What is a builders clean? An introduction

Whether you've done your own bit of DIY or been part of a large-scale building project, you'll know that construction and renovation can leave behind a bit of a mess. From dangerous rubble and debris to thick, grimey layers of dust, construction waste needs to be cleaned up. This is where a builders clean comes in.

Simply put, a builders clean is a thorough cleaning service that takes place after construction, readying the property or space for sale, occupancy, or even another stage of construction. It is an important step in the construction handover process to ensure safety and efficiency for the next users of the space.

Let's talk more about the importance of a builders clean, what happens during the clean, and other key details of this essential service.

What does a builders clean consist of?

A builders clean is a very thorough service, necessary for cleaning up the kind of mess construction can leave behind. As such, a lot goes into a builders clean to cover all bases. Here are some of the common steps in an after-builders clean:

• Construction debris is the first thing that will be cleaned up. All rubble, sawdust, plaster, rubbish, and other waste caused by the building process will be removed.
• Residue, like paint flecks and stains, will be removed from surfaces.
• Floors, including tiled and carpeted floors, will be properly cleaned.
• Jet washing will be one of the methods used for any exterior cleaning necessary for areas such as driveways, cladding, patios, and outer walls.

The following steps fall under a sparkle clean service, a separate service that usually follows a builders clean:

• Windows and glass are cleaned of any watermarks and grime before getting polished to a shine.
• Bathrooms and kitchens get fully wiped clean and sanitised, then left ready for any further finishing that needs to happen.
• All surfaces, including countertops, cupboards, and shelving, will be properly cleaned and dusted. This is typically done more than once during the cleaning process, as dust in the air tends to settle slowly over time.
• Ceiling or high-up fittings such as extraction fans, vents, and light fixtures will be cleaned and dusted.

What is the difference between a builders clean and a sparkle clean?

The difference between a standard builders clean and a sparkle clean is in the detail. Your typical builders clean is a massive job that gets everything cleaned up and cleared away, while a sparkle clean pays attention to the finishes, such as dusting, polishing, and making everything 'sparkle'.

A sparkle clean follows a week or two after a builders clean once the construction dust has fully settled, and tends to happen around a day before the site is handed over. Often, the two services can come as a package.

How long does an after-builders clean take?

How long a builders clean takes entirely depends on two main factors:

Number one: the size of the construction site. For a team of three cleaners, a single, 3-bedroom new build home may take around a day. Larger sites either mean a longer job or more cleaners needed, the latter of which affects costing.

Number two: the debris and waste left by the construction process. The more mess there is, and the more difficult it is to clear away or clean up, the longer the job will take to complete. Vacuuming dust from concrete floors is going to be less time-consuming than scrubbing paint spilt on carpet!

Cleaners will expect to have access to running water and electricity on site. If this isn't available, or if they have to wait for late workers to leave the site, it will inevitably affect both the timing and cost of the clean.

How much does an after-builders clean cost?

Just like the timing of a builders clean, the cost is affected by several different elements of the job:

First, the size of the construction site plays a part in the cost. The general area, number of storeys, and other scale-related aspects all make a difference, as it could either extend the time it'll take to complete or require more cleaners.

Second, the extent of the construction mess will dictate the quote for a cleanup. If there is an excess of debris, dust, stains, and other waste left behind, it will take longer and require more product, both resulting in a slightly higher service price.

Third, the complexity of the space could potentially impact the cost. If the site being cleaned has many surfaces and facilities, this could again require more time and products.

Fourth, costs may increase if specialist equipment is brought in, which could be an agreed-upon aspect of a bespoke after-builders clean package.

Where can you find a top-quality builders clean service?

If your construction project is coming to an end or a new stage is soon to begin that requires clean up first, don't hesitate to get in touch. No matter the job or the mess, our builders and sparkle clean services will get everything looking spick and span. Our team of professional and experienced cleaners are reliable and efficient, hitting deadlines with ease.

We can provide larger teams for bigger jobs or tighter time frames, and every single builders clean service will come with a fully trained and regularly audited on-site supervisor to ensure a proper job well done.

Give us a call today on 01473 599 500 for a chat about your construction clean-up needs, or use our easy online enquiry form to request a callback with more info.