Understanding the Difference: Builders Clean vs Final Clean
Not all construction cleans are created equal. If you’re managing a new build or renovation project, understanding the difference between a builders clean and a final clean can save time, money, and potential handover headaches.
Both cleans are essential, but they serve different purposes at different stages. Here’s how they compare:
Builders Clean vs Final Clean
1. Builder’s Clean (aka Initial Clean)
- Timing: Conducted after construction but before finishing touches
- Purpose: Remove bulk debris, plaster, dust, adhesives, paint overspray
- Focus Areas: Windows (internal/external), tracks, frames, floors, joinery, skirtings, fixtures
- Equipment: Often requires scrapers, vacuums with HEPA filters, EWP access, acid wash (if required)
- Who Needs It: Builders, project managers, developers
- Common Challenges: Cement haze, construction residue, high-access areas
2. Final Clean (aka Sparkle Clean or Handover Clean)
- Timing: After all trades have completed work, right before client handover
- Purpose: Polish and perfect the site for presentation or occupancy
- Focus Areas: Detailing—fingerprints on glass, marks on walls, floors mopped and buffed, bathrooms disinfected
- Equipment: Microfibre cloths, glass polishers, neutral cleaners
- Who Needs It: Property developers, commercial fit-out teams, real estate agents
- Goal: Create a ‘wow’ factor on walkthrough
Why It Matters A poor builder’s clean can make a final clean more time-consuming and costly. Similarly, skipping the final clean can ruin the polished image you want to present. At CleansePro, we specialise in both, tailoring our approach to match the build timeline.
📌 Download Our Ultimate Builder’s Clean Checklist (Free)
Final Builders Clean Checklist – Free Download
Pro Tip
A proper SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) for cleaning is often required on larger commercial or government builds. CleansePro offers pre-prepared SWMS templates tailored to cleaning tasks.
Explore Cleaning SWMS Templates
Learn more about our Builder Cleans Gold Coast services