How to Hire a Pressure Washing Company You Won't Regret: 7 Checks Before You Sign
A pressure washer in the wrong hands can strip paint, etch wood, crack vinyl siding, and force water behind your walls — damage that costs far more to fix than the job itself. The good news: separating real pros from "a guy with a machine" takes about 20 minutes of homework. Here's exactly what to check.
First, Understand What You're Actually Buying
Professional exterior cleaning isn't just blasting water. The pressure has to match the surface:
- Concrete driveways and sidewalks: 3,000–4,000 PSI with a surface cleaner attachment for even results.
- Vinyl siding and stucco: low-pressure "soft washing" (under 500 PSI) with a detergent mix — high pressure cracks siding and drives water under it.
- Roofs: soft wash only, typically 100–300 PSI. Any contractor proposing to pressure wash asphalt shingles will strip the granules and shorten your roof's life. Walk away.
- Wood decks and fences: 500–1,200 PSI, always with the grain.
Ask a prospective contractor how they'd clean your siding. If the answer doesn't include the words "soft wash" or "low pressure," keep looking.
Know the Fair Price Range Before You Call
Prices vary by region, but these ranges cover most of the US:
- House wash (siding, 1–2 stories): $250–$550
- Driveway (2-car): $130–$280
- Deck or patio: $150–$400
- Roof soft wash: $350–$800
- Full package (house + driveway + walkways): $450–$900
Quotes far below these ranges usually mean no insurance, no proper chemicals, or a bait price that grows once they're on site. Quotes far above should come with a clear explanation — heavy oxidation, three stories, rust removal — not just a shrug.
The 7-Point Vetting Checklist
1. Proof of insurance — in writing
Ask for a certificate of insurance showing at least $1 million in general liability, plus workers' comp if they have a crew. A legitimate company can email this in minutes. If someone falls off a ladder or a window shatters and they're uninsured, the claim can land on your homeowner's policy.
3. Reviews that mention specifics
Skim for reviews that name the service ("cleaned our driveway and soft washed the siding") rather than vague praise. Check how the company responds to its worst review — that's how they'll treat you if something goes wrong.
4. A written, itemized quote
The quote should list each surface, the method (pressure vs. soft wash), what's excluded, and the total price. "We'll figure it out when we get there" is how $200 jobs become $600 jobs.
5. Questions about your property
Good contractors ask things: Do you have well water or a septic system? Freshly stained deck? Koi pond or garden beds near the house? These affect chemical choice and rinsing. A pro who asks nothing plans to treat every house the same.
6. A damage and satisfaction policy
Ask directly: "What happens if something gets damaged?" and "What if I'm not happy with a spot?" You want a clear answer — most reputable companies will return and re-treat missed areas free within a few days.
7. No large upfront payment
Standard practice for residential jobs is payment on completion, after you've walked the property. A small deposit for large projects is reasonable; demanding 50–100% cash up front is not.
Red Flags That Should End the Conversation
- Door-to-door "we're in the neighborhood today only" pressure tactics
- Cash-only, no written quote, no business name on the truck or invoice
- Won't send insurance documentation
- Proposes high pressure on roofs, siding, or windows
- A quote 40–50% below everyone else's with no explanation
- No answers about runoff — pros manage detergent runoff around plants, pets, and storm drains
The Bottom Line
Get two or three quotes, ask for insurance certificates, and choose the contractor who asks the most questions about your home — not the one with the lowest number. A proper exterior cleaning protects your paint, extends the life of your siding and driveway, and can noticeably boost curb appeal before a sale.