Commercial & healthcare · 4 min read
What’s included in a builders clean after a new build or renovation?
What a builders clean covers after a new build, renovation or fit-out in Christchurch, how it differs from a regular clean, and how to plan for handover.
- A builders clean removes fine dust, paint spots, stickers and residue
- It’s done after the trades finish and before handover or move-in
- Book it early, especially before the Christmas shutdown
A builders clean, also called a post-construction clean, is a top-to-bottom clean done after the trades have finished and before a new home, renovation or commercial fit-out is handed over. It removes the fine dust, paint spots, stickers, labels and residue that building work leaves behind, so the space is ready to live in, open or hand over.
How it differs from a regular clean
A regular clean keeps a lived-in space tidy. A builders clean deals with a different kind of mess. Plaster and timber dust is very fine and settles on every surface, including inside cupboards, on top of door frames and in window tracks. It comes back if it’s only wiped from the obvious places, so the clean has to work from the top of the room down and cover areas that normally get little attention.
What a builders clean usually includes
- Dusting high areas first: light fittings, vents, door frames, architraves and skirting boards
- Wiping inside and outside cupboards, drawers and wardrobes
- Removing stickers, labels and protective film from glass, joinery and fittings
- Cleaning paint spots and residue off glass, frames and hard surfaces, using methods suited to each surface
- Vacuuming and wiping window and door tracks
- Cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, including benchtops, tapware, sinks, showers and toilets
- Vacuuming and mopping floors, including edges and corners
- A final check of each room before the space is handed over
Exact inclusions vary by job, so it’s worth agreeing the scope before the clean starts. Some jobs also need exterior glass, decks or paths cleaned of overspray and site dirt.
When to book it
Book the clean for after the last trade has finished, including painters, flooring and any final fix work. If trades come back after the clean, dust and marks usually come back with them. Many projects in Christchurch aim to finish before the Christmas and New Year shutdown, so the weeks leading up to it get busy. Booking early helps make sure your handover date isn’t held up.
A few things to check first
- Confirm the power and water are on so the clean can be completed properly
- Make sure rubbish, offcuts and tools have been removed from site
- Check your product guides for any new surfaces with special care instructions, such as stone benchtops or coated glass
- Let the cleaner know about any areas that are still drying, like fresh paint or sealed floors
- Agree whether you need before and after photos for your records
Ask your builder or flooring installer how long new finishes need before wet cleaning. Some floors and coatings need time to cure, and the manufacturer’s guidance should always come first.
Getting help
Our commercial cleaning team does post-construction cleans for new homes, renovations and fit-outs, with photos for your records when the job is done. Spotless glass makes a big difference at handover, so many people add window cleaning at the same time. If you’re a builder, our partner program is set up for regular work. Once you’ve moved in, our guide to how often to deep clean your home can help you plan what comes next.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a builders clean take?
It depends on the size of the space and how much dust and residue is left behind. A walkthrough or photos before the job helps give a clear time and price.
Do I need a builders clean if my builder has already tidied up?
A site tidy usually means rubbish, tools and the worst of the dust are gone. A builders clean goes further, removing fine dust, paint spots, stickers and residue from every surface so the space is ready to use.
Is a builders clean the same as an end-of-tenancy clean?
No. An end-of-tenancy clean deals with everyday wear and grime from living in a home. A builders clean focuses on construction dust and residue.
Maidly looks after homes across Christchurch with eco-friendly methods and a 100% work guarantee on every service. Request a free quote.