In the GTA, roughly 100,000 homes change hands every year. Whether you're selling (maximizing your sale price) or buying (starting fresh), exterior cleaning is the single highest-ROI task on your moving checklist.
Part 1: Selling Your Home
The data is clear: clean exteriors sell homes faster and for more money. A $300-$700 exterior cleaning investment adds $5,000-$15,000+ in perceived value. That's because 97% of buyers start their search online — and the listing photos are 80% exterior shots.
📋 Seller's Exterior Cleaning Checklist
- Windows — all exterior + interior. Both sides spotless for showing walkthroughs. Schedule 3-5 days before listing photos.
- Gutters — clean and flush. Overflowing gutters = "deferred maintenance" red flag for buyers.
- Driveway & walkways — pressure wash. Salt stains, oil spots, and moss make homes look neglected.
- Front steps & porch — pressure wash. This is where buyers stand during showings.
- Garage door — wash (30-40% of your facade). A dirty garage door tanks curb appeal.
- Siding spot-clean — at minimum, clean visible algae/dirt patches. Full wash if needed.
- Deck/patio — pressure wash if visible from listing photos or during showings.
- Fence — pressure wash front-facing sections at minimum.
- Exterior light fixtures — wipe clean. Bug debris = neglect signal.
- House numbers & mailbox — clean or replace. Cost: $20. Impact: immediate.
The Pre-Listing Timeline
| When | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 weeks before listing | Book exterior cleaning package | Spring dates fill fast — book early |
| 2 weeks before | Handle landscaping (mulch, trim, plant) | Plants need time to settle |
| 5-7 days before photos | Exterior cleaning day | Sweet spot: fresh but not same-day |
| 2-3 days before photos | Touch-up: hose down any pollen/dust | Quick maintenance, not re-clean |
| Photo day | Verify all surfaces clean, remove hoses/equipment | Clean sight lines for photographer |
Part 2: Buying a Home
You just got the keys. The previous owner's maintenance habits (or lack thereof) are now your problem. A professional exterior clean within the first 2 weeks does three things:
📋 Buyer's Exterior Cleaning Checklist
- Windows (all) — reset to zero. You'd be surprised how dirty windows look after professional cleaning vs what you thought was "fine."
- Gutters + downspout flush — previous owners rarely clean gutters in their last year. Expect full clogs.
- Driveway pressure wash — remove years of oil stains, tire marks, salt damage. Fresh start.
- Deck assessment + clean — check for rot, loose boards, mould underneath. Clean before sealing.
- Soffit & fascia inspection — look for animal damage, paint peeling, moisture stains.
- Document everything — photos of every surface BEFORE and AFTER. Useful for insurance and future reference.
The Hidden Benefit: Baseline Inspection
During a professional cleaning, our crew is on ladders (or water-fed poles) at every window, at every gutter, at every soffit. We see things home inspectors miss — because we're physically at every surface. Common findings on move-in cleans:
- Cracked window seals (failed thermal panes) — warranty claimable if within 1-2 years
- Loose gutter hangers — $50 fix now vs $5,000 water damage later
- Rotting soffit/fascia — often hidden behind paint
- Clogged weep holes — vinyl siding needs open weep holes for drainage
- Damaged window screens — $15-$40 each to replace, often missed in inspection
We flag everything we find and provide a written condition report. It's not a formal inspection — but it catches problems early.
Pre-Listing vs Move-In Package Pricing
| Package | Includes | Price (typical 2-storey) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Listing Essential | Exterior windows + screens + tracks | $229 |
| Pre-Listing Premium | Windows + gutters + front steps | $399 |
| Pre-Listing Prestige | Windows + gutters + full driveway + garage door | $599 |
| Move-In Fresh Start | Int+ext windows + gutters + driveway + condition report | $699 |
Moving? One Call Handles It All.
Pre-listing or fresh-start packages. ClearCoat™ purified water. Redo-it-free guarantee.
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