After 15 years of power washing homes from the French Quarter to Algiers Point, I’ve learned that New Orleans presents unique challenges you won’t find anywhere else. Our tropical climate means mold and mildew grow year-round, while historic architecture requires special care. Whether you’re dealing with century-old brick on a shotgun house or modern siding in Metairie, understanding biweekly house cleaning cost and power washing expenses helps you budget for proper home maintenance in our demanding climate.
Our constant humidity and frequent rain create the perfect storm for algae, mildew, and that distinctive green film that coats everything. Unlike drier climates where annual cleaning suffices, New Orleans homes often need attention every 6-8 months to prevent permanent staining and structural damage.
Getting Multiple Power Washing Cost Quotes
Start your search by requesting quotes from at least three local contractors. In New Orleans, I recommend getting quotes in person rather than over the phone – our unique architecture and varying degrees of mold buildup make accurate estimates impossible without seeing the property.
When requesting quotes, specify your home’s style. Creole cottages with intricate millwork require different techniques than raised ranch homes in Jefferson Parish. Mention any historical designations, as French Quarter properties often need specialized low-pressure methods that take longer and cost more.
Timing matters for pricing. Schedule estimates during our “dry” season (November through February) when contractors aren’t as busy, and you might save 10-15%. Avoid requesting quotes right before Jazz Fest or Mardi Gras when everyone’s scrambling to clean up.
Local contractors understand that many New Orleans homes sit close to the ground due to our high water table. This creates additional challenges with splash-back and requires more careful prep work around foundations and landscaping.
Local Permits and Power Washing Regulations
New Orleans doesn’t require permits for residential power washing, but our environmental regulations are strict. Any contractor working on your property must properly contain runoff, especially in areas that drain directly into Lake Pontchartrain or the Mississippi River.
The Vieux Carré Commission has specific guidelines for French Quarter properties. If your home is in the historic district, contractors must use biodegradable detergents and low-pressure techniques to protect historic brick and mortar. These requirements typically add $50-100 to standard pricing.
Storm water management is crucial city-wide. Legitimate contractors carry environmental liability insurance and use collection systems to prevent contaminated water from entering storm drains. If a contractor doesn’t mention runoff management, that’s a red flag.
Some neighborhoods have homeowner association guidelines about exterior work. Uptown and Garden District associations sometimes require notification before major cleaning projects, though enforcement varies by street.
Essential Questions Before Hiring
Ask about their experience with your specific home style. Shotgun houses, Creole cottages, and modern construction each require different approaches. A contractor who treats them all the same likely lacks local expertise.
Inquire about their mold and mildew treatment process. In our climate, basic pressure washing only removes surface growth – proper treatment requires specialized cleaners and techniques to prevent rapid regrowth.
Request details about their water source and pressure settings. Many New Orleans contractors carry their own water supply to ensure consistent pressure and avoid issues with older home plumbing. Standard pressure for our historic brick is 1,200-1,800 PSI, while hardy surfaces can handle 2,500+ PSI.
Always ask for proof of insurance. Louisiana liability requirements are specific, and you don’t want to be liable if something goes wrong. Reputable contractors carry general liability insurance of at least $500,000.
Detailed Driveway Power Washing Cost Breakdown
Concrete driveways in New Orleans face unique challenges. Our clay soil shifts constantly, creating cracks where weeds and moss take hold. Oil stains from parking are common, and our frequent rain keeps surfaces perpetually damp and prone to algae growth.
| Driveway Size | Basic Cleaning | Deep Clean + Stain Removal | Seal Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single car (200 sq ft) | $75-125 | $125-175 | Add $100-150 |
| Double car (400 sq ft) | $125-200 | $200-275 | Add $150-225 |
| Large/circular (600+ sq ft) | $200-350 | $300-450 | Add $250-400 |
Basic cleaning removes surface dirt and light stains using standard pressure washing techniques. This works well for routine maintenance on driveways cleaned within the past year.
Deep cleaning involves pre-treatment with degreasers and mold inhibitors, followed by high-pressure washing and post-treatment sealing preparation. This process is necessary for driveways with heavy staining or those that haven’t been cleaned in over two years.
Sealing application provides crucial protection against our intense UV rays and frequent moisture. In New Orleans’ climate, unsealed concrete deteriorates rapidly. Quality sealers last 2-3 years and significantly reduce future cleaning costs.
House Washing and Move In Cleaning Service Cost
Full house washing represents the biggest investment but provides the most dramatic results. New Orleans homes accumulate dirt and biological growth faster than anywhere I’ve worked, making regular washing essential for both appearance and structural protection.
| House Size | Light Cleaning | Full Service | Premium Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000-1,500 sq ft | $200-350 | $350-500 | $500-750 |
| 1,500-2,500 sq ft | $350-550 | $500-750 | $750-1,100 |
| 2,500+ sq ft | $550-800 | $750-1,200 | $1,100-1,800 |
Light cleaning covers siding, windows, and basic trim work using standard pressure and minimal chemical treatment. This option works for homes cleaned within the past 18 months with minimal mold growth.
