Written Estimate & Pricing: the full procedure
Produce a clear written estimate priced by surface, square footage, and method so every quote is consistent.
- Applies to: Estimator, Owner
- Frequency: Every quoted job
- Scope: Covers building and delivering the written estimate. Pricing structure is the business's own; surface/method classification routes to the surface-ID SOP.
What you need
- Square-footage measurements
- Pricing matrix (by surface/method)
- Estimate template
- Terms-and-conditions text
- E-signature/quote tool
- Before photos
The procedure, step by step
- Pull measurements and method — Use the surface measurements and the soft-wash/high-pressure decision from the surface-ID step as the basis for pricing.
- Price by surface — Price each surface by its square/linear footage and method using the company pricing matrix so quotes are consistent across estimators.
- Add access and condition factors — Adjust for difficulty factors like height, heavy soiling, or limited access per the pricing rules.
- State the scope clearly — List exactly which surfaces are included and excluded, and note anything that cannot be fully removed.
- Include terms — Add payment terms, the re-wash warranty window, and any conditions to the written estimate.
- Present the estimate — Deliver a single clear written estimate (not a verbal number) and walk the customer through it.
- Capture acceptance — Obtain written or e-signature acceptance and a deposit if required before scheduling.
- Convert to a job — Turn the accepted estimate into a scheduled job with all scope and pricing carried over.
Quality check before you finish
- Pricing based on measured square/linear footage
- Each surface priced by its method via the matrix
- Difficulty/access factors applied per rules
- Scope inclusions and exclusions stated in writing
- Terms and re-wash warranty window included
- Written estimate delivered (not verbal)
- Acceptance captured before scheduling
This is a free, source-anchored standard operating procedure (SOP) you can print and hand to staff. It documents the work sequence for a Pressure Washing business — not safety or regulatory rulings, which defer to the cited authorities, the applicable code, and your own health-and-safety plan. Open the tool above to print it, toggle ink-saver, or (with a free ToolFluency Business account) edit it to match your own workflow.
Sources
- UAMCC (uamcc.org)
- PWNA (pwna.org)
- SBA (sba.gov)
About Free Estimate SOP
Free printable SOP for pressure washing written estimates priced by square footage and surface method. No signup.
How to use
- Read the full procedure top to bottom before the work — the SOP runs in order and each step builds on the last.
- Toggle Ink-saver (black & white) for a cheaper mono print for the binder; leave it off for the full-color version.
- Click Print SOP to print or save as PDF. Print one per crew, laminate it for the binder, or attach it to the job in your scheduling system.
- Train new hires on it and have staff sign off. Found something out of date? Use the feedback link — flagged SOPs are re-researched against the source list.
Frequently asked questions
How should I price a pressure washing job?
Price each surface separately by its square or linear footage and the cleaning method, using a consistent pricing matrix so every estimator quotes the same way. Add factors for height, soiling, and access.
Why put the estimate in writing?
A written estimate with clear scope, exclusions, and terms prevents disputes and sets expectations on what cleaning can and cannot remove. Always capture written acceptance before scheduling.
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