Is a builders clean included in your new home or renovation, and you’re unsure what exactly will be covered? This stage is often overlooked because it tends to be one of the lower-cost items in the overall build. However, getting it right is essential—otherwise, you may find yourself spending the first few days cleaning instead of enjoying your new home.
Understanding what a builders clean includes can help you avoid surprises, set the right expectations, and ensure your property is truly ready for handover.
The Old Style of Builders Clean
In the past, the builder would typically carry out the builders clean themselves—hence the name.
his often involved assigning an apprentice or labourer to remove protective coverings, vacuum joinery, tidy floors, and wipe down benchtops. It was a relatively simple process and, at the time, generally sufficient.
Builders were able to manage this because many trades operated as sole traders and took great pride in their workmanship, often leaving behind minimal mess. As the construction industry expanded, however, there was an increasing reliance on subcontractors working under tighter deadlines and cost pressures.
Over time, this shift led to less emphasis on maintaining clean worksites during construction, increasing the need for a more detailed and professional approach at the end of the build.
Today, builders almost always outsource this stage to professional cleaning contractors. There are generally two types of providers available: commercial cleaners and specialised builders cleaners.
While commercial cleaners may be suitable for general cleaning tasks, specialised builders cleaning companies are typically the better choice. They understand the unique requirements of post-construction cleaning, know what to look for, and use the right techniques to present your home in the best possible condition—helping protect and enhance the finishes throughout the property.
The Builders Clean
Today, a builders clean is no longer just a final tidy—it is the complete presentation of the project.
After spending months building or renovating your home, you naturally expect everything to look brand new. From windows and floors to cabinetry and fixtures, every surface should reflect the quality of the work completed.
The builders clean is often described as the “final polish” or the “icing on the cake.” It plays a critical role in transforming a construction site into a finished, move-in-ready home.
The quality of the clean can significantly influence the overall impression of the build. Professional builders cleaners have the tools, experience, and attention to detail required to bring a property up to display-home standard.
In contrast, non-specialist or domestic cleaners may be effective at general household cleaning, but are often not equipped to handle construction dust, paint residue, silicone marks, and other post-build challenges. Choosing the right cleaning team can make a noticeable difference in the final result.
So, what is included specifically?
In most cases, the following inclusions can be expected as part of a standard builders clean:
- Cleaning of all tiled walls
- Cleaning of vanity units and basins
- Cleaning of toilet bowls, including removal of stickers and residue
- Cleaning of bathroom fixtures, shower screens, and tapware
- Cleaning of joinery, robes, built-in wardrobes, and walk-in areas
- Cleaning of all skirtings, architraves, and door frames
- Cleaning of doors, handles, and hardware
- Cleaning of all silicone joins throughout the property
- Cleaning of light switches, power points, and ceiling fixtures
- Cleaning of kitchen joinery, benchtops, splashbacks, sinks, and tapware
- Cleaning of carpets, timber floors, tiled floors, and feature concrete
- Cleaning of walls and ceilings (where required or specified)
- Cleaning of windows, frames, door tracks, and flyscreens
- Cleaning of alfresco areas and outdoor kitchens
- Cleaning of garage floors, roller doors, and fixtures
- Cleaning of front porch surfaces and entrance features
These inclusions ensure the property is presented clean, safe, and ready for inspection or handover.
And, what is usually excluded or an optional extra?
In most cases, the following items are not automatically included but can be added if required:
- Detailed cleaning of all painted walls or ceilings
- Cleaning of gutters, eaves, fascias, or roof areas
- Cleaning of appliances such as ovens, fridges, and coffee machines
- Pressure cleaning of pathways, driveways, and surrounding areas
- Cleaning of landscaped elements such as fences, retaining walls, and letterboxes
- Application of sealers or protective coatings to surfaces
Clarifying these items in advance helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures the scope of work aligns with your expectations.
How do I know for sure my builder is using the right cleaner?
In many cases, the choice of cleaning contractor is handled by the builder. However, if you want to ensure the best possible result, it is worth doing your own research or discussing the cleaning scope in more detail.
You can:
- Ask who the builder is using and what their scope includes
- Request a checklist of inclusions and exclusions
- Compare this against your expectations for handover
- Use the ligh above as a guide during your pre-handover inspection
A high-quality builders clean should leave the property looking complete, detailed, and ready to move into—not something that still requires additional effort on your part.
If your builder is using different terms or you would like a broader understanding of the process, you can also refer to our guide on what a builders clean is for more context.