Five main factors set the price: the area to be treated, the type of cladding, building height, the degree of soiling or damage, and the anchor conditions on the roof. These vary so much between buildings that no serious contractor gives a firm price without seeing the facade.
The per-square-metre prices found online rarely reflect reality, because there is no such thing as an average building. Knowing what makes up the price lets you assess a quote properly.
Cost drivers
| Factor | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| Facade area | Total square metres is the base multiplier |
| Surface type | Glass, composite, natural stone and painted surfaces need different methods and materials |
| Floor count | Height increases rigging and the number of descents |
| Degree of soiling | A long-neglected facade takes markedly more labour |
| Anchor conditions | Buildings without suitable anchors need temporary systems |
| Access difficulty | Ledges, soffits and complex geometry extend the schedule |
| Season | Windy periods require a weather allowance in the programme |
Why we do not quote over the phone
A figure given over the phone is only a guess, and it is bad for both sides. Quote low and the price rises after the survey, costing you trust; quote high and the job is lost before it starts. A contractor who prices without seeing the facade is either inexperienced or planning to ask for extras.
How the survey fee works
Serious contractors charge for the survey because it is a technical inspection, not a sales visit: the facade is accessed, anchor points assessed and the condition of the cladding examined on site. The common and fair practice is that the survey fee is deducted from the total if that contractor carries out the work, so a client who awards the job pays nothing extra for the survey.
Frequently asked questions
What is the per-square-metre price for facade cleaning?
A fixed per-square-metre price does not reflect reality. Area, cladding, floor count, soiling and anchor conditions vary greatly between buildings, so a price is only given after a survey.
Why is no price given over the phone?
A phone figure is only a guess. Quoted low, the price rises after the survey and trust is lost; quoted high, the job is lost at the outset.
Is the survey chargeable?
Yes, because it is a technical inspection. The common practice is that the fee is deducted from the total if that contractor carries out the work.