Business guides, safety tips, and pricing for dirty job professionals
A growing niche with high demand and premium pricing. Everything you need to launch a hoarding cleanup operation.
Read moreHoarding cleanup is one of the fastest-growing niches in the dirty jobs industry. An estimated 2-6% of the US population has hoarding disorder, and the demand for professional cleanup services far exceeds supply. Average job: $2,000-$10,000. Some extreme cases exceed $25,000.
Hoarding cleanup commands premium pricing because most cleaning companies refuse these jobs. The work is physically demanding, emotionally complex, and often involves biohazard materials (animal waste, mold, rotting food). Clients are typically referred by social workers, adult protective services, property managers, or family members — not price-shopping on Google.
OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training is essential if biohazard materials are present. Bloodborne pathogen certification covers biological risks. Many states require a general contractor or specialty cleaning license. Consider certification from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICR) for credibility. Compassion training is equally important — hoarding is a mental health condition, not laziness.
Essential equipment: box truck or trailer ($5,000-$15,000 used), full PPE sets ($200-$500 each), commercial cleaning supplies ($500 initial stock), heavy-duty trash bags, shovels, brooms, and a commercial dehumidifier. Total startup: $10,000-$25,000. Many operators start with a pickup truck and trailer, upgrading as revenue grows.
Confined space entry kills workers every year. Essential safety protocols for tanks, crawl spaces, and underground work.
Read moreConfined space work is among the deadliest in the dirty jobs industry. OSHA reports that 2.1 million workers enter confined spaces annually, and approximately 100 die each year — often because rescuers enter without proper equipment and become victims themselves.
OSHA defines a confined space as an area large enough to enter, with limited entry or exit, and not designed for continuous occupancy. Common examples: septic tanks, grease traps, storm drains, crawl spaces, silos, manholes, and large pipes. A 'permit-required' confined space adds at least one hazard: toxic atmosphere, engulfment risk, converging walls, or other serious dangers.
Before anyone enters a confined space, test the atmosphere with a calibrated 4-gas monitor. Test for oxygen levels (19.5-23.5% is safe), flammable gases (below 10% LEL), carbon monoxide (below 25 ppm), and hydrogen sulfide (below 10 ppm). Test at multiple levels — heavy gases settle to the bottom. Continue monitoring throughout the work. A $300-$500 gas monitor is the cheapest life insurance you'll ever buy.
Every permit-required confined space entry needs a written permit documenting: the space location and purpose of entry, atmospheric test results, ventilation measures, rescue procedures, communication methods, and the names of the entrant, attendant, and entry supervisor. The attendant stays outside at all times and never enters the space — not even to rescue the entrant.
Plan the rescue before you enter. Non-entry rescue (retrieval systems with tripods and winches) is strongly preferred. If entry rescue is necessary, the rescue team must have their own air supply, be trained, and be on-site before the entry begins. Never attempt a rescue without proper equipment — 60% of confined space fatalities are would-be rescuers.
Comparing gas vs electric, PSI ratings, GPM flow rates, and the best commercial units for dirty job contractors.
Read moreA professional pressure washer is the single most important tool for many dirty service businesses — power washing, fleet cleaning, graffiti removal, and prep work for painting and sealing. Consumer-grade units from big box stores won't survive commercial use. Here is what to buy and why.
Gas pressure washers deliver 2,500-4,000+ PSI and are fully portable (no power cord). They're louder, require engine maintenance, and produce exhaust (no indoor use). Electric pressure washers run quieter, need less maintenance, and work indoors. Commercial electric units reach 2,000-3,000 PSI. For most dirty service businesses, gas is the right choice for the power and portability.
PSI (pounds per square inch) is cleaning power. GPM (gallons per minute) is cleaning speed. The real measure is Cleaning Units (CU) = PSI x GPM. A 3,000 PSI / 4.0 GPM machine (12,000 CU) cleans faster than a 4,000 PSI / 2.5 GPM machine (10,000 CU). For commercial work, target 3,000+ PSI and 3.5+ GPM minimum. Most pros run 3,500 PSI / 4.0 GPM units as their daily driver.
