Custom Exterior Cleaning Cost in New Zealand: Pricing, Factors, and What You Need to Know

Custom exterior cleaning costs vary depending on the scope and complexity of the job.

Prices typically range from $150 to $1,500+, depending on the size of the property, the surfaces involved, and how difficult the access is.

Custom jobs are often required for properties with a mix of surfaces, hard-to-reach areas, or special requests.

Since no two jobs are the same, the final price is usually determined after a site visit or photo assessment.

In New Zealand, most custom cleaning services are priced on a case-by-case basis to ensure accurate quotes and fair pricing.

Custom Exterior Cleaning Cost Breakdown

Job Type	Estimated Cost Range
Small custom clean	$150 – $250 + GST
Medium custom clean	$250 – $450 + GST
Large or complex custom clean	$450 – $900+ + GST
Full exterior custom clean	$900 – $1,500+ + GST

Final pricing is confirmed after a photos or site assessment to determine the full scope of the job.

How Custom Exterior Cleaning Is Priced

Custom exterior cleaning costs are based on several factors, not just square footage. Here’s what affects the price:

1. Total Area to Be Cleaned

Surface size matters. While large, flat areas like driveways are often priced per square metre, jobs with multiple surfaces or irregular shapes require more time and effort, which affects the overall cost.

2. Type of Surfaces Involved

Different surfaces need different cleaning methods:

Each surface requires specific pressure levels and cleaning chemicals, which can change the price.

3. Access & Safety Requirements

Jobs that require roof access, steep areas, or tight spaces usually cost more. Extra safety equipment like scaffolding or harnesses can increase the price due to time and setup requirements.

4. Condition of the Property

Heavily soiled areas or surfaces with moss, grease, or old stains often need more time, pre-treatment chemicals, and multiple cleaning passes. This increases the cost of the service.

Minimum Charge for Custom Exterior Cleaning

In New Zealand, most professional exterior cleaning companies apply a minimum service charge for custom exterior cleaning jobs.

This ensures that even small or complex tasks are completed properly and safely.

At Sun SoftWash:

Minimum charge for custom clean: $250 + GST
Auckland minimum charge: $280 + GST

The minimum charge covers:

Set-up costs: Even small jobs require equipment, travel time, and safety preparation.
Initial labour costs: Cleaning requires skilled technicians, and safety precautions are always necessary, regardless of the job size.

These minimum charges ensure that even smaller custom jobs are completed efficiently and safely without compromising the quality of the work.

Custom Exterior Cleaning Scenarios

Custom exterior cleaning jobs vary widely. Here are some example scenarios to help you understand what affects the price:

1. Small Custom Job

Scope: Partial house wash, front patio clean (20 sqm), entry pathway clean
Estimated cost: $180 – $250 + GST
- This is a simple, one-off job for smaller areas, and pricing is based on surface size and access.

2. Medium Custom Job

Scope: House wash (front and sides), driveway clean (40 sqm), fence wash
Estimated cost: $350 – $550 + GST
- This includes multiple areas and requires a bit more time and attention, especially with different surface types (driveway, fence, house exterior).

3. Large Custom Job

Scope: Full exterior house wash, concrete and paving clean, deck and fence cleaning
Estimated cost: $750 – $1,200 + GST
- A more comprehensive job with larger areas and more complex surfaces. Pricing can go up if access is difficult or additional cleaning treatments are needed.

What Affects the Final Price for Custom Exterior Cleaning?

The cost of custom exterior cleaning is influenced by several key factors:

1. Size of the Property or Area

Larger areas require more time, cleaning products, and equipment. Whether it’s a big house or a large outdoor area, the bigger the job, the higher the price.

2. Type of Surfaces

Different surfaces require different methods:

Concrete: Generally easier to clean, but large areas can increase the cost.
Decks, fences, and walls: May require extra care and specific cleaning chemicals.
Roofs and soffits: These often require more equipment and safety measures, making the job more expensive.

3. Access to the Property

Hard-to-reach areas like multi-story buildings, steep roofs, or tight spaces increase the cost due to the extra safety equipment and labour time needed.

4. Condition of the Property

If the surfaces are heavily soiled, dirty, or neglected, it will take more time and effort to clean. Pre-treatment or multiple cleaning passes can increase the price.

5. Complexity of the Job

Custom jobs that require a combination of surface types, difficult access, or special cleaning requests (like moss or oil stain removal) will cost more. The more specialised the cleaning, the higher the price.

Custom Exterior Cleaning for Commercial Properties

Custom exterior cleaning for commercial properties often involves more complex and larger-scale jobs. Pricing for commercial properties depends on several factors, similar to residential jobs, but with added considerations for business operations.

