How Much Does a Builders Clean Cost? (Pricing & Factors Explained)

Wiki Article

After construction or renovation, properties are often left in a messy state with dust, debris, paint splashes, and leftover materials. This is where a builder's clean comes in. But many homeowners, landlords, and property developers ask: how much does a builder's clean cost?

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including builders' clean pricing, factors affecting the cost, what’s included, and tips to save money. Whether you’re a homeowner preparing to move in, a landlord preparing a property for tenants, or a builder finishing a project, understanding the cost and scope of a professional builder's clean will help you plan your budget effectively.

What Is a Builders Clean?

A builders clean—also called a post-construction clean—is a deep cleaning service specifically designed for properties after construction or renovation work. Unlike regular domestic cleaning, a builder's clean addresses heavy dust, adhesive marks, paint splashes, and other construction residues that cannot be removed with standard cleaning methods.

This type of cleaning usually requires specialized equipment, strong cleaning products, and skilled labor. Depending on the project, a builders clean can include a rough clean immediately after construction, a final clean for move-in ready properties, or a detailed “sparkle clean” for show homes.

Builders cleans are essential for safety and aesthetics. Dust and debris left behind can trigger allergies, damage surfaces, or even void warranties on new fittings if not removed properly. Additionally, post-construction cleaning often includes removing hazardous materials like plaster dust and sawdust, which is not recommended for DIY cleaning.

Professional cleaners save property owners both time and effort, delivering a property that is not only clean but also ready for occupancy or sale. In short, a builders clean is more than just cleaning—it’s preparing a property for real use.

Average Builders Clean Cost

The cost of a builders clean depends on property size, complexity of work, and the level of cleaning required. For small properties like one-bedroom flats, prices typically start at £150–£250. Medium-sized homes (3–4 bedrooms) may cost between £250–£400, while large houses or new builds can go beyond £800, particularly for high-detail cleaning or heavily soiled properties.

Some cleaning companies also charge an hourly rate, usually £25–£45 per cleaner, which can be cost-effective for small or partial cleaning jobs. However, hourly rates can increase unpredictably if the property has extensive construction residue.

Other factors that may influence the cost include location, ease of access, availability of utilities, and the type of surfaces and fixtures in the property. For example, delicate surfaces such as glass panels, stone countertops, or newly painted walls may require extra care and time, increasing costs.

Ultimately, understanding the average price helps homeowners plan a realistic cleaning budget. Comparing quotes from multiple professional cleaning services is highly recommended, as some companies offer package deals or fixed-price cleaning that can save money while guaranteeing high-quality results.

Key Factors That Affect Builders Clean Pricing

Several factors determine the final cost of a builders clean. Property size is one of the biggest considerations: larger properties require more time, staff, and cleaning products, which naturally increases costs. Likewise, the level of dirt and debris plays a major role—properties with heavy plaster dust, paint residue, or cement splashes require more intensive labor.

The type of cleaning also affects pricing. A rough clean, typically done immediately after construction, focuses on removing bulk dust and debris. A final builders clean goes further, making the property ready to move in, while a sparkle clean provides detailed finishing touches to meet high standards for show homes or sales.

Property condition is another key factor. Newly built homes often cost less to clean than older homes undergoing major renovations, where dirt may have settled into nooks, crannies, and fixtures over time. Accessibility and timing also influence costs—properties that are difficult to access or require cleaning outside standard hours may incur extra charges.

Finally, geographic location matters. Urban areas tend to have higher labor costs than rural locations, and specialized cleaning companies in major cities may charge a premium for professional service. Understanding these factors helps property owners budget accurately.

What’s Included in a Builders Clean?

A professional builders clean is comprehensive. It typically covers interior surfaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and internal windows, ensuring the property is ready for occupancy. Interior cleaning involves removing dust from walls, skirting boards, doors, light fixtures, and electrical fittings. Cleaners also vacuum and mop floors, wipe down switches, sockets, and other high-touch surfaces.

In the kitchen, cleaners remove construction dust from cupboards and drawers, degrease surfaces, polish sinks and worktops, and eliminate stickers or protective film from new appliances. Bathroom cleaning focuses on toilets, showers, baths, tiles, and mirrors, removing grout residue, limescale, and construction dust.

Some packages include internal window cleaning, which removes paint, plaster, and dust marks. Optional extras may include external window cleaning, waste removal, and polishing high-end surfaces. The level of cleaning required often depends on whether the property is being prepared for move-in, sale, or rental.

