If you’re planning a handover, one of the first questions is how much a builders clean will cost. The honest answer is that it depends on the job. Two sites of the same size can need very different amounts of work, which is why reputable builders cleaners quote on scope rather than quoting a flat price over the phone.

This guide explains what affects the cost of a builders clean in Sydney and Melbourne, why hourly rates and online price lists can be misleading, and how to get an accurate quote.

Need a quote now? See our builders cleaning Sydney and builders cleaning Melbourne services.

What affects the cost of a builders clean?

Size of the property: more floor area, rooms and levels means more surfaces to detail.
Type of project: a new home, an apartment development, an office fit-out and a retail shop all need different approaches. See our residential, commercial, office fit-out, shop fit-out and high rise builders cleans.
How much dust and residue is left: paint splatter, silicone, adhesive, grout haze and protective films take time to remove safely.
Windows and glass: the amount of glass, and whether high or external windows need access equipment.
Finishes: stone, timber, polished concrete and stainless steel need specific products and care.
Stage of the clean: a rough clean during construction, a detailed clean or a final presentation clean. Some projects need all three. Read more about the end of build clean.
Access and timing: site access, parking, lifts, working around trades and tight handover deadlines.

Why hourly rates and price lists can be misleading

You may see builders clean hourly rates or “from” prices online. They rarely tell you what you’ll actually pay. A low hourly rate means little if the job takes twice as long or isn’t finished to standard, and a fixed price that seems cheap may leave out windows, inside cupboards or residue removal.

The cheapest quote can end up the most expensive. Builders often call us after another cleaner has left a site that isn’t ready for handover, which means paying for the same clean twice and risking delays.

How Master Cleaners Australia quotes a builders clean

Make an enquiry: tell us about your project, location and handover date.
Onsite visit: we inspect the site to see the size, condition, finishes and access.
Detailed quote: you receive a quote based on the actual scope of work, so you know exactly what’s included.
Schedule your clean: we book the clean around your trades and handover date.

Because every quote is based on an inspection, there are no surprises on the day.

What should be included in a builders clean quote?

When comparing after builders cleaning prices, check what each quote actually covers, for example:

dust removal from walls, ceilings, cornices, skirting boards and vents
inside cupboards, drawers, wardrobes and joinery
windows, frames, tracks and sills, inside and out
paint, silicone, adhesive and grout haze removal
kitchens and bathrooms cleaned and sanitised
floors vacuumed, mopped and detailed
a final inspection before handover

Our complete builders clean checklist covers this in more detail.

How to keep the cost of your builders clean down

Book early: about a month before handover is ideal, so the clean can be scheduled efficiently. Last-minute cleans are often possible, but planning ahead gives you more options.
Have trades finish first: cleaning before all trades are done can mean paying for a second clean.
Clear bulk rubbish: make sure skips and large waste are removed before the detailed clean.
Protect finishes during the build: floor and benchtop protection reduces the residue to remove later.
Choose specialists: an experienced builders cleaning team gets it right the first time. Read our guide to choosing a builders cleaning company.

Frequently asked questions