What Is a Builders Clean? Your Comprehensive Handbook

After completing a construction or renovation project, a builders clean involves performing intensive cleaning to thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of the property.

This post explains what a builders clean service entails and why it’s an essential final step before occupancy.

What Is a Builders Clean?

Credit: Prime Management Group

A builders clean involves performing a thorough deep cleaning service after construction or renovation work has been completed on a property.

It involves thoroughly cleaning the interior and exterior areas to remove all debris, dust, dirt, stains, labels, and other remnants left behind from the construction process.

The aim is to leave the property completely clean and tidy, ready for the new occupants to move in.

Key Points

• Performed after construction or renovation work
• Cleans interior and exterior areas thoroughly
• Removes all debris, dust, dirt, stains, labels from builders
• Leaves property completely clean and tidy
• Prepares site for new occupants to move in

Our Opinion

In my experience as a cleaning professional, a builders clean is an essential service after any major construction project.

It allows the new occupants to move into a pristine and liveable space free of any mess or residues from the building work.

I would always advise my clients to budget for a builders clean at the end of a construction project to finish the job properly.

What Is a Builders Clean?

A builders clean is a specialised end-of-construction cleaning service. It involves meticulously cleaning the entire interior and exterior of a newly built or renovated building. They perform this intensive clean after completing all construction work to prepare the property for occupancy and use.

The builders clean service focuses on cleaning a wide range of areas and fixtures, including:

• Kitchens – sanitising surfaces, removing labels, cleaning cabinets, drawers, sinks, taps
• Bathrooms and wet areas – scrubbing tiles, cleaning grout, sanitising, degreasing
• Windows and frames – washing interior and exterior glass and frames
• Doors and tracks – vacuuming dirt from tracks, wiping down doors
• Light fixtures and fittings
• Skirting boards, switches – removing stickers, dust, debris
• Front porches, pool areas – pressure washing, clearing debris

The builders clean focuses on removing all the dirt, dust, debris, and mess left behind after construction. This includes tough substances like paint, glue, grout, tar, and more. The result is a pristine, move-in ready space.

Compared to a standard cleaning, a builders clean is far more thorough and intensive. It deep cleans from top to bottom to remove every speck of dust and dirt throughout the property. This extensive post-construction clean leaves the site in perfect condition before the new owners or tenants move in.

Overall, a builders clean is an essential service after any building work. A comprehensive cleaning is provided to the entire interior and exterior, ensuring the property is restored to an impeccable finished standard.

When Is a Builders Clean Needed?

Credit: Prime Management Group

Any construction or renovation project requires a builders clean upon completion before occupancy. Here are some of the key times when a builders clean service is essential:

• New home construction – A builders clean prepares the home for occupancy after construction but before the owners move in.
• Full house remodel or addition – Following major renovations like kitchen overhauls or room additions, a deep builders clean restores order.
• Individual room remodels – After remodelling a single room like a bathroom or bedroom, a builders clean returns it to a livable state.
• Before interior painting or flooring – A builders clean preps the surfaces for new paint or flooring installation.
• Before staging or selling – A builders clean makes the property shine to attract buyers.
• After tenant move out – A builders clean preps a rental unit for new tenants.

The messy demolition and construction process leaves behind dirt, debris, and grime. A builders clean thoroughly removes this mess, restoring the space to a clean, finished condition. It prepares the site for move-in and use after any type of construction or renovation work.

Many contractors include a builders clean as part of their service package. Homeowners can also engage a professional cleaning company that specializes in builders cleans to ensure the space is thoroughly cleaned post-construction.

What Does a Builders Clean Include?

A builders clean is an intensive, deep cleaning process that removes all traces of construction mess. Here is a typical list of what’s included:

• Vacuuming all floors, including inside cabinets and closets
• Wiping down all walls, baseboards, doors, windows, and trim
• Cleaning all smudges, spills, and dust from countertops, cabinets, and fixtures
• Scrubbing bathrooms and kitchens thoroughly including sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets
• Cleaning inside kitchen appliances like ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators
• Washing windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces inside and out
• Removing all labels, stickers, and debris from floors, cabinets, and fixtures
• Cleaning ceiling fans, light fixtures, vents, and blinds
• Sweeping and mopping all hard flooring
• Shampooing carpets and rugs

A builders clean often takes a full team multiple days to complete. They scrub, sanitize, and polish every surface until the site looks brand new. They completely eliminate all construction mess, footprints, dust, and debris.

