How Much Should I Charge?

Per-visit prices, derived from the calculator above: small garden (up to 50 m²) £20–£30; medium (50-150 m²) £30–£45; large (150-300 m²) £45–£70; extra large (300 m²+) £70–£120. Prices vary by area — London and the South East are 20–30% above the national average. Use the calculator for a band tailored to your service variant.

A standard residential driveway typically runs £100–£300; the lower end suits single-car flats, the upper end three- or four-car spreads or block paving with heavy lichen. Add 20–40% if the surface needs algae or moss treatment. Don't undercharge — the chemicals and equipment wear add up.

£50–£120 for a standard house. Two-storey access is the main variable — bring a long pole or a vacuum and price the access difficulty in. If the customer has a conservatory, charge separately for the conservatory roof.

Charge by the job for residential work — customers want a price they can compare to a neighbour's and a number to budget against. Hourly rates suit one-off jobs (clearance, ad-hoc handyman tasks) where scope is hard to define upfront. Always agree the price before you start.

Probably yes if any of these are true: you're booked solid but not making the income you wanted, you've never raised prices, your prices haven't moved since you started, or you're cheaper than the local average. The single biggest mistake new operators make is starting low to win work and never adjusting upward. Increase by 10% on next year's renewals — most customers don't leave.

Only if your annual turnover exceeds the UK VAT registration threshold (£90,000 from 1 April 2024). Most solo operators are below this. If you cross the threshold, register with HMRC within 30 days and add 20% to your prices going forward — quoting VAT-inclusive figures keeps things clean for residential customers.

Send a written quote (text, WhatsApp, or BuildRound's quote tool) with the price and exactly what's included. Don't quote on the spot for a job you haven't seen. Walking the garden / driveway with the customer first costs you ten minutes and saves you from "oh I thought that was included" later.