Overall, a builders clean ensures that every corner of the property is free of construction residues, safe to inhabit, and visually appealing. This service is more thorough and specialized than standard domestic cleaning, addressing challenges that homeowners typically cannot manage on their own.

Builders Clean vs Regular Cleaning: Cost Comparison

Builders cleaning is significantly more expensive than regular cleaning due to its intensity, equipment, and time requirements. A regular domestic clean might cost £40–£80, while a deep clean ranges from £150–£300. By comparison, a builders clean starts around £200 and can exceed £800 for large properties or highly detailed services.

This price difference exists because post-construction cleaning involves specialized techniques, stronger cleaning products, and skilled labor, often over several hours or even days. Standard cleaning services are not equipped to handle heavy dust, adhesive residues, or delicate fixtures left after construction.

While a builders clean is an investment, it provides better long-term value, particularly if you’re preparing a property for sale, rent, or immediate occupancy. Attempting to DIY a builders clean may save money initially but can result in damaged surfaces, lingering dust, and incomplete cleaning.

In short, while a builders clean costs more, it is justified by the comprehensive results, safety benefits, and overall readiness of the property for use.

How to Save Money on Builders Cleaning

Although builders cleaning can be expensive, there are ways to reduce the cost without compromising quality. First, remove large debris, leftover materials, and furniture before cleaners arrive. This reduces the time and effort required by the cleaning team.

Second, schedule the clean after all construction work is fully complete, including painters, decorators, and installers. Early cleaning can be ineffective if tradespeople return, creating additional mess.

Third, compare quotes from multiple cleaning companies. Some providers offer fixed-price packages, which can be cheaper than paying hourly rates, especially for larger properties. Combining services—like builders cleaning with a deep domestic clean or end-of-tenancy clean—may also yield savings.

Finally, consider negotiating on optional extras. Internal window cleaning or polishing high-end surfaces may be excluded or done separately, reducing costs while still leaving the property in excellent condition. By planning ahead and choosing the right service, you can achieve a professional result without exceeding your budget.

How to Choose the Right Builders Cleaning Company

Selecting a reliable builders cleaning company is essential to achieve the best results. Look for experience in post-construction cleaning, as this ensures familiarity with common challenges like plaster dust, paint residue, and adhesive removal. Companies with positive reviews and references provide peace of mind.

Check for insurance and health & safety compliance, especially for larger properties or sites with heavy debris. Transparent pricing is crucial—avoid companies with hidden charges or vague estimates. Fixed-price quotes are preferable, particularly for medium-to-large properties.

Other considerations include equipment and staffing. Experienced companies bring specialized tools and cleaning products designed to remove construction dust safely, without damaging surfaces. Flexible scheduling is another benefit, especially if you’re preparing a property for urgent occupancy, sale, or rental.

Finally, communicate your expectations clearly. Specify the level of clean required (rough, final, or sparkle clean) and discuss any delicate surfaces or fixtures. This ensures the cleaning team arrives prepared, and you pay a fair price for professional results.

Conclusion

A builders clean is an essential service after construction or renovation, ensuring your property is safe, spotless, and ready for occupancy. Prices vary widely, from £150 to over £800, depending on property size, dirt level, and service type.

Understanding the factors that affect cost, what’s included, and how to save money can help you plan your budget effectively. Choosing the right professional cleaning company ensures high-quality results, protects your surfaces, and saves you time and effort.

Ultimately, investing in a builders clean is a smart decision for homeowners, landlords, and developers who want a property that is both clean and ready to use.

FAQs About Builders Clean Pricing

1. How long does a builders clean take?
Depending on property size and level of dirt, it can take anywhere from 3–8 hours for small-to-medium homes to 1–2 days for large or heavily soiled properties.

2. Can I DIY a builders clean?
You can, but DIY often takes longer and may damage surfaces or leave residue. Professional cleaners have tools and expertise to remove tough construction debris safely.

3. Are builders clean services insured?
Reputable companies carry public liability insurance, which protects against accidents or damage during cleaning.

4. Do builders cleans include waste removal?
Some companies offer waste removal, but this may be charged separately depending on the volume of debris.

5. When should I schedule a builders clean?
Always after all construction work is complete, including painters, decorators, and installers. Scheduling too early can lead to repeated cleaning.