The Incredible Impact Power Washing Has On Your Home's Resale Value

We've all seen those viral power washing videos pop up on our social media feeds — whether it's cleaning grimy carpets or refreshing an old driveway outside the house. There's something deeply satisfying about seeing surfaces go from run-down to shiny and new. However, power washing your home's exterior could have a more practical benefit: it may just boost your home's resale value.

After all, the concept of curb appeal has some truth to it, even if subconsciously; walking up to a property, we instantly feel a certain way about it, often judging its state and value based on that first impression. This impression influences how much we're willing to pay for a house, and how reasonable we find the asking price. If you want to increase your home's curb appeal so prospective buyers reach your front lawn ready to bid high on the house, it may be time to get a power washer and clean up the driveway, patios, walls, and other neglected exterior surfaces.

Power washers essentially spray a strong jet of pressurized water to clean exterior surfaces very efficiently and quickly. The difference between power washing and pressure washing is that power washing heats up the water spray, while a pressure washer uses cold water for the cleaning. The hot water can help optimize cleaning, particularly when dealing with tougher grime.

Studies have shown that curb appeal has a material impact on housing prices, which is why you should power wash your home before putting it on the market. Beyond that subconscious first impression, prospective buyers see a well-maintained house as less work when move-in day comes around, saving them time and money. They may be more likely to invest a little more in the property if they feel that the bulk of the upkeep has already been taken care of.

Power washing the exterior can also keep mold and mildew at bay, preventing future problems. After power washing, consider a fresh coat of paint, as certain colors can affect your home's resale value. Apply the fresh paint only after, as power washing may remove your hard work.

Driveways, patios, decks, walls, roofs, and even gutters benefit from power washing. You'll want to tackle any areas that look dirty, grimy, or simply run-down, as that's not the impression you want to give a potential buyer when they walk up to the property. If you power wash the walls, close the windows first and watch for areas where water could leak inside.

Siding can be damaged by power washing if it's not done with care, so be cautious and consider consulting an expert. Even beyond siding, adjust the settings and power washer strength according to the area and material being cleaned. For instance, you'll need to set your power washer to the right strength to prevent cracking the driveway. Many homeowners find it well worth the investment to purchase their own power washer. However, if you don't expect to use it often, you can always hire a professional instead.