A house wash in Wellington isn't priced the same as one in a flat suburb somewhere else. Steep driveways, steps down to the front door, salt on the windward walls and the odd day lost to wind all play a part.
We wash houses across Wellington city, Porirua, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt. Here's what goes into the price, and how to make sure you're comparing quotes fairly.
Why every quote is different
We price each house on its own, and the quote is free. The things below are what move the price up or down.
What changes the price in Wellington
Hills and access
This one's very Wellington. A house at the top of 60 steps, or one sitting below the road with no parking outside, takes more time to set up. We have to carry gear further, run hoses longer and work ladders on uneven ground. A flat section in Upper Hutt with a driveway up to the garage is quicker than a cliff-side house in the city.
Size and storeys
More wall means more time. Two-storey homes and houses built down a slope with a tall back wall need extra ladder work and care around the upper windows.
Salt and grime
Homes near the coast, around Porirua Harbour, Plimmerton and the south coast, get a film of salt on the windward side. Houses near busy roads collect a grey grime that the wind pushes into every ledge. Both take a bit more solution and rinsing to shift properly.
Mould and lichen
Wellington's damp winters mean the south side and any wall in the shade of a hill or trees goes green. Eaves collect black mould spots. A house that hasn't been washed for years needs more work than one that's done annually.
Cladding
Older villas and bungalows with painted weatherboards need a gentle approach, especially where the paint is getting tired. Plaster and fibre cement need low pressure at the joins. We soft wash all of these, which means low pressure and a cleaning solution that kills the mould at the roots.
Extras on the same visit
Adding gutters, a roof clean or the driveway puts the price up, but usually costs less than separate visits. We're already there with the gear set up.
What you should get for your money
A proper house wash isn't just spraying the walls. Our process is:
- Talk through what you want and look over the house.
- Protect windows, plants and outdoor fixtures.
- Apply an eco-friendly cleaning solution to every surface.
- Soft wash, and pressure wash only the surfaces that can take it.
- Spot-treat stubborn stains.
- Rinse with clean water and do a final inspection.
- Pack up and leave the site tidy.
Comparing quotes
When you've got two or three prices in front of you, ask each company:
- Does the price cover the whole house, or just the front?
- Do you soft wash, or use a water blaster on the walls?
- Does the solution kill mould, or just rinse it off?
- Are the eaves and window frames included?
A house that's been blasted with high pressure and plain water looks good for a few weeks. Then the green comes back, because nothing killed it. High pressure can also strip tired paint and push water behind weatherboards, which is the last thing an old Wellington villa needs.
Wind days
We can't wash in a gale. Spray drifts, the solution dries too fast and it ends up where it shouldn't. If a strong wind is forecast on your booking day, we'll call you and move it. That doesn't cost you anything extra.
Getting a quote
The best quote comes from seeing the house. We'll look it over, ask what you want and give you a price before anything starts. Quotes are free and there's no obligation.
To speed things up, tell us the address, the number of storeys, what it's clad in, when it was last washed and anything awkward about access. You can find more on our house washing Wellington page.
If the black streaks are coming from overflowing spouting, add a gutter clean to the job. And if the roof is green, ask about a roof clean in Wellington on the same day, so it doesn't drip muck onto freshly washed walls.
Call us on 027 303 8398. We're open seven days, 7am to 7pm.
Questions about house wash prices
How often should I budget for a house wash?
Once a year is our usual advice for Wellington homes. Houses close to the sea or in heavy shade may need it a little more often.
Does a steep section really cost more?
It can. Extra steps, long hose runs and awkward ladder spots add time. We'll tell you up front if access affects the price.
How long does a house wash take?
A small house takes a few hours. A big multi-storey home can take most of a day. We'll give you a time estimate when we quote.
Will a house wash damage old paint?
Not with a soft wash. We use low pressure and let the solution do the work. If paint is already flaking, we'll point it out before we start.