Full service includes comprehensive mold and mildew treatment, detailed window cleaning, gutter exterior washing, and careful attention to architectural details. This represents the standard level most New Orleans homes require.
Premium detail service adds services like screen cleaning, light fixture washing, decorative element detailing, and post-cleaning protective treatments. Historic homes and properties with extensive millwork benefit most from this level of service.
The gap between what workers earn ($14.95/hour according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data) and what you pay ($22.43-$37.38/hour) reflects real business costs. Power washing companies must cover commercial insurance, equipment maintenance, vehicle expenses, licensing fees, and business taxes. In Louisiana, liability insurance alone costs contractors $3,000-5,000 annually for adequate coverage.
Insurance Coverage and Service Guarantees
Legitimate New Orleans power washing contractors carry multiple insurance types. General liability protects against property damage, while environmental liability covers runoff issues – crucial given our strict water protection laws.
Most reputable contractors guarantee their work for 30-90 days, meaning they’ll return to address any missed spots or issues that develop quickly. However, understand that in our climate, new mold growth can appear within weeks of cleaning – this isn’t a service failure but environmental reality.
Look for contractors who offer maintenance programs. Regular service every 8-12 months costs less per visit and keeps your home looking consistently clean. Many local companies provide 10-15% discounts for customers who book annual or bi-annual service.
Workers’ compensation insurance protects both the contractor’s employees and your liability. Never hire uninsured contractors – Louisiana’s laws can hold property owners liable for injuries to uninsured workers on their property.
Choosing the Right New Orleans Professional
Experience with local conditions matters more than rock-bottom pricing. Contractors who understand how to handle our historic architecture, environmental regulations, and challenging climate provide better long-term value.
Check references specifically from your neighborhood. A contractor who does excellent work in suburban Metairie might struggle with French Quarter requirements, and vice versa. Different areas of our city present unique challenges requiring specialized knowledge.
Local contractors understand seasonal timing. Spring cleaning after pollen season provides dramatic results, while summer work must account for daily afternoon showers. Fall cleaning before the holidays ensures your home looks great for entertaining season.
Ask about their equipment and techniques. Professional-grade equipment handles our tough mold and mildew better than consumer units. Contractors should explain their process and show you exactly what’s included in your service level.
Understanding biweekly house cleaning cost and power washing expenses helps you maintain your New Orleans home properly. Our unique climate demands regular attention, but working with knowledgeable local professionals ensures your investment protects and enhances your property for years to come. Whether you’re in a historic Uptown mansion or a modern Algiers Point home, proper power washing preserves both beauty and value in our challenging but beautiful environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does power washing cost in New Orleans?
Power washing costs in New Orleans range from $22.43 to $37.38 per hour for professional service, with most contractors charging around $29.90 per hour. A typical single-story home (1,500 sq ft) costs $350-500 for full service, while larger homes can reach $750-1,200. Driveways run $125-200 for standard double-car size. Our tropical climate creates more mold and mildew than other regions, often requiring specialized treatments that increase costs but provide longer-lasting results than basic pressure washing.
What factors affect power washing prices?
Several local factors impact pricing in New Orleans: home age and architecture (historic properties require gentle techniques), degree of mold/mildew buildup (our humidity creates heavy growth), accessibility (raised foundations and tight lots), and environmental requirements (runoff containment near waterways). Surface type matters too – hardy concrete handles high pressure, while historic brick needs specialized low-pressure methods. Timing affects costs, with peak season (spring/summer) commanding premium pricing compared to fall and winter months when contractors offer discounts.
How often should New Orleans homes be power washed?
New Orleans homes need power washing every 8-12 months due to our tropical climate and high humidity. Homes in heavily shaded areas or near the river may need service every 6 months, while houses with good sun exposure might last 12-15 months. Unlike drier climates where annual cleaning suffices, our year-round growing conditions for mold, mildew, and algae require more frequent attention. Regular cleaning prevents permanent staining and structural damage, ultimately saving money compared to intensive restoration every few years.
Is power washing safe for historic New Orleans homes?
Power washing historic New Orleans homes requires specialized knowledge and equipment. French Quarter and other historic district properties need low-pressure techniques (under 1,500 PSI) and biodegradable cleaning solutions to protect century-old brick and mortar. Experienced local contractors understand these requirements and carry appropriate insurance for historic properties. Never attempt DIY power washing on historic homes – improper pressure or chemicals can cause irreversible damage to irreplaceable architectural elements. Always verify contractors have experience with your specific home style and era.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.