Pressure Washing or Repainting?Which Saves You More Money?

When your home’s exterior starts looking tired, faded, or covered in dirt, you’re faced with a choice: should you pressure wash or should you repaint?

We’ve worked with homeowners all across Morris County, NJ, and this is one of the most common questions we get. Both options can transform your curb appeal, but the real issue comes down to one thing—which one saves you more money in the long run?

Let’s break it down together.

Why This Decision Matters?

Your home isn’t just where you live—it’s one of your biggest investments. Making the wrong choice here could mean wasting money or even damaging your siding.

We’ve seen it all: homes that only needed a thorough wash but ended up being repainted unnecessarily, and others where a coat of paint was overdue but ignored for too long. The truth is, knowing when to wash and when to paint is key to keeping both your home and wallet in good shape.

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing is more than just spraying water at your house. Done right, it’s a professional cleaning method that removes dirt, mildew, algae, pollen, and years of grime that regular garden hoses can’t touch.

Here’s what makes it valuable:

• Curb appeal boost: Your siding, brick, or stucco looks years younger after a wash.

• Preventative care: Mold and mildew don’t just look bad—they eat away at surfaces. Pressure washing stops that early.

• Cost savings: For a few hundred dollars, you can make your home look refreshed without the heavy expense of repainting.

Think of pressure washing as a “reset button” for your home’s exterior.

What About Repainting?

Repainting is the heavyweight option. It doesn’t just clean your siding—it gives your home a completely new surface layer of protection and color.

Painting includes steps like:

• Scraping off peeling paint

• Priming bare spots

• Caulking cracks

• Applying one to two coats of fresh paint

The benefits are undeniable:

• Protection from the elements: Paint acts like armor against UV rays, rain, and snow.

• Aesthetic renewal: If your colors are faded or outdated, paint gives your home a brand-new look.

• Long-term durability: A good paint job can last 7–10 years with proper care.

But here’s the kicker—it’s not cheap.

Cost Breakdown: Pressure Washing vs. Repainting

So let’s talk numbers.

Pressure Washing Costs

In Morris County, the average cost to pressure wash a house runs between $250 and $450, depending on the size of your home and the type of siding. Smaller homes may be closer to $200, while larger ones with multiple stories could be $500 or more.

Add-ons like decks, driveways, or patios each come with their own price tags, but overall, it’s far less than painting.

Repainting Costs

Repainting, on the other hand, is a much bigger investment. Professional exterior painting in New Jersey often falls between $4,000 and $8,000, depending on the square footage, condition of the siding, and paint quality.

And here’s an often overlooked detail: up to 60% of that cost is preparation work—things like scraping, sanding, and yes, even pressure washing before the paint goes on.

How Pressure Washing Saves You Money on Painting?

Here’s a secret many homeowners don’t realize: pressure washing can extend the life of your paint job.

If your siding is dirty but the paint is still intact, a professional wash can give you 2–3 more years before repainting becomes necessary. Over the span of 10–15 years, that can save you thousands of dollars.

In fact, washing before painting is non-negotiable. Paint simply won’t stick to dirty or chalky siding. That means if you do choose to repaint, you’re often paying for pressure washing anyway—it’s part of the process.

When Should You Wash vs. When Should You Paint?

Here’s a simple framework to guide you:

Condition	Best Option	Why
Paint is intact, just dirty or dull	Pressure Wash	Quick, affordable refresh
Paint is peeling, cracking, or chipping	Repaint (with wash first)	New paint won’t stick without prep
Green streaks of algae or mold	Wash first	Often solves the problem without repainting
Want to change your home’s color	Repaint	Washing won’t change the color

In short: wash for maintenance, paint for transformation.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pressure Washing

• Pros: Affordable, fast, preventative, boosts curb appeal.

• Cons: Won’t fix peeling paint, must be done correctly to avoid damage.

Repainting

• Pros: Long-lasting protection, major style upgrade, increases home value.

• Cons: Expensive, time-consuming, requires professional prep.

DIY vs. Professional: Which Way to Go?

Some homeowners think, “I’ll rent a pressure washer from Home Depot and do it myself.” Sure, you can. But here’s what we’ve seen:

• DIY often means using too much pressure, which can damage siding, windows, or trim.

• Professionals use the right equipment and techniques (like soft washing) to protect your home.

• The cost difference is often less than people expect once you factor in rental fees, cleaning solutions, and your time.

The same applies to painting. DIY painting can save money upfront, but unless you’ve got serious skills and a lot of free weekends, the results often don’t last. In the long run, hiring pros usually saves money.

Regional Considerations in Morris County, NJ

Living in Morris County means dealing with four distinct seasons. We get hot, humid summers (perfect breeding ground for algae) and cold, snowy winters (which cause paint to crack and peel).

Because of this, we recommend:

• Annual pressure washing to keep dirt and growth under control.

• Repainting every 7–10 years—but only when washing can’t restore the look.

That balance helps protect your home while keeping costs in check.

Final Thoughts: Which Option Saves More Money?

If you’re strictly comparing dollars: pressure washing almost always wins in the short term.

But in the long game, repainting is necessary to protect your siding and keep your home looking sharp. The smartest financial move? Wash regularly, repaint only when needed.

This way, you stretch out the life of each paint job and avoid paying for unnecessary repaints.

Partner with us at Burrini’s Powerwashing

At the end of the day, your decision should be based on your home’s condition. If the paint is solid but the siding looks dull, a professional pressure washing from Burrini’s Powerwashing in Morris County is the budget-friendly choice.

We’ve helped homeowners save thousands by washing instead of repainting too soon—and when the time comes to repaint, our prep work ensures your new paint job lasts longer.

So before you call a painter, give us a call to get a free estimate. A wash today might save you thousands tomorrow.