By Builders finish, the skip goes, and the property still looks nothing like the photos you had in mind. Fine plaster dust is on every surface, there is paint on the glass and grout haze on the tiles. That is where post construction cleaning comes in. This guide explains what a post construction clean includes, how it differs from a regular or deep clean, how it is done, and what it typically costs in 2026.
What is post construction cleaning?
Post construction cleaning (also called after builders cleaning or a builders clean) is a specialist clean carried out after building, renovation or decorating work. Its job is to remove construction dust, residue and debris so the space is safe and ready to live or work in. It goes well beyond a normal clean because the dirt is different: fine silica and plaster dust settles inside cupboards, vents and light fittings, and materials like paint, adhesive, silicone and cement need the right products and tools to remove without damaging new surfaces.
Post construction cleaning vs regular cleaning
| Post construction clean | Regular or deep clean | |
|---|---|---|
| Main problem | Fine dust, paint, plaster, adhesive and grout residue | Everyday dirt, grease, limescale |
| Equipment | HEPA vacuums, scrapers, specialist residue removers | Standard vacuums and household products |
| Areas covered | Inside every cupboard, vent, frame, skirting and fitting, plus glass inside and out | Visible surfaces and agreed rooms |
| Number of passes | Usually two or three, because dust keeps settling | One |
| Time | Often a full day or more | A few hours |
A deep clean is a thorough version of a normal clean. It is the right choice for a home that needs a reset, but it will not shift cement splashes or stop plaster dust reappearing a day later. If you are not sure which you need, our guide to different types of cleaning explains when each one fits.
What does a post construction clean include?
- Debris removal: offcuts, packaging, protective film and loose rubbish cleared and bagged. Large waste and skips are normally the builder’s responsibility.
- Dust removal from top to bottom: ceilings, coving, light fittings, vents, extractor fans, door frames, skirting boards, radiators and sockets.
- Inside all storage: kitchen units, wardrobes and drawers, where dust collects while doors are open during the work.
- Windows and glass: paint flecks, labels and sticker residue removed, frames and sills cleaned, tracks vacuumed.
- Kitchens and bathrooms: grout haze and silicone smears removed, sanitaryware cleaned and polished, protective films taken off, appliances cleaned inside and out.
- Floors: HEPA vacuuming, then the right wet clean for the surface (wood, laminate, tile, vinyl or stone), plus carpets vacuumed thoroughly.
- Final detail: switches, handles, hinges and fixtures polished, and a walk-through check before hand-over.
Why construction dust needs a different approach
Construction dust is much finer than household dust. A household vacuum pushes a lot of it straight back into the air, where it settles again within hours. Some of it, such as dust from cutting concrete, brick or stone, contains silica, which is harmful to breathe in. That is why professional teams use HEPA-filtered vacuums, damp-wipe rather than dry-dust, work from the top of the room down, and usually come back for a second pass once the dust has settled. Ventilating the property during and after the clean helps too.
How a post construction clean is done, step by step
- Walk-through: check the scope, surfaces and any snagging before starting.
- Clear debris and remove protective coverings.
- Dry dust removal from the top down with HEPA vacuums: ceilings, fittings, frames, then walls.
- Residue removal: paint, adhesive, silicone and grout haze, with products matched to each surface.
- Kitchens and bathrooms: full clean, inside units and appliances.
- Glass and windows inside and out where reachable.
- Floors last, vacuumed then wet-cleaned.
- Final inspection, plus a return visit for a sparkle clean if more dust settles.
For a printable room-by-room version, see our post construction cleaning checklist.
How much does post construction cleaning cost?
Prices depend on the size of the property and how much work was done. These are typical 2026 prices for after builders cleaning in Edinburgh:
| Property | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Small property (flat, or light decorating work) | £120 – £200 |
| Medium property (2–3 bedrooms) | £180 – £300 |
| Large property (4+ bedrooms or major renovation) | £250 – £400+ |
| Commercial units and new builds | Quoted per project |
Heavy paint or cement residue, high windows and multiple return visits add to the cost. See the full breakdown on our after builders cleaning cost page.
Can you do it yourself?
After a small decorating job, yes, as long as you use a HEPA vacuum, damp cloths and plenty of patience. After a kitchen fit, extension, loft conversion or full renovation, a professional clean usually pays for itself: it is faster, it avoids scratching new surfaces with the wrong products, and it gets the fine dust out of places you will not think to check until it comes out of the extractor fan a month later.
What to check before you hire a post construction cleaner
- They have public liability insurance.
- They bring HEPA-filtered equipment.
- The quote lists what is included, especially inside cupboards, windows and a second pass.
- They can work around your builder’s snagging and hand-over dates.
- They have recent reviews for after builders work, not just domestic cleaning.
Post construction cleaning in Edinburgh
MT Cleaners carries out after builders and post construction cleans across Edinburgh and the Lothians, for homeowners, landlords, builders and developers. Fixed prices, insured team, HEPA equipment as standard. See our after builders cleaning service in Edinburgh, or send photos of the property on WhatsApp for a fixed quote. You can also call +44 7747 675575.
Post construction cleaning FAQs
What is included in post construction cleaning?
Debris removal, dust removal from every surface (including inside cupboards, vents and fittings), removal of paint, adhesive and grout residue, cleaning of kitchens, bathrooms, glass and floors, and a final inspection.
When should I book a post construction clean?
Once all trades have finished, including decorators and any flooring fitters. Booking it before the last trade leaves means paying for a second clean.
Is a deep clean enough after building work?
Usually not. A deep clean does not include residue removal or the multiple passes needed for construction dust. For anything beyond light decorating, book a post construction clean.
How long does a post construction clean take?
A one-bed flat can take most of a day for one or two cleaners. A larger house after a full renovation may take two or three days, or a bigger team.
How do I get rid of dust after building work?
Ventilate, vacuum from the top down with a HEPA vacuum, damp-wipe every surface, clean or replace extractor and air filters, then repeat a day or two later once the remaining dust settles.
