What is after builders cleaning?

You’ve just built your dream home, but the dust and debris left behind is a nightmare. After the hammers stop swinging, a deep clean is essential to make your new abode truly livable. This article explores the vital service of after builders cleaning, equipping you with the knowledge to start fresh in your newly minted property.

Defining after builders cleaning

An after builders cleaning is an extensive deep clean performed after construction or renovation work. This differs from a regular home cleaning, which is a lighter clean involving dusting, vacuuming, and routine chores.

An after builders clean shares some similarities with an end-of-lease clean in terms of the thorough, deep cleaning required, but differs in that it focuses specifically on post-construction messes rather than preparing a rental property for new tenants.

Who needs an after builders cleaner?

In general, you need deep cleaning after renovation and remodelling, especially for new home construction to clean up after the debris and construction waste left behind. Most exposed surfaces like floors and countertops also need to be cleaned and disinfected.

What does after builders cleaning involve?

After a construction project, the last thing you want to deal with after a building inspection is a messy and dusty space. That’s where end-of-construction cleaning comes in. Here’s what you can expect: 

• End-of-construction cleaning professionals will remove dust, plaster and debris left over from construction.
• They will also remove trash, clean countertops, flooring and other surfaces once fixtures have been installed.
• For commercial buildings, building cleaners may use specialised equipment like industrial sweepers and floor polishers instead of standard vacuum cleaners.

After builders cleaning process

An end-of-build clean typically goes through two cleaning phases.

Initial clean

The initial cleaning is the first phase, usually midway through the building’s construction. For instance, cleaners might clear the walking spaces in new construction of dust and debris before workers can install new flooring. The initial phase also involves removing all trash from the property at the end of the construction project.

Most of the time, workers themselves load and haul off their own trash, but some contractors may hire a post-construction cleanup service to do the job.

Final detail clean

This is a more thorough cleaning process that involves removing minor construction defects. For instance, final detail cleaning workers will remove paint splatter from windows and also straighten crooked grout lines. They may also remove grout haze from tiles and floors.

In addition to fixing slight workmanship defects, cleaners will clean and scrub bathrooms and kitchens, including all furnishings and appliances (if any). They will also sweep, vacuum and mop floors according to their surface type.

This stage often takes longer than the initial phase just due to the volume of cleaning work, depending on the size of the building and its architectural style. For instance, a property with intricate, detailed design may involve more work.

Things to consider when getting an after builders cleaning service

When hiring professionals for an after builders clean, consider these four important aspects for a satisfactory job:

• Services included: Verify what specific services are included in the construction cleaning service package. This may cover dusting, mopping, cleaning windows/mirrors, sanitising bathrooms, and more.
• Cost: Get quotes from multiple providers and understand after builders cleaning prices—per hour, per square metre, flat rate, etc. Bigger projects may qualify for discounts.
• Timeframe: Inquire about their typical turnaround time for jobs of your size. Generally, the time required for post-construction cleaning depends on the size of the space. A smaller one requires a few days to clean, while larger buildings may take a few weeks to complete.
• Qualifications and insurance: In Australia, the qualifications and training for after builders cleaners can vary by state. In addition, your cleaners should have the following insurance coverage:

• Public liability insurance – To cover third-party injury or property damage.
• Professional indemnity insurance – To cover errors and omissions in their work.
• Workers compensation insurance – If the business has employees.

Services included

The services offered by cleaning companies may vary slightly. However, most builders’ cleaning companies provide the following services:

• Clean doors and door frames
• Polish surfaces and woodwork
• Deep clean all hard flooring
• Clean all tubs, toilets, fixtures, and showers
• Remove grout from all bathroom fixtures
• Clean paint spatter from all surfaces
• Clean all windows
• Remove debris from drywall
• Clean and polish mirrors
• Remove all the garbage left behind from material packaging
• Wipe down all stairs and handrails
• Clean all kitchen appliances, which includes refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, and microwaves
• Clean cupboards, closets, and wardrobes
• Other cleaning services that an owner might need, such as fireplace or chimney cleaning

Cost

The cost of after builders cleaning varies depending on the job type and building size.

Larger buildings with more debris typically cost more than smaller projects. Many businesses charge by the square metre, ranging from $5 to $10 or higher per sqm. The cost can be higher or lower based on the project’s scope or how the company structures its pricing.

It’s also important to factor in the cost of after-builders cleaning when setting your overall renovation budget. Obtain quotes from multiple businesses to compare builders’ cleaning prices.

Timeframe

The timeframe for after builders cleaning varies, mostly on the size of the property and the number of cleaners. As mentioned above, the interior design and architectural style of the structure may also factor into the timeframe; notable examples include Victorian and Colonial styles, which require more maintenance and care.

In addition, if the construction crew tended to be careless or wasteful, leaving a lot of trash or debris behind, the cleaning could take much longer and be more expensive.

Qualifications and licencing

There are no national-level licensing requirements specifically for post-construction cleaners or cleaning services in Australia. However, local regulations can vary and certain certifications can enhance a cleaner’s credibility and business prospects.

For instance, the CPP30321 Certificate III in Cleaning Operations is a nationally recognised qualification that equips individuals with essential skills in cleaning and sanitising various environments, including commercial and residential spaces. 

However, some states and territories in Australia may require specific qualifications.

For instance, New South Wales cleaners performing residential building work valued over $5,000, including labour and materials, must hold a licence or qualified supervisor certificate from NSW Fair Trading.

Even in states and territories where a licence is not required, training courses might be. Such training teaches potential workers which recycling measures must be taken. Workers also learn how to manage waste material and government compliance regulations in regard to the environment and public safety.

From dusty to dazzling with after builders cleaning

From top to bottom, a professional after builders clean restores order from the chaos of construction. With expertise in debris removal, deep cleaning, and meticulous attention to detail, these services ensure your newly minted abode shines. And you don’t have to do it yourself—entrust it to seasoned after builders cleaning pros who can bring out the best, most pristine form of your dwelling that it deserves to be.

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FAQs on after builders cleaning

How can I prepare for new home cleaning?

Clear away any remaining tools, materials, and large debris before the cleaners arrive. Protect valuables, remove fragile items, and communicate any specific areas of concern.

Is after builders cleaning different for new constructions vs. renovations?

While the core cleaning process is similar, post-renovation cleaning often involves more contained messes like drywall dust, while new constructions have site-wide debris. Specific services may vary.

What are some common areas that require extra attention during an after builders clean?

Areas like ductwork, appliances, cabinets, and windows often need extra attention to remove embedded construction grime and dust. Specialty after build cleaning may be required for fireplaces or intricate surfaces.