How much does after builders cleaning cost? [October 2025]

What is after builders cleaning?

After builders cleaning is a specialist service that’s designed to remove the dust, debris and mess that’s left behind after any kind of building or renovation work.

Whether you’ve had your kitchen re-tiled, your bathroom refitted, or an entire extension built, a professional after builders clean ensures your home is spotless, safe and ready to use again. This service goes beyond regular cleaning and includes removing fine dust, leftover paint splashes, grout residue, and other debris that standard cleaning may not cover.

Due to the complexity of this clean, and the need for professional-grade tools and products, this service tends to be more expensive than a regular or even deep clean.

How much does an after builders clean cost?

There’s no fixed cost for an after builders clean, as it depends on the size of your property and the extent of the building work.

Typically, after builders cleaning costs range from £180 to £650 (including VAT).

The table below provides a general cost guide depending on property size and whether you live in or outside of London. 

What other factors impact the cost of an after builders clean?

A few different factors can influence how much you’ll pay for an after builders clean, including the extent of the building work, who you book with and whether you need any additional services. 

1. Extent of the building work

A light refurb may only require a light builders clean, while a full renovation or structural work will need a more intense clean. More dust and more debris will mean more time and therefore a higher cost.
 

2. Time since work was completed
 

If the property hasn’t been aired or cleared since completion, the clean will take longer - especially if dust has settled deeply or items are still covered. 


 

3. If you need any additional services

Most professional cleaning services will allow you to add extra services like carpet, upholstery or fridge/freezer cleaning to your after builders clean which can cost up to £50 per item. Although, it's worth noting that they may be offered at a discounted rate when booked together. 

4. When you book

Unsurprisingly, same day and next day bookings will usually be charged at premium, as well as weekend and evening slots. So if you want the best rate, it's always a good idea to book with plenty of notice. 

5. Who you book with 

Independant cleaners and small agencies typically charge a cheaper rate than more established companies. This higher price doesn't come without it's extra perks though - with most large cleaning services offering more flexible slot options, cover cleaners on standby incase of sickness or other absence on the day and access to a dedicated customer support team. Most professional services also have a 72 hour guarantee, offering to return to reclean any missed areas free of charge. 

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What’s included in an after builders clean?

Exactly what's included in a after builders clean will differ slightly depending on who you book with. 

At Housekeep, our professional after builders clean includes the following:
 

• Wiping of surfaces throughout the property
• Cleaning outside of cupboards and skirting boards
• Cleaning the exterior of kitchen appliances & white goods
• Cleaning inside windows
• Vacuuming all floors and upholstery
• Mopping all hard flooring
   

In addition to the above tasks, you can also book a number of extra services as part of your after builders cleaning service, including:
 

• Inside Fridge/freezer cleaning
• Carpet cleaning
• Upholstery cleaning 
• Outdoor areas (balcony, patio & decking
  
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Do I need to book carpet and upholstery cleaning?

If your building work has kicked up a lot of dust, it may have settled deep into carpets and soft furnishings. Carpet and upholstery cleaning isn’t always included as standard in an after builders clean, but it’s worth adding on - especially in bedrooms, living rooms, or anywhere with heavy footfall.

This is particularly important if plaster or construction dust has been walked into the carpet, which can lead to long-term damage to your carpets and upholstery or even discolouration if not properly removed.

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How should I prepare for an after builders clean?

Before your clean, most professional cleaning services will require that  all building work is fully completed and any tools, materials, rubble and rubbish has been removed. The area should also be well ventilated so it's safe for the team to work. 

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Do I need a professional after builders clean?

While not a legal requirement, an after builders clean is strongly recommended following any construction or renovation work. Building dust can linger in the air for weeks and settle in tiny nooks, posing health risks and damaging your home long-term.

A professional team has the tools, products, and know-how to tackle even the most stubborn post-construction mess. And they often guarantee their work for 72 hours, meaning they will return to reclean any missed areas for no extra cost.

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Can I do an after builders clean myself?

Technically, yes - but it's not an easy job. After builders dust is ultra-fine and can spread throughout the property. Without professional-grade equipment like HEPA vacuum cleaners and specialist solvents, it’s extremely difficult to remove everything safely.

You’ll also need to know how to clean delicate new surfaces without damaging them - especially tiles, stone, and high-gloss fittings.

A professional after builders team will come equipped with all the necessary tools, products and PPE to safely clean your home to a high standard. 

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Where can I get a quote for professional after builders cleaning?

There's pleny of ways to find a cleaner to do an after builders cleaning. It's worth checking out local groups on social media - these groups will often have sole cleaners or smaller agencies that can provide photos of previous work. Or you could ask around your friends and family to see if they've had any deep cleans done recently as they may have a recommendation. 

If you'd prefer to book with a professional after builders cleaning service, you can get a quote through the Housekeep website. At Housekeep, we offer after builders cleaning across the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol. Just enter your postcode and a few quick details about your property, and we’ll give you a tailored quote straight away.

If you’ve got bespoke needs or would like to add carpet and upholstery cleaning, just let us know when booking – we’ll make sure it’s all covered.
 

Written by Georgina Shepherd & Henry Paterson

Georgina is one Housekeep's home services experts. She's interviewed thousands of the UK's best cleaners and tradespeople - so whether you need advice on a stubborn stain, or you're looking for tips to find the perfect plumber, Georgina's got you covered.

With years of experience in the industry, Henry has delivered talks at industry events including the Ideal Home Show and regularly features as an industry expert for publications including the Sun, Mail Online, Martha Stewart and many more.