Builders Clean Checklist (Post-Construction)
Builders cleans are the most physically demanding work in the trade and the easiest to under-quote. Fine dust re-settles for days, which is why professionals price them in two stages rather than one.
This checklist splits the job the way it should be quoted.
How to use this checklist
- Quote two visits: the main clean and a sparkle visit once dust has settled, typically 24, 72 hours later.
- Confirm who removes rubble and packaging. If it's you, price skip or tip runs separately.
- Check power, water and lighting are available on site before the day, surprisingly often they aren't.
The checklist
Stage 1, rough clean
- Remove all debris, packaging, offcuts and protective sheeting
- Remove stickers, protective film and manufacturer labels
- Scrape paint, plaster, adhesive and silicone from glass and floors
- Vacuum all dust from floors, ledges, sills and cavities with a suitable filter vacuum
- Clean inside all cupboards, wardrobes and cavities
Stage 2, sparkle clean
- Full high-level dust: coving, vents, tops of doors, light fittings
- Wash all walls where finish allows, plus doors and frames
- Windows internally including frames, sills, tracks and beading
- Full bathroom and kitchen clean, appliances inside and out
- Skirting boards, radiators and switches
- Polish all glass, chrome and stainless steel
- Final floor clean appropriate to the material
Safety and practicalities
- Confirm site rules, PPE and access hours
- Wear appropriate dust masks and eye protection
- Use non-abrasive methods on new surfaces, especially baths, worktops and glass
- Photograph any pre-existing damage before starting
Pro tips
- Never use abrasives on new baths, shower trays or worktops, scratch damage on brand-new fittings is an expensive claim.
- Builders cleans are the best route into repeat trade relationships. One good job with a small developer often becomes ongoing work.
Frequently asked questions
What is a builders clean?
A post-construction clean that removes dust, debris, protective film, paint and adhesive from a newly built or renovated property, usually done in two stages: a rough clean and a final sparkle clean.
How long does a builders clean take?
Far longer than a deep clean of the same property, commonly two to three times the hours, split across two visits because fine dust keeps settling.
What's the difference between a builders clean and a sparkle clean?
The builders clean removes debris and heavy residue; the sparkle clean is the final presentation clean once dust has settled, ready for handover or viewings.
Do you need special equipment for builders cleans?
A high-filtration vacuum, scrapers and blades, heavy-duty degreasers, PPE and plenty of microfibre. Standard domestic kit will not cope with construction dust.
How CleanFlow helps with this
- Time Tracking , Cleaners clock in and out of each job from their phone. You get accurate hours for payroll, billing and profitability.
- Quotes , Professional, branded quotes that convert, with reusable templates for every service you offer.
Related guides
- How To Quote A Cleaning Job (Win More, Lose Less) , How to quote cleaning jobs confidently, without underpricing or losing the work. Real formulas, examples and templates.
- How To Get Commercial Cleaning Contracts , From finding your first office to winning multi-site contracts, a clear playbook for landing recurring commercial cleaning work.
More templates and checklists
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