Change pump oil every 200-250 hours. Check and replace nozzles every 500 hours (worn nozzles lose 20-30% efficiency). Flush the pump with antifreeze before winter storage. Replace the unloader valve annually. Keep the engine maintained per manufacturer specs. A well-maintained commercial pressure washer lasts 5-10 years of daily use.
Grease trap cleaning is a recurring-revenue goldmine. Here is how to price for residential, restaurant, and commercial accounts.
Read moreGrease trap cleaning is one of the best recurring-revenue services in the dirty jobs industry. Restaurants are legally required to clean grease traps on a regular schedule (typically monthly or quarterly), creating predictable, repeat income. The work takes 30-90 minutes per job and requires minimal equipment.
Small residential grease traps (20-50 gallons) serve individual homes, typically under the kitchen sink. Cleaning cost: $150-$300 per service. Frequency: every 1-3 months depending on usage. These are often one-time calls from homeowners experiencing slow drains — upsell a quarterly maintenance contract at $100-$150 per visit.
Restaurant grease traps range from 50-gallon indoor units to 1,000+ gallon buried interceptors. Indoor trap cleaning: $200-$400 per service. Outdoor interceptor pumping: $300-$600 per service. Most restaurants need monthly service. A single restaurant account generates $2,400-$7,200 per year in recurring revenue.
The real money in grease trap cleaning is route density. Ten restaurants within a 5-mile radius can be serviced in a single day, generating $3,000-$5,000 in daily revenue. Target a specific neighborhood or commercial district and sign every restaurant. Offer a free first cleaning as a trial. Once they're on your schedule, retention rates exceed 90% because switching providers is a hassle nobody wants.
From water extraction to mold prevention — the complete process for professional flood damage restoration.
Read moreFlood damage restoration is a high-demand, high-paying service that spikes after every major weather event. Average residential flood cleanup: $3,000-$15,000. Commercial jobs can exceed $100,000. Speed is critical — mold begins growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure.
Before entering a flooded structure, check for structural damage, downed power lines, and gas leaks. Turn off electricity at the breaker panel (if safely accessible) and shut off the gas supply. Document everything with photos and video for insurance claims. Classify the water: Category 1 (clean water — burst pipe), Category 2 (gray water — washing machine, dishwasher), or Category 3 (black water — sewage, floodwater). Category 3 requires full PPE and biohazard protocols.
Remove standing water with truck-mounted extractors or submersible pumps. Extract water from carpets using weighted extraction tools. Remove and discard all porous materials that contacted Category 3 water: carpet, padding, drywall (cut 12 inches above the waterline), insulation, and upholstered furniture. Non-porous materials (tile, concrete, metal) can be cleaned and disinfected.
Set up commercial air movers (one per 10-16 linear feet of wall) and dehumidifiers (one per 1,000-1,500 sq ft of affected area). Target relative humidity below 40%. Monitor moisture levels with pin and pinless moisture meters daily. Drying typically takes 3-5 days. Premature removal of drying equipment is the most common cause of secondary mold growth.
Disinfect all surfaces with EPA-registered antimicrobials. Apply mold preventive treatments to framing and subfloors. Rebuild: replace drywall, insulation, flooring, and trim. Final moisture readings must confirm all materials are below acceptable thresholds (wood below 15%, drywall below 1%) before closing walls.
A growing niche with high demand and premium pricing. Everything you need to launch a hoarding cleanup operation.
Read moreHoarding cleanup is one of the fastest-growing niches in the dirty jobs industry. An estimated 2-6% of the US population has hoarding disorder, and the demand for professional cleanup services far exceeds supply. Average job: $2,000-$10,000. Some extreme cases exceed $25,000.
Hoarding cleanup commands premium pricing because most cleaning companies refuse these jobs. The work is physically demanding, emotionally complex, and often involves biohazard materials (animal waste, mold, rotting food). Clients are typically referred by social workers, adult protective services, property managers, or family members — not price-shopping on Google.
OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training is essential if biohazard materials are present. Bloodborne pathogen certification covers biological risks. Many states require a general contractor or specialty cleaning license. Consider certification from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICR) for credibility. Compassion training is equally important — hoarding is a mental health condition, not laziness.
Essential equipment: box truck or trailer ($5,000-$15,000 used), full PPE sets ($200-$500 each), commercial cleaning supplies ($500 initial stock), heavy-duty trash bags, shovels, brooms, and a commercial dehumidifier. Total startup: $10,000-$25,000. Many operators start with a pickup truck and trailer, upgrading as revenue grows.
Confined space entry kills workers every year. Essential safety protocols for tanks, crawl spaces, and underground work.
Read moreConfined space work is among the deadliest in the dirty jobs industry. OSHA reports that 2.1 million workers enter confined spaces annually, and approximately 100 die each year — often because rescuers enter without proper equipment and become victims themselves.
OSHA defines a confined space as an area large enough to enter, with limited entry or exit, and not designed for continuous occupancy. Common examples: septic tanks, grease traps, storm drains, crawl spaces, silos, manholes, and large pipes. A 'permit-required' confined space adds at least one hazard: toxic atmosphere, engulfment risk, converging walls, or other serious dangers.
Before anyone enters a confined space, test the atmosphere with a calibrated 4-gas monitor. Test for oxygen levels (19.5-23.5% is safe), flammable gases (below 10% LEL), carbon monoxide (below 25 ppm), and hydrogen sulfide (below 10 ppm). Test at multiple levels — heavy gases settle to the bottom. Continue monitoring throughout the work. A $300-$500 gas monitor is the cheapest life insurance you'll ever buy.
Every permit-required confined space entry needs a written permit documenting: the space location and purpose of entry, atmospheric test results, ventilation measures, rescue procedures, communication methods, and the names of the entrant, attendant, and entry supervisor. The attendant stays outside at all times and never enters the space — not even to rescue the entrant.
Plan the rescue before you enter. Non-entry rescue (retrieval systems with tripods and winches) is strongly preferred. If entry rescue is necessary, the rescue team must have their own air supply, be trained, and be on-site before the entry begins. Never attempt a rescue without proper equipment — 60% of confined space fatalities are would-be rescuers.
Comparing gas vs electric, PSI ratings, GPM flow rates, and the best commercial units for dirty job contractors.
Read moreA professional pressure washer is the single most important tool for many dirty service businesses — power washing, fleet cleaning, graffiti removal, and prep work for painting and sealing. Consumer-grade units from big box stores won't survive commercial use. Here is what to buy and why.
Gas pressure washers deliver 2,500-4,000+ PSI and are fully portable (no power cord). They're louder, require engine maintenance, and produce exhaust (no indoor use). Electric pressure washers run quieter, need less maintenance, and work indoors. Commercial electric units reach 2,000-3,000 PSI. For most dirty service businesses, gas is the right choice for the power and portability.
PSI (pounds per square inch) is cleaning power. GPM (gallons per minute) is cleaning speed. The real measure is Cleaning Units (CU) = PSI x GPM. A 3,000 PSI / 4.0 GPM machine (12,000 CU) cleans faster than a 4,000 PSI / 2.5 GPM machine (10,000 CU). For commercial work, target 3,000+ PSI and 3.5+ GPM minimum. Most pros run 3,500 PSI / 4.0 GPM units as their daily driver.
Change pump oil every 200-250 hours. Check and replace nozzles every 500 hours (worn nozzles lose 20-30% efficiency). Flush the pump with antifreeze before winter storage. Replace the unloader valve annually. Keep the engine maintained per manufacturer specs. A well-maintained commercial pressure washer lasts 5-10 years of daily use.
Grease trap cleaning is a recurring-revenue goldmine. Here is how to price for residential, restaurant, and commercial accounts.
Read moreGrease trap cleaning is one of the best recurring-revenue services in the dirty jobs industry. Restaurants are legally required to clean grease traps on a regular schedule (typically monthly or quarterly), creating predictable, repeat income. The work takes 30-90 minutes per job and requires minimal equipment.
