How to Invoice as a Pressure Washer
How to price each surface, get the quote approved and turn it into an invoice, with one worked example of a deck and fence job.
A pressure washing job can cover several surfaces, each priced its own way: a deck by the square foot, a fence by the linear foot, a treatment as a flat charge. The customer can check the invoice when it shows each surface with its measurement and rate.
This guide sets out the order: measure, quote, get approval, convert the estimate, bill anything extra on its own line, then send the invoice and follow up. It doesn't cover runoff rules, licensing or sales tax; check your state's and city's rules and ask an accountant.
Worked example (sample figures, not suggested rates; sales tax isn't included): a customer books a deck and a fence. The estimate has three lines: deck, 400 sq ft × 0.75 = 300.00; fence, 120 linear ft × 1.50 = 180.00; mildew treatment on the fence, 60.00. The total is 300.00 + 180.00 + 60.00 = 540.00. The customer approves it, and it becomes an invoice with the same three lines.
Step-by-step invoicing guide
- 1
Measure each surface
Write down the square feet of each flat surface and the linear feet of each fence or railing, and note its condition, such as mildew or oil stains, before you quote.
- 2
Quote by surface on an estimate
Put each surface on a separate line, using the measurement as the quantity. Billed's estimating page says you can "customize units and quantities for each product." It also says you can "Attach important files and images with your estimates." A photo of each surface before you start shows the customer what the price is for.
- 3
Get approval, then convert
Billed's features page says "your clients can approve or reject your estimates online." Once the customer approves, Billed's invoice software page says you can "convert an approved estimate into an invoice."
- 4
Add extras only at an agreed price
If the customer asks for another surface on the day, such as steps or a walkway, measure it, tell them the price, then bill it on a new line. Billed's help center says: "Click 'Add a Line Item' and fill this section to charge against new items and services."
- 5
Invoice when the job is done
Send the invoice at the end of the job, with the estimate's lines plus any approved extras. Billed's mobile app page says: "Billed for iOS and Android syncs with the web dashboard in real time, so you can invoice the moment a job is done."
- 6
Add a due date and reminders
Billed's invoice software page says: "Set a due date on each invoice so your client knows when to pay." Billed's help center says: "Turn on the 'Payment Reminders' option while creating or editing an invoice." It adds: "You can set a schedule of payment reminders before and after the invoice's due date."
Tips for pressure washing invoicing
- Use the same unit for the same kind of surface on every job, so your prices stay comparable from one customer to the next.
- Put the property address in the invoice notes, so a landlord or property manager can match it. Billed's help center says: "You can add additional details related to the transaction in 'Additional Notes' while creating an invoice." It adds: "You can also add any terms and conditions in this section."
- If a surface is damaged before you start, such as loose boards or peeling paint, note it on the estimate.
- Price a treatment needed on only part of a job as a line of its own, so it can be dropped without redoing the estimate.
Common invoicing mistakes to avoid
- Quoting one total for the whole property, which hides the price of each surface.
- Adding a surface on the day without telling the customer the price.
- Measuring after the job instead of before the quote.
- Retyping the approved estimate as a new invoice and missing a line.
How this works in Billed
Quantities by area or length
Billed's estimating page says you can "customize units and quantities for each product."
Estimate to invoice
Billed's features page says "your clients can approve or reject your estimates online." Billed's invoice software page says you can "convert an approved estimate into an invoice."
Extra lines on the day
Billed's help center says: "Click 'Add a Line Item' and fill this section to charge against new items and services."
Ways to pay
Billed's invoice software page says: "Connect Stripe and each invoice gets a pay button for card payments, or connect PayPal to add a PayPal option." It also says: "When a client pays by check or cash, record it as an offline payment so all your income is in one place."
Frequently asked questions
Start Invoicing With Billed
Set up your account and send your first invoice with Billed.
At a glance
| Surface or service | Unit |
|---|---|
| Deck, patio, driveway | Square feet |
| Fence, railing | Linear feet |
| Mildew or stain treatment | Flat charge |
| Extra surface added on the day | Its own line, after approval |
When this isn't for you
This guide is for pressure washing businesses that invoice their own customers. It doesn't cover runoff rules, licensing or sales tax; check your state's and city's rules.