SOAKD Exterior Cleaning is a professional exterior cleaning company servicing Sydney, the Central Coast, and Newcastle. One of the most common questions we hear is simple: how much does exterior cleaning cost? The honest answer is that it depends on several factors - but we believe in transparency, so this guide explains what affects pricing and what you can reasonably expect.
Why Pricing Varies
Exterior cleaning is not a commodity product with fixed pricing. The cost depends on several property-specific factors:
- Property size: A single-storey home with a small roof area costs less to clean than a two-storey home with a large roof, extensive facades, and multiple outdoor surfaces.
- Surface types: Different surfaces require different methods and equipment. Softwash roof cleaning involves different setup, chemicals, and time compared to high-pressure driveway cleaning.
- Condition and growth severity: A roof with light algae growth takes less time and product than one covered in heavy lichen that has not been cleaned in five years.
- Access requirements: Ground-level driveways are straightforward. Multi-storey buildings requiring height-access equipment, scaffolding, or elevated work platforms involve additional setup and safety planning.
- Location: Travel distance and local environmental conditions can affect pricing. Heavily salt-exposed coastal properties may require more thorough treatment than sheltered suburban homes.
What Affects the Quality of a Quote
Not all quotes are equal. When comparing exterior cleaning quotes, look beyond the bottom-line number:
- Method specification: Does the quote specify the cleaning method for each surface? A professional quote will distinguish between softwash and pressure cleaning and explain why each method is being used.
- Insurance and safety documentation: Does the provider carry public liability insurance? Will they provide SWMS for height work? These are not optional extras - they are professional requirements.
- Scope clarity: Is the quote clear about what is included and excluded? A vague quote that says “house wash” may not include gutters, windows, or the driveway - leading to unexpected add-on charges on the day.
- Equipment quality: Commercial-grade truck-mounted equipment delivers better, faster, more consistent results than residential machines. The provider’s equipment investment is reflected in their pricing and their results.
Getting Value, Not Just a Low Price
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. In exterior cleaning, a low price often means one or more of the following: residential-grade equipment that delivers inconsistent results, no insurance or safety documentation, high pressure used on surfaces that should be softwashed (causing damage), and no follow-up maintenance recommendations.
The damage from incorrect cleaning methods - stripped roof coatings, cracked tiles, paint-damaged render - costs far more to repair than the difference between a cheap clean and a professional one. Investing in proper exterior cleaning protects your property and saves money in the long term.
How SOAKD Quotes Work
We provide free, no-obligation site assessments where we walk your property, assess every surface, and explain the recommended approach. Our quotes include a detailed scope of work, the methods to be used on each surface, transparent pricing with no hidden costs, and a recommended maintenance schedule.
To request a free assessment and quote, call 0418 167 798 or submit an enquiry online. We respond within 24 hours.
