Builder Cleaning Cost UK: 2026 Price Guide

After builders work, most homes and small commercial spaces look “finished” at first glance, but the dust, plaster smears and paint spots tell a different story. You wipe a shelf and the cloth comes away grey, your new floors feel gritty underfoot, and there’s a fine film of dust on every socket and skirting board. That is exactly the point where a proper builders clean earns its keep.

This guide runs through what realistic builder cleaning cost UK figures look like in 2026, what’s included, how prices are worked out, and when it makes sense to bring in a professional team instead of trying to tackle it all yourself.

What “Post Builder Cleaning Cost UK: Complete Price Breakdown 2026” Actually Means

When people talk about post builder or after builders cleaning cost in the UK, they usually mean a one‑off, specialist clean carried out after construction, renovation or refurbishment work has finished. It is very different from a normal weekly domestic clean and is priced accordingly.

In 2026, most reputable companies in the UK charge in two main ways:

Hourly rate: typically around £20–£35 per hour per cleaner, with London often towards the higher end of that range
Fixed price per job: often from roughly £130–£180 for a small studio flat, up to £300–£650+ for larger family homes, with London again 15–20% higher on average than many other areas

The exact builder cleaning cost UK figure for your property depends on several factors covered later on: size, level of dust and debris, type of finish, access, and how much detail you expect (for example, a basic post construction cleaning versus a full sparkle clean).

Common Problems After Building or Renovation Work

After builders or trades leave, even tidy teams will usually leave behind:

Fine plaster and brick dust on every surface, including skirting boards, sockets, radiators and window sills
Paint or varnish specks on glass, tiles, worktops and flooring
Silicone smears around bathrooms and kitchens
Stickers on new windows, appliances and sanitary ware
Grout haze on tiles and cloudiness on glass balustrades

In UK properties such as Victorian terraces, modern flats and new‑build semis, that dust can get into:

Original floorboards and gaps in skirting
Vent covers, extractor fans and radiators
Carpets, especially on stairs and landings

Left alone, the dust will keep settling for days, so a proper after builders cleaning UK service is about removing dust from high to low, not just giving everything a quick once‑over.

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What Is Included in a Professional After Builders Clean

Every company has its own checklist, but a solid professional builders clean usually includes most of the following as standard for domestic or small commercial work:

Thorough dusting and vacuuming of all rooms, starting from ceilings, light fittings and coving, down to skirting boards and floors
Wiping and sanitising of switches, sockets, door frames, handles and banisters
Cleaning internal windows, frames, sills and removing stickers and manufacturers’ residue
Detailed clean of kitchens: cupboards inside and out, worktops, sinks, appliances surfaces, kickboards and tiles
Detailed clean of bathrooms: descaling taps and shower screens, cleaning grout lines, polishing tiles and sanitising toilets and basins
Hard floor cleaning: vacuuming, mopping, and in some cases machine scrubbing or buffing if agreed in advance

Extras that often add to after builders cleaning prices include:

External window cleaning or high‑level access work
Carpet and upholstery cleaning
Garage, loft or outbuilding cleaning
Removal of builders’ rubbish or heavy debris beyond normal bagged waste

If you hear terms like “post renovation cleaning”, “post construction cleaning” or “builders clean”, they normally refer to this kind of detailed service, not a light domestic tidy.

Step‑by‑Step Process (Explain Like You Do It Every Day)

On a typical UK job – say a 3‑bed semi after a new kitchen and bathroom plus re‑plastering – a professional team will usually follow a clear process.

1. Walk‑through and planning

Check which trades have finished and which areas are safe to work in.
Identify sensitive finishes (real wood floors, marble, high‑gloss units).
Agree priorities with the client: for example, “make the kitchen and one bathroom spotless first”.

2. Dry dust and vacuum from top to bottom

Start with ceilings, coving, light fittings and extractor fans.
Work down walls, window frames, sills and radiators.
Use professional vacuums with HEPA filters to pick up fine dust, especially on carpets and stairs.

3. Detail surfaces and fixtures

Wipe down doors, frames, skirting boards, sockets, switches and built‑in furniture.
Remove paint specks and plaster carefully from glass, tiles and hard floors using appropriate scrapers and chemicals where safe.
Clean internal windows, frames and sills, removing stickers, glue and silicone smears.