Small residential grease traps (20-50 gallons) serve individual homes, typically under the kitchen sink. Cleaning cost: $150-$300 per service. Frequency: every 1-3 months depending on usage. These are often one-time calls from homeowners experiencing slow drains — upsell a quarterly maintenance contract at $100-$150 per visit.
Restaurant grease traps range from 50-gallon indoor units to 1,000+ gallon buried interceptors. Indoor trap cleaning: $200-$400 per service. Outdoor interceptor pumping: $300-$600 per service. Most restaurants need monthly service. A single restaurant account generates $2,400-$7,200 per year in recurring revenue.
The real money in grease trap cleaning is route density. Ten restaurants within a 5-mile radius can be serviced in a single day, generating $3,000-$5,000 in daily revenue. Target a specific neighborhood or commercial district and sign every restaurant. Offer a free first cleaning as a trial. Once they're on your schedule, retention rates exceed 90% because switching providers is a hassle nobody wants.
From water extraction to mold prevention — the complete process for professional flood damage restoration.
Read moreFlood damage restoration is a high-demand, high-paying service that spikes after every major weather event. Average residential flood cleanup: $3,000-$15,000. Commercial jobs can exceed $100,000. Speed is critical — mold begins growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure.
Before entering a flooded structure, check for structural damage, downed power lines, and gas leaks. Turn off electricity at the breaker panel (if safely accessible) and shut off the gas supply. Document everything with photos and video for insurance claims. Classify the water: Category 1 (clean water — burst pipe), Category 2 (gray water — washing machine, dishwasher), or Category 3 (black water — sewage, floodwater). Category 3 requires full PPE and biohazard protocols.
Remove standing water with truck-mounted extractors or submersible pumps. Extract water from carpets using weighted extraction tools. Remove and discard all porous materials that contacted Category 3 water: carpet, padding, drywall (cut 12 inches above the waterline), insulation, and upholstered furniture. Non-porous materials (tile, concrete, metal) can be cleaned and disinfected.
Set up commercial air movers (one per 10-16 linear feet of wall) and dehumidifiers (one per 1,000-1,500 sq ft of affected area). Target relative humidity below 40%. Monitor moisture levels with pin and pinless moisture meters daily. Drying typically takes 3-5 days. Premature removal of drying equipment is the most common cause of secondary mold growth.
Disinfect all surfaces with EPA-registered antimicrobials. Apply mold preventive treatments to framing and subfloors. Rebuild: replace drywall, insulation, flooring, and trim. Final moisture readings must confirm all materials are below acceptable thresholds (wood below 15%, drywall below 1%) before closing walls.
Everything you need to know about launching a profitable junk removal company from scratch.
Read moreJunk removal is one of the most accessible dirty service businesses to start. The barrier to entry is low, demand is consistent year-round, and profit margins can reach 50-60% once established. Here's your complete roadmap.
A basic junk removal operation can launch for $5,000-$15,000. The essentials: a truck or trailer ($3,000-$10,000 used), basic tools (dollies, straps, hand tools — $500-$1,000), insurance ($1,000-$3,000/year for general liability), and business registration ($100-$500 depending on your state). You don't need a commercial vehicle immediately — many successful operators start with a pickup truck and trailer.
Register your business (LLC recommended for liability protection — typically $50-$500). Get general liability insurance ($1M minimum coverage). Check your city for any hauling permits or business licenses required. If you'll handle electronics, appliances, or hazardous materials, additional certifications may be needed. Most states require a commercial driver's license for vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR.
Most junk removal companies charge by volume. A standard pricing model: 1/8 truck load ($75-$150), 1/4 load ($150-$250), 1/2 load ($250-$400), full load ($400-$800). Adjust for your local market. Always include disposal fees in your quote — landfill tipping fees range from $30-$80 per ton depending on location. Offer free on-site estimates to close more jobs.
Google My Business is your #1 lead source — optimize it immediately. List on DirtyService.com and similar directories. Flyers in neighborhoods, especially during spring cleaning season. Partner with real estate agents (estate cleanouts are high-value jobs). Respond to Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace free item listings — offer to remove items for free and sell/recycle what you can.
