What Is A Builders Clean?

When a construction or renovation project wraps up, the work isn’t truly finished until the site is clean, safe, and ready for use. This is where a builders clean comes in. Whether it’s a newly built home, a commercial fit-out, or a major renovation, a builders clean is an essential final step before handover.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a builders clean is, what it includes, how it differs from other types of cleaning, when it’s needed, and why hiring professionals is the best approach.

What Is a Builders Clean?

A builders clean is a specialised, thorough cleaning service carried out after construction, renovation, or building works are completed. Its purpose is to remove construction dust, debris, residue, and materials left behind by trades so the space is clean, presentable, and ready for occupation or inspection.

Unlike a regular house clean, a builders clean focuses on post-construction mess, including fine dust, paint splatter, grout haze, silicone residue, and leftover building materials. It requires specialised equipment, techniques, and experience to avoid damaging new surfaces.

Builders cleans are commonly required for:

• New home builds
• Renovations and extensions
• Commercial builds and shop fit-outs
• Unit developments
• Pre-handover inspections

Why Is a Builders Clean Important?

After construction, even a site that looks “finished” can still contain layers of dust and debris that affect both appearance and safety.

A builders clean is important because it:

• Makes the property safe and hygienic
• Improves presentation for handover or sale
• Removes harmful dust and debris
• Protects new finishes and surfaces
• Ensures compliance with handover standards

Without a proper builders clean, fine dust can settle into ventilation systems, cabinetry, and fixtures, causing long-term issues and dissatisfaction for owners or tenants.

What Does a Builders Clean Include?

A builders clean is far more detailed than a standard clean. The exact scope can vary depending on the project, but it generally includes the following.

Removal of Construction Debris

The first stage often involves removing leftover building materials and waste, such as:

• Packaging and plastic coverings
• Tape and stickers on windows and appliances
• Timber offcuts and plaster residue
• Small debris left behind by trades

This clears the space and allows detailed cleaning to begin.

Dust Removal From All Surfaces

Construction dust is extremely fine and can settle everywhere. A builders clean targets dust on:

• Walls and ceilings
• Skirting boards and architraves
• Window tracks and frames
• Doors and door frames
• Light fittings and switches

This step is critical, as leftover dust can continue circulating long after handover if not properly removed.

Cleaning Floors and Hard Surfaces

New floors often require careful cleaning to remove:

• Grout haze from tiles
• Cement residue
• Paint splashes
• Adhesive marks

Depending on the surface, this may include:

• Vacuuming and mopping hard floors
• Scrubbing tiled surfaces
• Polishing where appropriate
• Gentle cleaning of timber or vinyl floors

Builders cleaners use methods suitable for newly installed materials to avoid scratches or damage.

Kitchen Cleaning

Kitchens are a major focus during a builders clean. This typically includes:

• Cleaning inside and outside cupboards
• Wiping down benchtops and splashbacks
• Removing dust from drawers and shelving
• Cleaning sinks and taps
• Removing protective films from appliances

This ensures the kitchen is ready for immediate use.

Bathroom and Toilet Cleaning

Bathrooms often contain grout dust, silicone residue, and water marks. A builders clean usually includes:

• Cleaning showers, screens, and bathtubs
• Removing grout haze from tiles
• Polishing mirrors and fixtures
• Cleaning vanities and storage
• Disinfecting toilets

This leaves bathrooms clean, hygienic, and presentable.

Window and Glass Cleaning

Windows are often covered in dust, paint overspray, or stickers after construction. A builders clean generally covers:

• Interior glass cleaning
• Removal of stickers and tape
• Cleaning window tracks and frames
• Spot cleaning paint marks where possible

External window cleaning may be included depending on access and scope.

Final Detailing

The last stage focuses on presentation and detail, such as:

• Spot cleaning walls
• Polishing fixtures and fittings
• Final dust checks
• Touch-up cleaning as required

This step ensures the property is ready for inspection, photography, or handover.

What Is Not Included in a Builders Clean?

It’s important to understand that builders cleans don’t always include everything. Some tasks may be excluded or offered as add-ons, such as:

• External pressure washing
• Rubbish removal beyond small debris
• High-level window cleaning requiring specialist access
• Carpet steam cleaning
• Landscaping clean-ups

Always confirm inclusions upfront to avoid misunderstandings.

Builders Clean vs General House Clean

A builders clean is very different from a regular house clean.

Builders Clean:

• Focuses on post-construction residue
• Requires specialised equipment
• Deals with dust, paint, grout, and debris
• Is usually a one-off service

General House Clean:

• Focuses on everyday living mess
• Includes routine tasks like vacuuming and mopping
• Does not handle construction materials
• Is usually ongoing

Trying to use a standard cleaner for a builders clean can lead to poor results or damage to new finishes.

When Is a Builders Clean Required?

A builders clean is typically required:

• At the completion of a build or renovation
• Before a final inspection
• Prior to owner or tenant handover
• Before property photography or sale listings

In many cases, builders are contractually required to provide a clean site at handover, making a professional builders clean essential.

Who Usually Organises a Builders Clean?

A builders clean can be arranged by:

• Builders or project managers
• Developers
• Homeowners completing renovations
• Commercial property owners

In larger projects, it’s common for builders to engage professional cleaners to ensure consistency and compliance with handover standards.

How Long Does a Builders Clean Take?

The time required depends on:

• Size of the property
• Level of construction dust and debris
• Number of rooms and bathrooms
• Complexity of finishes

As a rough guide:

• Small units may take several hours
• Standard homes may take a full day
• Large homes or commercial projects may take multiple days

Rushing a builders clean can compromise quality, which is why experienced teams are important.

Why Hire Professionals for a Builders Clean?

A builders clean is not a DIY job. Professional cleaners bring:

• Experience with post-construction environments
• Knowledge of different materials and finishes
• Commercial-grade equipment
• Efficient, systematic processes

Hiring professionals reduces the risk of:

• Scratching new surfaces
• Leaving dust behind
• Failing inspections or handover standards

It also saves time and ensures a higher-quality result.

How Much Does a Builders Clean Cost?

The cost of a builders clean varies based on:

• Property size
• Condition of the site
• Scope of work required
• Location

Because every project is different, builders cleans are usually quoted individually rather than offered at a fixed rate. A detailed walk-through or checklist helps ensure accurate pricing.

Final Thoughts: Is a Builders Clean Worth It?

Absolutely. A builders clean is a crucial final step that transforms a construction site into a livable, professional space. It ensures the property looks its best, meets expectations, and is ready for immediate use.

Whether you’re handing over a new build, preparing a renovation for occupancy, or finalising a commercial project, a professional builders clean provides peace of mind and a polished finish.