Post Builders Cleaning Cost in the UK
What a post-construction or after-builders clean typically costs in the UK, what it covers, and how to plan it around snagging and final handover.
When the builders leave, the work is not finished: plaster dust coats every surface, paint splashes dot windows and floors, and the whole house smells of building materials. A post-builders clean tackles all of this. Because it is heavy, time-consuming work, it is priced differently from a regular clean. Here is what to expect.
Typical prices
Post-builders cleans are normally quoted per job after the cleaner has seen the property or photos, and they are often priced per hour with several cleaners. Typically:
| Project | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Single room (kitchen, bathroom) | £100 to £250 |
| Small flat after refurbishment | £200 to £450 |
| 2 to 3-bed house after renovation | £350 to £700 |
| Large extension or full renovation | £600 to £1,200+ |
These are only guides. London and the South East are typically higher and very large or heavily affected properties go well beyond these ranges. Some cleaners charge £16 to £25 an hour, with multiple people working at once.
Why it costs more than a normal clean
Construction dust is extremely fine and settles on every surface, including inside cupboards, window frames and light fittings. Cleaners often need to go over each area more than once, using HEPA-filter vacuums where available, damp wiping, and specific products for paint, cement and adhesive residues. Surfaces can be scratched by the wrong tools, so the work needs care as well as time.
What is usually included
- Dust removal from all surfaces, shelves, skirting boards, door frames and windowsills.
- Cleaning windows and frames, including scraping paint splashes where safe.
- Vacuuming and mopping floors, with care on newly laid surfaces.
- Cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, including inside new cupboards and appliances.
- Wiping radiators, switches, sockets and light fittings.
- Removing stickers and protective films.
Rubbish and skips are normally the builder's responsibility. A cleaner will not usually remove rubble or heavy waste, and some will not remove hazardous materials. If you suspect asbestos or other hazards, speak to a qualified professional first.
Timing it properly
- Wait until all building work is complete. Cleaning before painting or snagging finishes means repeating work.
- Allow time for plaster and paint to cure. Cleaners need dry, finished surfaces.
- Ask for a clean before you move furniture back. It is easier and more thorough.
- Expect a second visit. Dust often settles again over a few days, and a quick follow-up clean can be worth planning for.
Similar to a deep clean, the more of the property that is empty, the faster and cheaper the job. Our guide to what a post-builders clean involves covers the process in more detail.
Getting a fair quote
Give photos and be honest about the amount of dust and residue. Say how many rooms, whether floors are protected and when the builders will finish. Ask whether the price covers one visit or several, and whether the cleaners bring a HEPA vacuum and ladders. Agree in advance what happens if heavy residues such as cement or grout haze cannot be fully removed without risk of damage.
Compito lets you search by postcode, compare ID-verified local providers, read reviews left after completed bookings and message them about scope before you accept an offer and pay online.
A worked example
A kitchen extension has just finished: new plaster, tiling, painted walls and bifold doors. A team of two cleaners might need six hours for the extension and adjoining rooms. At a combined £30 to £40 an hour, the cost is roughly £180 to £240. If the dust has travelled through the rest of the downstairs, the scope and price grow. Taking photos before booking and walking through with the cleaner will give a more accurate figure.
What affects the price most
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Number of rooms affected | Directly increases time |
| Dust spread beyond the work area | Needs extra wiping and vacuuming |
| Paint, grout haze, silicone | Needs careful removal |
| New surfaces needing gentle care | Slower, specialist products |
| Access, parking and floors | Adds time and effort |
Common mistakes
- Booking the cleaner before snagging jobs are done.
- Asking a regular cleaner on a short visit to handle construction dust.
- Forgetting to cover or remove soft furnishings before work starts.
- Expecting cleaners to remove rubble or hire a skip.
- Not ventilating afterwards.
Planning around the build
Where you can, ask the builder to leave the site broom-clean and to protect floors and doors, since that reduces cleaning time. Agree in the contract who handles waste and final tidy. Keep a record of any damage you spot during the clean, such as scratched glass or paint on windows, and report it promptly so it can be dealt with while the builder is still involved.
Frequently asked questions
Should the builder or I pay for the clean?
It depends on the contract. Some builders include a basic tidy in their price, but a full professional clean is usually separate. Check your agreement before the project finishes.
Can I move back in straight after the clean?
Generally yes, but dust can linger. Leave windows open when possible and wipe surfaces again over the next few days. If anyone in the household has asthma or respiratory issues, consider extra ventilation and a follow-up clean.
How long does it take?
A small refurbished flat might take four to eight hours for a team. A whole-house renovation may take one to three days depending on how many cleaners work together.
Is a post-builders clean different from a deep clean?
Yes. A deep clean tackles ordinary grime and build-up. A post-builders clean deals with fine construction dust, paint and adhesives, and usually needs different tools and more passes.