Once you're booking consistent jobs, invest in a larger truck, hire a helper ($15-$20/hour), and expand your service area. Average revenue for a solo operator with one truck is $50,000-$100,000/year. A two-truck operation with employees can reach $200,000-$400,000. The key metrics to track: jobs per day, revenue per truck, and disposal costs as a percentage of revenue.
Understanding the federal regulations that govern biohazard and blood-borne pathogen cleanup.
Read moreBiohazard cleanup is one of the most regulated segments of the dirty services industry. OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) is the primary regulation, but several others apply. Non-compliance can result in fines up to $156,259 per willful violation.
Any employee with potential occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) must be covered by a written Exposure Control Plan. This plan must identify exposed employees, detail preventive measures, and be reviewed annually. Employers must provide Hepatitis B vaccinations at no cost to exposed employees within 10 days of assignment.
All employees must receive training before initial assignment and annually thereafter. Training must cover: epidemiology of bloodborne diseases, modes of transmission, the exposure control plan, PPE use and limitations, decontamination procedures, post-exposure evaluation procedures, and the meaning of labels and signs. Training records must be maintained for 3 years.
Employers must provide appropriate PPE at no cost: gloves (nitrile or latex, double-gloved for high-risk), eye protection (splash-proof goggles or face shields), respiratory protection (N95 minimum, often P100 or powered air-purifying respirators), full-body suits (Tyvek or equivalent), and shoe covers or dedicated boots. PPE must be replaced when contaminated or damaged.
Regulated waste must be placed in closable, leak-proof, labeled containers. Red bags or containers with the biohazard symbol are required. Sharps must go in puncture-resistant containers. All regulated waste must be disposed of through a licensed medical waste hauler — never in regular trash. Documentation of proper disposal must be maintained.
The right personal protective equipment for every type of dirty service work.
Read morePersonal protective equipment isn't optional in the dirty services industry — it's the difference between going home healthy and a trip to the emergency room. Here's what you need for each service category.
Every dirty job requires at minimum: work gloves (leather or nitrile depending on the task), safety glasses or goggles, steel-toe boots (ASTM F2413 rated), and high-visibility vest if working near traffic. Budget $200-$400 for a complete basic kit that covers most non-hazardous work.
Rubber boots (waterproof, slip-resistant), chemical-resistant gloves when using detergents, full-face shield for high-pressure work (3,000+ PSI can inject water under skin), hearing protection (gas-powered washers exceed 85 dB), and rain gear. The most overlooked item: proper footwear. Wet surfaces + heavy equipment = serious slip hazard.
Hard hat (ANSI Z89.1 Type I or II), steel-toe boots, cut-resistant gloves (ANSI cut level A4+), dust mask or half-face respirator with P100 filters (critical for older buildings with potential asbestos or lead paint), hearing protection, and full-length clothing. For structural demolition, add fall protection equipment if working above 6 feet.
Full Tyvek suit (preferably with hood), double nitrile gloves, splash-proof goggles, N95 or P100 respirator (or PAPR for extended work), shoe covers or dedicated boots, and face shield. All PPE is single-use and must be disposed of as regulated waste. Budget $50-$100 per person per job for disposable PPE.
Half-face or full-face respirator with P100 filters (minimum), Tyvek suit, goggles (no vents), gloves extending to mid-forearm. For large-scale remediation (over 100 sq ft), full-face PAPR is recommended. Containment materials (plastic sheeting, negative air machines) are also essential but fall under equipment rather than PPE.
Chemical-resistant gloves (butyl rubber for solvents), face shield, rubber boots, Tyvek coveralls, and respiratory protection if entering confined spaces. Confined space entry requires additional equipment: gas monitor (4-gas minimum testing for O2, LEL, CO, H2S), harness and retrieval system, and a trained attendant topside.
A detailed breakdown of demolition pricing factors and how to build profitable quotes.
Read moreDemolition pricing varies enormously based on the structure, materials, location, and hazardous material presence. Getting your pricing right is critical — underbid and you lose money, overbid and you lose the job.