Custom Commercial Cleaning Pricing

Small commercial property: Typically falls within $150 – $450 + GST depending on surface types and access.
Medium commercial property: Generally ranges from $450 – $900 + GST.
Large or complex commercial jobs: Can range from $900 – $1,500+ + GST, depending on the size and complexity.

Factors Affecting Commercial Cleaning Costs:

Size and Surface Complexity: Large buildings or properties with multiple surfaces (roofs, shopfronts, parking lots) increase the price.
Access: Commercial properties often have higher roofs, multiple levels, and harder-to-reach areas, all of which require more equipment and safety measures.
Business Hours: Some businesses need cleaning outside of regular hours to avoid disruption, which can affect scheduling and pricing.

Common Commercial Services:

Shopfront cleaning: Regular cleaning of signage, windows, and entrances.
Building exteriors: Full washes for office buildings, retail stores, or warehouses.
Parking areas: Cleaning of concrete or paved areas for a neat and safe environment.
Roof and gutter cleaning: Specialized cleaning for higher roofs or commercial facilities with unique features.

Commercial cleaning jobs are often more tailored to your needs, with customized pricing depending on the type of property and the areas that require attention.

Benefits of Professional Custom Exterior Cleaning

Hiring a professional for your custom exterior cleaning provides several advantages, ensuring the job is done safely, efficiently, and with the highest quality results.

1. Expertise and Experience

Professional cleaners have the right skills to handle a variety of surfaces and cleaning methods. Whether it’s a delicate deck or a tough concrete driveway, they know the best approach to ensure a thorough clean without causing damage.

2. Safety and Equipment

Custom exterior cleaning often requires special equipment, especially for high or hard-to-reach areas. Professionals come equipped with ladders, scaffolding, and pressure washers, ensuring safety for both workers and your property.

3. Time-Saving

Cleaning large or complex areas can take significant time and effort. Professional cleaners work quickly and efficiently, saving you hours of work and providing faster results.

4. Higher Quality Results

Professionals use high-quality cleaning products and techniques that deliver superior results. A thorough clean not only improves the appearance of your property but can also help maintain its condition for longer.

5. Long-Term Value

Regular custom cleaning prevents the buildup of dirt, grime, and other contaminants, helping extend the life of your surfaces. Over time, this can save you money on repairs and replacements.

6. No Stress or Risk

Cleaning certain areas, such as roofs or high facades, can be risky for those without the proper training and equipment. Hiring professionals removes the stress and danger associated with DIY attempts.

How Often Should You Schedule Custom Exterior Cleaning?

The frequency of custom exterior cleaning depends on the type of surfaces, environmental factors, and the level of foot traffic your property experiences. Here’s a general guide:

1. Residential Properties

Once a year: For most homes, annual cleaning is enough to maintain appearance and condition.
Twice a year: Homes in areas with heavy vegetation, near the coast, or in high-pollution areas may require semi-annual cleaning to manage dirt, moss, or salt buildup.
As needed: If you notice dirt accumulation or staining on specific areas like patios, decks, or driveways, consider scheduling a cleaning immediately.

2. Commercial Properties

Every 6 months: Commercial properties with high foot traffic, such as storefronts or office buildings, often need cleaning twice a year to maintain a clean, professional appearance.
Quarterly or as needed: Properties near busy roads or industrial areas may require cleaning more frequently to prevent dirt and grime buildup.
Specialized cleaning: For businesses that deal with specific messes (e.g., restaurants, shops with signage), custom cleaning may be needed on a more frequent basis.

3. High-Use Areas

For high-use areas like driveways, roofs, and deck spaces, the more traffic they get, the more frequently they need cleaning to avoid buildup and prevent long-term damage.

Final Thoughts

Custom exterior cleaning ensures your property stays looking its best, whether it’s a one-off job or regular maintenance. With pricing based on scope, surfaces, access, and condition, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what the job entails before booking.

For accurate pricing, a site assessment or photo request is the best way to get a fair quote.

Remember, the final cost depends on the complexity of the job, and regular cleaning can save you money in the long term by maintaining your property’s condition.

Contact Sun SoftWash today for a free quote and let us handle your custom exterior cleaning needs. Whether it’s for your home or business, we’ll ensure a professional, thorough clean every time.

About the author

Sun SoftWash

The Sun SoftWash Team has over 5 years of experience in exterior cleaning. We specialize in custom exterior cleaning services for both homes and businesses, delivering top-quality results with a focus on safety and efficiency.