Power washing estimation calculator

[Steve]

We had talked about creating a power washing estimation calculator in another discussion, so I figured I should create a topic on it specifically. If you were to use one, what would it need? I am figuring some functionality would include being able to enter the length and width of a building to calculate the sq ft that would need to be cleaned and then it could calculate the time and price based on that. Or maybe a way to calculate the time it would take to power wash a flat surface like a sidewalk or patio? Maybe include overhead costs like cleaning supplies, gas, man hours, insurance? What else?

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[Steve]

How to get lawn care customers - Vol 2

Here is a basic residential power washing estimation calculator. If you want to see more estimation calculators visit here.

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[The Cleaning Doctor]

The problem with a calculator is that it does not take into affect variables. Like how dirty the surface is, stains that need to be removed, access issues, do you need a ladder or not, foliage protection. What about drainage and run off? Pressure washers don't just spray water just like lawn guys don't just cut grass.(or some of them don't) Which cleaning the chemical you use depends on the surface being cleaned and what it is comtaminated with. The strength of the cleaning solutions will vary from site to site or even stain to stain on the same surface.

[Steve]

The problem with a calculator is that it does not take into affect variables. Like how dirty the surface is, stains that need to be removed, access issues, do you need a ladder or not, foliage protection.

What multiple range can these variables effect the job? Can it double them or triple them or more depending on how difficult it is?

What about drainage and run off?

How does this effect price?

Which cleaning the chemical you use depends on the surface being cleaned and what it is comtaminated with. The strength of the cleaning solutions will vary from site to site or even stain to stain on the same surface.

Would it be helpful to include a cost of cleaning solutions in it?

[Daniel H]

Originally Posted by The Cleaning Doctor

The problem with a calculator is that it does not take into affect variables. Like how dirty the surface is, stains that need to be removed, access issues, do you need a ladder or not, foliage protection. What about drainage and run off? Pressure washers don't just spray water just like lawn guys don't just cut grass.(or some of them don't) Which cleaning the chemical you use depends on the surface being cleaned and what it is comtaminated with. The strength of the cleaning solutions will vary from site to site or even stain to stain on the same surface.

Your right we don't just go and spray water and there are many variables, but there is a easy remedy for this in the calculator all you have to do is charge by the Sq Ft.... in the calculator all you have to measure is the width x length, you don't have to figure the height.. why? simple say you charge 15 to 20 cents for a single story house then for a 2 story 20 to 30 cents a sq ft...
Same goes with how dirty the house is, if ladders are needed, access issues, extra chemicals extra,
you just charge more per sq ft..

[Daniel H]

In my opinion the calculator should have,
House Sq ft
Roof Sq Ft
Driveway Sidewalk Sq Ft
Deck Sq Ft
Chemical cost
What % Profit Should The Company Make?
What % Profit Should The Owner Make?
Additional Expenses
fuel for job
wear and tear on equipment, hose , etc (if Posssible)

feel free to add more!!!!!

[Steve]

What % Profit Should The Company Make?
What % Profit Should The Owner Make?

Do you find there is a target range the profits should be within? If so, what range would be acceptable?

[Daniel H]

Company: 5% to 20%
Owner: That can range from 6% to 40%. In this business,

[Daniel H]

any luck on the calculator?

[Steve]

--> Thanks for reminding me, I am going to experiment with it more after the Holidays