4. Kitchens and bathrooms

Degrease and clean cupboards inside and out, including tops of units where dust settles.
Clean and sanitise worktops, sinks, taps and hobs, paying attention to edges and sealant lines.
In bathrooms, descale taps and shower heads, polish screens, tiles and chrome, and deep clean toilets and basins.

5. Floors and final touches

Vacuum carpets slowly to pull out fine dust; recommend or carry out carpet cleaning if needed.
Machine or manual clean hard floors, ensuring no grit is left that could scratch new finishes.
Finish with a sparkle clean – polishing glass, mirrors and stainless steel so everything looks “handover ready”.

For a small flat, this might take a small team 4–6 hours; for a larger 4‑bed house after heavy works, a full day or even two visits is common, especially if you want a deep clean followed by a final sparkle clean once all dust has settled.

Deep Clean vs After Builders Clean (Key Differences)

Many people search for a “deep clean” and an “after builders clean” as if they are the same thing, but they are not.

What is a deep clean?

A deep clean focuses on built‑up grime, grease and limescale in an occupied property. Typical tasks include:

Degreasing ovens, extractors and kitchen tiles
Descaling taps, shower heads and toilets
Moving furniture where possible to clean behind and underneath
Cleaning inside cupboards and appliances on request

Deep cleaning is ideal when a property has not had a proper clean for a while, but there has been no recent building work.

What is an after builders clean?

An after builders clean is designed around building dust and construction residues. It focuses on:

Removing layers of plaster and brick dust
Getting rid of paint spots, filler, silicone and stickers
Tackling grout haze on tiles and cloudiness on new glass
Making brand‑new kitchens, bathrooms and flooring “show home” ready

So “deep clean vs after builders clean” really comes down to the type of dirt. A post construction cleaning service will still leave your property hygienic, but the emphasis is on construction residue rather than long‑term wear and tear. Prices for after builders cleaning are usually higher than a standard deep clean because it is slower, dustier and needs more specialist kit and materials.

Pricing Factors in the UK (Realistic Ranges)

Actual after builders cleaning prices vary, but there are some sensible ranges for 2026. These are guide figures only, based on typical UK market data.

Typical cost ranges

Hourly rates for after builders cleaning: roughly £20–£35 per hour per cleaner, with London usually at or near the top end
Small studio or 1‑bed flat after light works: around £130–£220 including VAT in many areas; £160–£260+ in London
2–3 bed flat or house after moderate works: roughly £180–£320 outside London; £220–£390 in London
4–5+ bed house after extensive works: commonly £270–£450 outside London; £300–£650+ in London, depending on scope and condition

Commercial post construction cleaning for shops or offices is often priced per square metre or square foot, and can range widely depending on access, height and finishes.

What affects your quote

Expect your builder cleaning cost UK quote to reflect:

Property size and layout: more rooms, stairs and awkward spaces take longer.
Scope of works: full refurb with new plaster, joinery and tiling costs more than a simple bathroom swap.
Current condition: tidy builders and clear access make a big difference to time on site.
Location: London and the South East usually pay more than some other parts of the UK due to labour, fuel and parking costs.

Some companies set a minimum charge (for example, 4–5 hours or a minimum spend) to cover travel, set‑up time and materials.

How Homeowners and Landlords Can Prepare the Property

Good preparation can shave hours off the job and keep your after builders cleaning prices sensible.

Before the cleaners arrive, try to:

Confirm all major dusty works are finished and no more sanding or drilling is planned.
Ask your builder to remove bulky debris and sweep up the worst of the rubble.
Make sure there is running water, electricity and good lighting throughout.
Open windows where safe for ventilation and to help dust clear.
Remove personal items, soft furnishings and anything fragile from heavy‑traffic areas if possible.

If the property is furnished:

Cover sofas and mattresses with dust sheets if works are still ongoing.
Move smaller items off floors and worktops so cleaners can get straight on with detailed work instead of tidying first.

Landlords preparing a rental after refurbishment can also line up an inventory or photos straight after the sparkle clean so the property is documented in its best condition.

Mistakes People Make After Builders Work

There are a few common issues that push up cost or lead to disappointing results:

Booking cleaners before builders are fully finished, so dust and debris keep reappearing.
Trying to do the first pass themselves without the right equipment, which just spreads fine dust around.
Using harsh chemicals or blades on delicate surfaces, scratching new glass or damaging flooring.
Forgetting about hidden areas like the tops of kitchen units, extractor filters, inside radiators and under baths with panels.

