cleaning add-on | £50 – £120 |
Offering these as add-ons not only boosts revenue but also positions you as a full-service provider.
7. Commercial Contracts – How to Bill
When dealing with commercial clients (retail parks, housing associations, industrial sites), billing often shifts from one-off pricing to contractual billing.
Two common approaches in the UK are:
| Contract Type | How It Works | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Per Visit Contract | Fixed fee for each cleaning visit. | £300 per shopfront clean, billed monthly. |
| Ongoing Monthly Retainer | Flat monthly fee covering a set number of cleans. | £1,200/month for fortnightly car park cleaning. |
👉 With commercial clients, you’ll usually invoice monthly and may need to agree 30-day payment terms.
8. Example Invoice Template (UK Format)
Here’s what a basic pressure washing invoice might look like:
| Invoice Example | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | ClearClean Pressure Washing Ltd |
| Invoice No. | 0045 |
| Date | 15 March 2025 |
| Client | Mr. John Smith, 22 Oak Street, Leeds |
| Service | Driveway cleaning (50m²) |
| Rate | £3/m² |
| Subtotal | £150 |
| Extras | Oil stain removal: £25 |
| Call-out Fee | £30 |
| TOTAL DUE | £205 |
| Payment Terms | Due within 14 days. Bank transfer to: [details]. |
9. Tips for Billing Success in the UK
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Be Transparent – Break down the job (e.g., area, extras, call-out fee) so clients understand value.
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Research Competitors – Check local rates to avoid undercharging or overpricing.
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Set Minimum Job Fees – Many contractors set a minimum charge (£60–£80) to avoid wasting time on very small jobs.
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Offer Discounts for Repeat Work – Encourage regular cleaning (e.g., “10% off if booked twice yearly”).
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Use Software/Apps – Tools like QuickBooks, Xero, or Joist can help you send professional invoices.
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Get Deposits for Large Jobs – Especially with commercial clients, request 20–30% upfront.
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Always Include Terms – State payment due dates, late fees, and accepted payment methods.
10. Regional Pricing Differences in the UK
Pressure washing prices vary depending on where you are in the UK.
| Region | Typical Rate Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| London & South East | £4 – £6/m² | Higher cost of living; clients often expect premium service. |
| South West | £3 – £4.50/m² | Competitive market but less expensive than London. |
| Midlands | £2.50 – £4/m² | Generally moderate rates, with lots of driveway/patio demand. |
| North West / North East | £2 – £3.50/m² | Lower rates; pricing pressure from smaller local operators. |
| Scotland & Wales | £2.50 – £4/m² | Rates vary by urban vs rural; Glasgow/Edinburgh higher. |
👉 If you work in an area with lower rates, consider adding extras (sealing, sanding, chemical treatments) to boost margins.
11. Residential vs Commercial Billing – Key Differences
While the techniques are similar, billing for residential and commercial clients requires different approaches.
| Aspect | Residential Jobs | Commercial Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Average Invoice Size | £80 – £400 | £500 – £5,000+ |
| Billing Method | Flat rate or per m² | Contracts, retainers, tendered rates |
| Payment Terms | Usually immediate or within 7–14 days | Often 30 days or more, invoiced monthly |
| Decision Maker | Homeowner | Facilities manager, property manager, procurement team |
| Extras | Re-sanding, sealing, gutter cleaning | Gum removal, graffiti removal, oil spill treatment |
👉 For commercial work, always factor in admin time (RAMS, health & safety docs, site inductions).
12. The Importance of Minimum Charges
Without a minimum charge, you risk wasting time on small jobs. For example, if a customer asks you to clean a 5m² path and you charge £3/m², that’s only £15 — not worth the trip.
Most UK contractors set a minimum fee of £60–£80, which covers:
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Travel
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Set-up time
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Equipment wear and tear
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Labour
| Example | Without Minimum Charge | With Minimum Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Small 5m² path @ £3/m² | £15 | £60 minimum |
👉 Clients usually understand this once you explain the cost of travel and setup.
13. How to Quote Professionally
Your quote sets the tone for your business. A clear, detailed quote shows professionalism and builds trust.
What to Include in a Quote
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Business details (logo, contact info).
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Client details (name, address, phone/email).
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Job description (surface, area, condition).
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Pricing breakdown (rate × area, extras, VAT if applicable).
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Total price (bold and clear).
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Validity period (e.g., “Valid for 30 days”).
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Payment terms (deposit, balance due).
| Good Quote Example |
|---|
| Driveway cleaning (40m² @ £3/m²) – £120 |
| Re-sanding – £60 |
| Call-out fee – £20 |
| TOTAL = £200 |
👉 Consider using quoting software (e.g., Joist, Quotient, or even Microsoft Word templates) to make your quotes polished and consistent.
14. VAT and Tax Considerations in the UK
If your business turnover exceeds £90,000/year (2025 threshold), you must register for VAT. This will affect how you bill clients.
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Residential clients: VAT makes you appear more expensive.
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Commercial clients: VAT is usually recoverable, so less of an issue.
| Scenario | Without VAT | With VAT (20%) |
|---|---|---|
| 50m² driveway @ £3/m² | £150 | £180 |
👉 Even if under the threshold, always keep records of:
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Income & expenses.
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Mileage and fuel costs.
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Equipment purchases.
This helps with self-assessment tax returns. Many small operators use accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or FreeAgent.
15. Handling Disputes and Late Payments
Unfortunately, not every client pays on time. To protect your business:
Tips for Preventing Issues
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Always issue written quotes and get approval before starting work.
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Use clear payment terms (e.g., “Payment due within 14 days of invoice”).
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For larger jobs, take deposits (20–30%).
Late Payment Strategy
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Polite reminder (day 15).
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Second reminder (day 21).
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Final notice with late fee (day 30+).
UK law allows you to charge interest on late payments under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act.
| Example | Action |
|---|---|
| Invoice overdue 14 days | Send polite reminder |
| Invoice overdue 30 days | Add statutory interest (8% + Bank of England base rate) |
| Invoice overdue 60+ days | Consider small claims court / debt recovery |
👉 Most homeowners pay quickly, but commercial clients sometimes need chasing.
16. Growing Your Pressure Washing Business Through Smart Billing
Billing isn’t just about getting paid — it’s a tool for growth.
Ways Billing Can Help You Scale
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Tiered pricing: Offer Bronze, Silver, Gold packages (basic clean vs clean + seal).
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Subscription services: Offer quarterly patio cleans at a discounted annual rate.
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Commercial contracts: Lock in predictable monthly income.
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Upselling extras: Use your invoice to suggest additional services.
| Example Growth Strategy | Details |
|---|---|
| Residential Subscription | £50/month covers two patio cleans per year. |
| Commercial Retainer | £1,000/month for regular shopfront cleaning. |
| Premium Package | Driveway clean + re-sand + seal = higher ticket price. |
👉 By making billing structured, professional, and transparent, you encourage repeat clients, referrals, and bigger contracts.
17. Final Thoughts
Billing for pressure washing in the UK doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to pick a consistent method, factor in your costs, and communicate clearly with your clients.
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For domestic jobs, per square metre or flat-rate pricing works best.
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For commercial jobs, contracts and monthly billing provide steady income.
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Always cover extras, travel, and setup costs in your quotes.
If you build a clear billing system with transparent rates in pounds (£), your clients will appreciate the professionalism — and your business will grow sustainably.
Tags: business, Driveway cleaning, gutter cleaning, Patio cleaning, pressure washing, Roof Cleaning