Interior/selective demolition: Removing specific elements (walls, floors, fixtures) while preserving the structure. Prices range from $2-$7 per square foot. Kitchen demo: $1,000-$4,000. Bathroom demo: $500-$2,500. This is the most common type for residential contractors.
Full structural demolition: Complete building teardown. Residential homes: $5,000-$25,000 depending on size and materials. Commercial buildings: $4-$8 per square foot. Prices increase significantly for concrete/steel structures vs. wood frame.
Start with materials + labor + disposal + equipment + permits = base cost. Add 15-25% overhead (insurance, fuel, admin). Then add your profit margin (20-40% is standard for demolition). Always include contingency (10%) for unexpected issues — you WILL find surprises behind walls. Present the quote as a detailed line-item breakdown. Customers trust itemized quotes more than lump sums.
A homeowner's guide to keeping their septic system healthy and avoiding costly repairs.
Read moreOver 21 million homes in the United States rely on septic systems. Proper maintenance extends system life to 25-30 years; neglect can lead to system failure costing $15,000-$30,000 to replace.
Wastewater flows from your home into the septic tank, where solids settle to the bottom (sludge) and fats float to the top (scum). Bacteria break down these materials. The liquid effluent flows out to the drain field, where it percolates through soil that filters harmful bacteria and nutrients. It's a simple, effective system — when maintained.
The #1 maintenance task is regular pumping. For a typical 1,000-gallon tank serving a 3-bedroom home: pump every 3-5 years. More frequent pumping needed for larger families, garbage disposal use, or smaller tanks. Pumping costs $250-$600 depending on tank size and location. Skipping pumping leads to solids entering the drain field — the most expensive component to repair.
Never flush: wipes (even "flushable" ones), feminine hygiene products, condoms, cat litter, cooking grease, coffee grounds, paint, chemicals, or medications. These either don't decompose or kill the beneficial bacteria your system needs. Use septic-safe toilet paper (look for "septic safe" on the label). Minimize use of antibacterial soaps and bleach — they kill the bacteria in your tank.
Never park vehicles or place heavy objects over the drain field. Don't plant trees nearby (roots invade pipes — maintain at least 30 feet). Divert rainwater away from the drain field area. Don't build structures over any part of the septic system. Know where your system is located and mark it — you'll need to find it for pumping and inspections.
The reality of crime scene cleanup — training, licensing, costs, and earning potential.
Read moreCrime scene cleanup (also called bioremediation) is one of the highest-paying specialties in the dirty services industry. Average job revenue ranges from $3,000-$25,000, with some large-scale jobs exceeding $50,000. But the barriers to entry are significant, and the work demands both physical and emotional resilience.
Crime scene cleaners remediate scenes after law enforcement releases them. This includes homicides, suicides, unattended deaths, assaults, and accidents. The work involves removing blood, bodily fluids, and tissue; decontaminating all affected surfaces; removing and disposing of contaminated materials (carpet, drywall, furniture); and restoring the space to a safe, habitable condition.
While no federal license exists specifically for crime scene cleanup, you need: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens training (mandatory), OSHA HAZWOPER certification (40-hour course for hazardous waste operations), state-specific certifications (varies — check your state), and ideally IICRC certifications in biohazard remediation. Total training investment: $2,000-$5,000. Many states require registration as a biohazard remediation company.
Expect $10,000-$50,000 to launch: specialized insurance ($3,000-$10,000/year — standard policies don't cover biohazard), vehicle with secure storage ($5,000-$20,000), PPE inventory ($2,000-$5,000), cleaning chemicals and equipment ($2,000-$5,000), medical waste disposal contracts, and marketing. The insurance alone is a significant barrier — you need pollution liability, professional liability, and general liability coverage.
Solo operators typically earn $75,000-$150,000/year. Companies with 2-3 crews can generate $500,000-$1M+ in revenue. Pricing is based on scope, not hourly rates: a small bathroom cleanup might be $2,000-$5,000, while a full-house remediation after an unattended death can be $10,000-$30,000. Most payments come through insurance — homeowner's policies typically cover biohazard remediation.
