When the builders leave, a new house is rarely ready to move into. Cement splashes sit on tiles, paint drips are on glass and switches, fine plaster dust covers every surface and fills window tracks. Post-construction cleaning is the specialised clean that deals with this residue without scratching new marble, glass or fittings.
What's included
| Task | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Debris removal | Sweeping and bagging loose rubble, packing and offcuts (heavy rubble removal usually separate) |
| Dust removal | Vacuuming and wiping walls, ceilings, fans, lights, switches, cupboards |
| Cement and grout residue | Careful removal from tiles, marble and fittings |
| Paint and adhesive spots | Removing drips from floors, glass, frames and sanitary ware |
| Stickers and protective film | Removing labels and film from windows, fittings and appliances |
| Windows and frames | Glass, frames, tracks and mesh |
| Bathrooms and kitchen | Sanitary ware, taps, cabinets, tiles, countertops |
| Floors | Machine scrubbing and final mopping |
| Extras | Marble polishing, water tank cleaning, outside walls and boundary areas |
When you need it
- At handover of a newly built house, before moving furniture in.
- After a renovation such as a kitchen, bathroom or floor change.
- Before photographing or listing a new property.
- After a contractor finishes a commercial fit-out.
Step-by-step process
- Confirm the builders are done. Clean only after painting, electrical and sanitary fitting are complete, or the work will be repeated.
- Request with covered area, floors, photos and a list of finishes (marble, wood, glass).
- Site visit so the company can see the level of residue.
- Written quote listing tasks, team size and days needed.
- Rough clean – debris and loose dust out, top to bottom.
- Detail clean – residue removal from tiles, glass, fittings and cabinets.
- Final clean – floors scrubbed, surfaces wiped, last dust removed.
- Inspection together before payment, with a list of any touch-ups.
Approvals and documents
None are required. In societies, inform the gate office about the team and any vehicle collecting debris. If the contractor's agreement says they will deliver the site clean, check that first so you do not pay twice.
What affects the cost
- Covered area and number of floors.
- How much residue the builders left – cement and paint take the most time.
- Types of finishes – natural stone and wood need careful methods.
- Number of windows, glass panels and bathrooms.
- Whether debris must be carried out and disposed of.
- Height work in double-height spaces or stairwells.
- Team size and number of days.
Pricing is usually per square foot of covered area or per team-day. Get written quotes after a visit.
Questions to ask the company
- How will you remove cement from marble without etching it?
- What tools will you use on glass to avoid scratches?
- Is debris disposal included? Where will it go?
- How many staff and days do you need?
- Do you bring industrial vacuums and scrubbers?
- Will you come back if dust settles again in the first few days?
Red flags
- Use of strong acid on marble or polished stone.
- Scraping glass with dry blades.
- No visit before quoting for a full house.
- Debris left in the street or a neighbour's plot.
- Starting before builders have finished.
FAQs
Is my contractor supposed to clean? Check your construction agreement. Many contractors only remove rubble; detailed cleaning is often separate.
Why does dust come back after cleaning? Fine plaster dust settles for some days, especially from AC vents. A light follow-up clean may be needed; ask if the company offers one.
Can they also polish my marble? Many companies do marble polishing as an add-on. Ask for it to be priced separately.
How long does it take? It depends on the area and residue. The quote should state days and team size.
Should I clean the water tanks too? Tanks often collect dust and debris during construction. Ask for tank cleaning to be included or quoted separately.
Sources
No external figures or rules are cited on this page; guidance is general.