A builders clean is a specialist post-construction clean that removes debris, dust, paint/plaster spots and residues across every room, preparing the property for snagging or final “sparkle” handover.
A builder’s clean is the essential first-phase deep clean following completion of construction or renovation works. Unlike domestic cleaning, this specialist service tackles construction residues, fine dust, adhesive spots, and trade debris that standard cleaning cannot handle. This guide covers the complete process, room-by-room checklists, UK pricing per m², timing strategies, and health & safety requirements that site managers, developers, and project leads need to know for successful handovers.
What Does a Builder’s Clean Include? (Room-by-Room)
A builder’s clean is carried out methodically, covering every surface and space. Typical inclusions are:
- Whole site: debris/rubble removal; adhesive/paint/plaster spot removal; fine dust extraction (HEPA); sockets, switches, doors, frames, skirtings, glass, fixtures & fittings.
- High-level cleaning: vents, beams, cable trays, LED tracks, tops of cupboards/wardrobes, extractor hoods and duct grilles.
- Kitchens & utilities: worktops; units inside/out (if agreed); splashbacks; appliance exteriors; removal of labels and mastic smears.
- Bathrooms: tiles and grout haze removal; sanitaryware descaling; mirrors, screens, silicone residues.
- Floors: vacuuming (edges included); damp mopping; machine scrub/polish where specified; initial protection checks.
- External touchpoints: accessible doors, frames, thresholds. Add-ons may include fascias, soffits, gutters, patios, or pressure-washing.
- Waste handling: safe bagging/segregation for skip; site left tidy and safe.
Builders’ Clean vs Sparkle Clean—What’s the Difference?
Understanding the two-phase cleaning approach is crucial for proper project scheduling and budget allocation.
Builders Clean: Heavy-duty first clean to remove construction residues and prepare for snagging inspections. Focus on safety, debris clearance, and making spaces accessible for defect identification.
Sparkle Clean: Final presentation clean following snag rectification. Emphasis on streak-free finishes, chrome polishing, and client-ready presentation standards.
| Stage | Timing | Key Focus Areas | Typical Duration |
| Builders Clean | Post-construction completion, pre-snagging | Debris removal, dust extraction, and construction residue elimination | 1-2 days per 100m² |
| Sparkle Clean | Post-snag rectification, pre-handover | Streak-free glass, polished metals, and presentation detailing | 0.5-1 day per 100m² |
Note: Many projects use a two-phase approach with an intermediate light clean between major snag rectifications and final sparkle preparation.
When Should You Book—Before or After Snagging?
Best practice: Builders clean after major trades complete, before snagging. Sparkle clean once snags/defects are rectified.
Timing Examples
New-build residential plots:
- Week 1: Builders clean following practical completion
- Week 2-3: Client snagging and defect rectification
- Week 4: Sparkle clean and handover preparation
Commercial refurbishment:
- Phase 1: Builders clean post-mechanical & electrical completion
- Phase 2: Light re-clean following snag works
- Phase 3: Final sparkle clean before client occupation
Office fit-out (CAT-A to CAT-B):
- Initial clean following CAT-A base build completion
- Progressive cleaning during fit-out phases
- Final sparkle clean before staff occupation
Risk Management
- Booking too early: Risk of re-contamination from ongoing trades, requiring additional cleaning phases and increased costs.
- Booking too late: potential handover delays, client dissatisfaction, and rushed cleaning, compromising quality standards.
Average UK Cost per m² and How Quotes Are Calculated (2025)
Builders and Sparkle Clean are priced per project, influenced by:
- Property size (m²) and contamination level
- Access to power, water, and lifts
- Specification (inside cupboards/windows, high-level work)
- Schedule (out-of-hours, phased handover)
- RAMS/inductions, waste handling arrangements
- Location (regional rates vary)
2025 UK Pricing Indicators
| Property Size | Typical Hours | Scope Level | Average Cost Range |
| Residential (100-200m²) | 8-16 hours | Standard builders clean | £250-£600 |
| Residential (200-400m²) | 16-32 hours | Intensive post-construction | £600-£1,200 |
| Commercial (500-1000m²) | 25-50 hours | Standard specification | £800-£2,000 |
| Commercial (1000m²+) | 50+ hours | Full specification + externals | £1,500-£4,000+ |
Based on industry benchmarks, UK post-construction cleaning typically ranges from £2 to £6 per m², with sparkle cleans commanding premium rates of £3 to £8 per m² depending on specification.