Some builders cleans may also include extras like:

• Cleaning the exterior and outdoor areas
• Landscaping and yard cleanup
• Cleaning windows outside
• Pressure washing outdoor surfaces

A proper builders clean requires commercial-grade tools and cleaning solutions. Professional cleaners have the manpower, equipment, and expertise to thoroughly clean a site post-construction.

How Is a Builders Clean Done?

Performing a comprehensive builders clean requires a systematic approach and intense attention to detail. Here is an overview of how professional cleaners conduct this multi-step process:

• First, the site is cleared of all large debris, materials, tools, and equipment.
• Next, initial vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down of surfaces occurs.
• The cleaning team thoroughly cleans walls and ceilings to remove all dust, cobwebs, and smudges.
• Windows, mirrors, and glass are washed carefully inside and out.
• The cleaning team cleans out and wipes down cabinets, drawers, closets, and storage areas.
• The cleaning team scrubs and sanitises appliances both inside and out.
• Bathrooms and kitchens get extensive scrubbing of tiles, fixtures, sinks, and all surfaces.
• The cleaning team mops, sweeps, vacuums, and shampoos the flooring as needed.
• Pressure washing and landscaping of outdoor areas may also be included.
• Finally, a check that all surfaces meet quality standards occurs.

Professional cleaners have specialised equipment like industrial vacuums, steam cleaners, and power washers. They use strong cleaning solutions and disinfectants. Proper protective gear ensures safety.

The cleaning team systematically approaches each area, thoroughly cleans from top to bottom to ensure no spot is missed, following detailed checklists. Thorough builders cleans often take multiple cleaner teams several days of intense work.

Meticulous attention, robust tools, and comprehensive cleaning checklists allow builders clean crews to fully sanitise, polish, and restore sites after construction.

Why Is a Builders Clean Important?

Performing a comprehensive builders clean is a critical final step before occupancy or moving into a newly constructed space. Here are some key reasons proper builders cleans matter:

• Removes hazardous debris – Construction often leaves behind nails, screws, paint chips, and other dangerous debris that cleaners vacuum and sweep away.
• Eliminates irritants – Dust, dirt, allergens, and chemicals linger after builders leave. Thorough cleaning removes these irritants from living areas.
• Sanitises surfaces – Disinfecting kills germs that can spread illness. This protects new occupants’ health.
• Polishes appearance – Cleaning removes scuffs, smudges, stains and residues. This leaves surfaces sparkling.
• Verifies quality – The final clean reveals any overlooked flaws like cracks, leaks, or malfunctions for repair before move-in.
• Prevents future problems – Deep cleaning prevents issues like mould growth by removing moisture and dust builders leave behind.

First impressions matter. Walking into a dust-free, polished, and sanitised space makes a strong positive impact. The cleanliness and care put into the builders clean reflects attention to quality and safety throughout the project.

Protecting health, verifying workmanship, and establishing pristine living spaces are why meticulous builders cleans are a critical investment.

FAQ

What is expected from a builders clean?

What is the difference between a builders clean and a sparkle clean?

A builders clean focuses on deep cleaning after construction to remove all traces of building mess and materials. A sparkle clean is a more regular end of lease clean or spring clean to tidy up and freshen a property.

How much is a builders clean in the UK?

The cost of a builders clean in the UK can range from £200 for a small property up to £1000+ for a large residential or commercial property. The final price will depend on the size of the property, the amount of work needed, and the number of cleaners required.

Should builders clean up?

Yes, builders should perform a basic clean up of their own mess during the construction process. After the builders finish, we still recommend a professional deep builders clean to thoroughly clean and prepare the property for occupation.

Conclusion

A builders clean is a specialised deep cleaning service performed after construction or renovation work to thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of a property. It involves intensive cleaning to remove all traces of building materials, debris, dust and dirt before the site is ready for new occupants. Key tasks include cleaning floors, walls, windows, fixtures and fittings to a high standard. A professional builders clean ensures that the property achieves a high standard of cleanliness and leaves it fresh and tidy for the new occupants.