Another mistake is assuming a normal domestic cleaner or end‑of‑tenancy clean is the same as a specialist builders clean. Post renovation cleaning is slower and heavier; using a team that does it regularly usually gives a better finish and more accurate time frames.

When You Should Call Professional Cleaners

Calling in a professional after builders cleaning UK service is usually worth it when:

You have had major works: new kitchen, multiple bathrooms, loft conversion, extensions or full refurb.
There is visible plaster dust on most surfaces, or you can taste dust in the air when you walk in.
You are short on time and need the property ready for moving in, selling or letting on a fixed date.
There are high‑value finishes such as natural stone, real wood or bespoke joinery that you do not want to risk damaging.

Professional builders clean teams bring:

Commercial vacuums and dust‑control equipment
Specialist chemicals for safe removal of paint, silicone and grout haze
Experience in working alongside other trades and spotting snags or damage early

For smaller jobs – for example, one new bathroom in an otherwise clean flat – you might manage with a mix of DIY and a shorter professional visit just for the tricky areas. For large, dusty projects, a two‑stage approach (initial builders clean then final sparkle clean) is often the most efficient and cost‑effective option.

FAQ: Post Builder Cleaning Cost UK

1. How much does after builders cleaning cost in the UK?
Most households pay somewhere between about £130 and £450 for a one‑off after builders clean, depending mainly on property size and how much work has been done. Larger or high‑end projects, especially in London, can run up to £650 or more if they involve several cleaners on site for a full day.

2. Why is after builders cleaning more expensive than normal cleaning?
Builders cleans are slower, dustier and more detailed than regular domestic cleaning, and they require stronger vacuums, more materials and experienced staff. Removing plaster dust, paint splashes and silicone takes more time and care than standard surface wiping, so the hourly rate and total cost are higher.

3. How long does a builders clean usually take?
A small one‑bed flat after light works might take a small team 4–6 hours, while a 3–4 bed house after major renovations can easily take a full day or more. Properties with lots of fine features, glass and high ceilings normally require extra time.

4. Can I stay in the property during an after builders clean?
In many cases yes, but it is not always comfortable because there can still be some airborne dust and strong cleaning products in use. For safety and efficiency it is better if children and pets are kept out of the way while the team works.

5. What is a sparkle clean?
A sparkle clean is a detailed final clean designed to make a property look ready for handover, photos or viewings. It usually follows an initial post construction cleaning and focuses on polishing glass, stainless steel, mirrors and high‑visibility surfaces.

6. Is after builders cleaning charged per hour or per job?
Some companies charge per hour per cleaner, often between £20 and £35, while others offer fixed prices based on property size and the scope of works. For larger or more complex jobs, a site visit or detailed brief is usually needed for an accurate quote.

7. Do I need a builders clean for a small job like a bathroom refit?
Even a single new bathroom can create a surprising amount of dust and grout residue, especially in small UK flats and terraced houses. If you are comfortable cleaning tiles, glass and fittings yourself you might only need a shorter professional visit for floors and tricky areas; otherwise, a focused builders clean can get it back to a move‑in standard quickly.

8. What should be included in an after builders cleaning quote?
A clear quote should spell out which rooms are included, whether internal windows and inside cupboards are covered, and if materials and equipment are included in the price. It should also show any extra charges for things like external windows, carpet cleaning, heavy debris removal or weekend work.

9. Is post construction cleaning needed in new‑build homes?
New‑build homes often look clean but still have construction dust, stickers, paint flecks and silicone marks around frames and sanitary ware. A post construction cleaning visit helps protect your new finishes, makes the property healthier to move into and can show up any snagging issues before you sign everything off.

10. How can I keep costs down without cutting corners?
You can:

Make sure builders have finished and removed the worst of the debris before booking cleaners.
Tidy personal belongings and clear surfaces so the team can get straight to detailed cleaning.
Prioritise key areas – for example, kitchen, bathrooms and main living spaces – if your budget will not stretch to a full property clean in one go.

Conclusion

A good after builders clean is about more than just dusting; it helps you actually enjoy the money and time you have put into your project instead of spending weekends chasing plaster dust around. If you have had recent works and want a realistic builder cleaning cost UK quote for your flat, terraced house, semi‑detached or small commercial space, the sensible next step is to speak to a local specialist, share a few photos and measurements, and ask for a clear, itemised price based on your actual property and plans.