Buy or Hire a Pressure Washer: Which Is Best?

Exterior Painters Help You Choose

Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to get outside and clean up the leftovers of winter. The snow and ice might have wreaked havoc on your home’s exterior. A pressure washer could be the answer to all of your winter woes.

It can be tempting to rent a power washer and start this project on your own. While it is feasible to accomplish this task as a homeowner, there are a few considerations you should think about before you get started.

For the DIY-er

Renting a pressure washer is an easy task at your local hardware or big box store. By renting the washer, you will save time and maintenance on your end, since the store will handle that. Make sure you are comfortable with the controls and directions before you load it in the car.

Make sure you understand the PSI. Some pressure washers are capable of a PSI that is potentially damaging to walls and wood. It could punch holes in siding, cause divots in wood or erode cement. More importantly, misuse or accidents can happen and will cause injury with these higher PSIs.

Start at a low setting and work your way up to a level you are comfortable with. Always wear protective glasses and gloves. Boots will protect your feet from standing in water for the project. Never point the pressure washer at house members, including pets, to avoid injury.

While you are working, try to use the wind to your advantage by not spraying directly into the wind. Use protective coverings for plants and shrubbery around the house. Never wash directly into screens, windows or electrical outlets and always be informed of surroundings like overhead wires and exterior lights.

Hiring a pressure washer

If you are preparing to work on a multi-story home or deck, or another large job, it might be time to call the professionals in. They have equipment made specifically for hard to reach places and are comfortable working in hard places.

Another consideration in hiring a professional is if you are dealing with wooden siding or damage exterior areas, a pressure washing could lead to further damage. Professional pressure washers will know when and how to wash these areas.

Costs

When it comes to costs for this project, you could expect to rent a pressure washer for $35 – $150 depending the level you want, and if it’s hot water or cold.

A professional will charge according to the project, size and difficulty. Decks can start at $.25 per square foot and go up for railings, stairs and other aspects. To clean and seal the deck, expect a bill of $1-$5 per square foot. House pressure washing generally falls between $60-$120 per hour. Certain areas and projects may cost more.

Licensing

In most areas, pressure washing is not a licensed profession. It’s important for you to read reviews and ask for references before deciding on a contractor. Many companies will be able to ease your concerns with information provided from previous customers.