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Health & Safety, Training and Insurance (What to Check)
- Accredited operatives: CSCS-carded, inducted and toolbox-trained.
- RAMS: Risk Assessment & Method Statement in line with HSE requirements.
- COSHH controls: correct storage/dilution; HEPA filtration to control fine dust.
- Competence: MEWP or ladder training for height work.
- Insurance: full public and employer’s liability, evidence available on request.
- Compliance: HSE guidance on respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust; DEFRA best practice on dust suppression.
What’s Not Included (and Available Add-Ons)
Standard Exclusions
- Structural & fabric issues: Paint rectification, plaster repairs, damaged surface restoration, and building fabric defects
- Access provision: Client-supplied scaffolding, MEWPs, or specialist access equipment for high-level external work
- Hazardous materials: Asbestos-containing materials, chemical contamination, and specialist waste requiring licensed disposal
- Utilities: Skip hire unless specifically included in the quotation.
- Specialist equipment: Deep appliance cleaning requiring dismantling or manufacturer warranties
- Glass restoration: Scratch removal, acid etching treatment, or replacement recommendations
Available Add-On Services
- External window cleaning: Full building envelope, including high-level access
- Pressure washing: Driveways, car parks, and external hard standings
- Carpet & upholstery: Deep extraction and stain removal treatments
- Floor treatments: Sealing, polishing, and protective coating applications
- Waste management: Skip hire, waste transfer notes, and disposal documentation
- Ongoing maintenance: Regular cleaning contracts post-handover.
After-Builders Clean for Homes vs Commercial Sites
- Homes: usually direct access, fewer restrictions, one-off booking.
- Commercial sites require RAMS, permits, inductions, key-holding protocols, security compliance and tighter deadlines.
- Noise and out-of-hours restrictions often apply.
Why Inter County for Post-Construction Cleaning
- 40+ years’ experience in specialist cleans
- CSCS-carded, trained teams with supervisor QA
- Digital checklists and re-clean guarantee
- Eco options (low-VOC, EN-tested products)
- Rapid scheduling and flexible key-holding
- Fully insured
- Covering Northampton, Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas
Check out our related services: Waste Management | Carpet Cleaning | Window Cleaning
Take the Next Step—Book Your Free Site Survey Today
Don’t leave your project handover to chance. Inter County offers a full range of professional cleaning and support services designed for construction sites, fit-outs, landlords and homeowners.
- Explore our range of services
- Builder’s clan at your rescue
- Call us on 01327 354 164
- Email info@intercountyltd.co.uk
- Visit our office at Inter County Ltd, Brindley Close, Rushden, NN10 6EN, Monday – Friday – 08:00 – 17:30. Saturday – Sunday – Closed
FAQs
1. How long does a builder’s clean take?
- Duration depends on property size and contamination level. Typical residential properties (1,100-200 m²) require 1-2 days, while commercial spaces may need 3-5 days per 1,000 m². Complex projects with extensive height work or heavy contamination will require longer. We provide accurate timeframes following our free site survey.
2. Do you clean inside cupboards and windows?
- Internal cupboard cleaning and comprehensive window cleaning (inside and out) are available as standard or add-on services depending on your specification. During the quotation, clearly define what’s included and offer options to match your handover requirements and budget.
3. Will you remove paint and plaster splashes from glass and floors?
- Yes, this is a core part of our builder’s clean service. We use appropriate solvents and techniques to safely remove construction residues from all surfaces without causing damage. Stubborn deposits may require specialist treatment, which we’ll identify during our site survey.
4. What PPE and safety controls do you use on site?
- All operatives use appropriate respiratory protection, safety eyewear, and protective clothing. We employ HEPA-filtered vacuum systems for dust control, maintain COSHH-compliant chemical storage, and provide full RAMS documentation. Site-specific safety measures are agagreed uponuring our pre-work survey.
5. Do you provide waste removal or skip hire?
- Waste bagging and segregation are included in our standard service. Skip hire can be arranged as an additional service with proper waste transfer documentation. We coordinate with your existing waste contractors or arrange independent disposal through licensed carriers.