This work takes a psychological toll. You'll encounter scenes that are deeply disturbing. Successful crime scene cleaners develop coping mechanisms, maintain boundaries between work and personal life, and often seek professional counseling. Many companies offer employee assistance programs. If you're considering this field, honestly assess your emotional resilience before investing in training and equipment.
How to start and grow a profitable power washing business with minimal investment.
Read morePower washing is the lowest barrier-to-entry dirty service business. You can start with under $3,000 and be profitable within your first month. The residential market alone is worth $2.3 billion annually in the US, and demand peaks reliably every spring and fall.
Pressure washer: Start with a gas-powered unit, 3,000-4,000 PSI, 4+ GPM. Budget $800-$2,000 for a commercial-grade machine (Simpson, Pressure-Pro, or Mi-T-M). Electric units lack the power for most commercial work. A surface cleaner attachment ($200-$500) is essential for driveways and decks — it cuts job time by 60%.
Additional equipment: 100+ feet of pressure hose ($150-$300), various nozzles, downstream injector for chemicals ($50), soft wash pump for house washing ($300-$800), water tank if clients don't have outdoor spigots ($200-$500), and a trailer or truck rack to transport everything.
Residential pricing: Driveway ($100-$200), house wash ($200-$500), deck ($150-$300), patio ($75-$200), fence ($150-$400). Commercial pricing: Parking lot ($0.10-$0.25/sq ft), building exterior ($0.10-$0.30/sq ft), fleet washing ($25-$75 per vehicle). Most operators aim for $100-$200/hour effective rate after accounting for setup and travel time.
Don't use high pressure on everything. House siding, roofs, and painted surfaces require soft washing — low pressure (under 500 PSI) with chemical cleaning solutions (sodium hypochlorite, surfactants). High pressure on vinyl siding can force water behind it. High pressure on roofs voids warranties and damages shingles. Learn both techniques — soft washing services are higher-margin because fewer competitors offer them.
Before/after photos are your most powerful marketing tool. Every job, take photos and post them on social media, Google My Business, and your DirtyService profile. Door-to-door in neighborhoods where you're already working (neighbors see you and ask for quotes). Google My Business optimization with reviews. Yard signs at job sites. Real estate agent partnerships for move-in/move-out cleaning.
A contractor's guide to pricing mold remediation jobs accurately and profitably.
Read moreMold remediation pricing must balance competitive rates with the genuine costs of doing the job safely and thoroughly. Underpricing leads to cutting corners on containment or PPE — which creates liability. Here's how to price properly.
Small area (under 10 sq ft): $500-$1,500. This covers a single bathroom or small section of wall. Medium area (10-100 sq ft): $1,500-$5,000. Typical for a bedroom wall, basement section, or crawl space. Large area (100+ sq ft): $5,000-$15,000+. Full basement, multiple rooms, or attic remediation. Whole-house remediation can exceed $20,000-$30,000 for severe cases.
Testing: Pre-remediation air quality testing ($300-$600) by a third-party assessor. Post-remediation clearance testing ($300-$600). Never skip clearance testing — it's your proof the job was done correctly and protects you from liability.
Containment: Plastic sheeting, negative air machines (HEPA filtration), and decontamination chambers. Materials cost $200-$1,000 per job depending on scope. Equipment rental adds $150-$400/day for HEPA air scrubbers.
Labor: 2-person crew minimum (for safety). Budget $40-$60/hour per worker for trained, certified technicians. A medium remediation job typically takes 1-3 days.
Materials & Disposal: Antimicrobial treatments ($100-$400), HEPA vacuuming, disposal of contaminated materials (drywall, insulation, carpet) as construction waste — $200-$800 in disposal fees.
Homeowner's insurance covers mold remediation only if caused by a "covered peril" (burst pipe, storm damage). It does NOT cover mold from long-term neglect, humidity, or maintenance issues. When insurance is involved, document everything with photos and moisture readings. Insurance-covered jobs are higher-value and more reliable payment.