Residential Post-Construction Cleaning: Essential Tasks and Checklist.

Zavvers Perth
Mar 30, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Dec 24, 2025

When a house is newly built or renovated, it’s rarely ready to move in right away. Dust, leftover construction materials, stickers, glue, and debris can make the property look unfinished. That’s where residential post-construction cleaning – also known as builders cleaning or after-builders cleaning – comes in.

This service is essential to make your new home spotless, safe, and move-in ready. While builders cleaning applies to both residential and commercial properties, this guide focuses on residential homes, giving you a clear checklist of what needs to be done.

Categories of Residential Builders Cleaning

Post-construction cleaning can be divided into two main types:

Property Interior Cleaning – all indoor spaces including kitchen, laundry, bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas.
Windows and Exterior Cleaning – windows, tracks, frames, sills, and sometimes exterior glass.

Each category has its own set of detailed tasks to ensure no dirt or construction residue is left behind.

1. Property Interior Cleaning Checklist

1.1 Kitchen

The kitchen is often the hardest hit during construction. Key tasks include:

Cleaning inside pantry and cupboards, removing dust, stickers, and leftover glue.
Removing plastic protective films from benches and polishing stone or granite surfaces.
Cleaning walls, tiles, and splashbacks to remove smears and fingerprints.
Polishing stainless steel sinks, taps, and fittings for a spotless shine.

Tip: Use electric blowers, vacuum cleaners, and non-abrasive cloths to avoid scratching surfaces

1.2 Laundry

Similar cleaning standards as the kitchen:

Clean cupboards, benches, and stone surfaces.
Polish stainless steel sinks and fittings.

1.3 Lounge / Living Areas

Dust and clean light fixtures, switches, and air conditioning vents.
Sweep, vacuum, and mop floors, with deep scrubbing where necessary.

1.4 Bedrooms

Clean wardrobes and cupboards, removing stickers, dust, and smudges.
Wipe mirrors and other reflective surfaces to prevent streaks.

1.5 Bathrooms & Powder Rooms

Clean and polish sinks, baths, showers, cupboards, tiles, and fittings.
Remove protective films, glue, and residues from surfaces.

1.6 Storage Areas & Walkways

Dust and clean cupboards, floors, and light fittings.
Remove all construction debris, stickers, and dirt.

1.7 Garage Floors

Sweep and remove rubbish, leaving a clean, usable space.

2. Windows and Glass Cleaning

Windows need special attention after construction:

Remove tape, stickers, paint splashes, cement, glue, and plaster.
Thoroughly clean window tracks to remove dust and sand.
Use non-scratch sponges, washers, squeegees, and specialized glass scrapers.
Take extra care with tinted or delicate glass to avoid damage.

Pro Tip: Professional tools and techniques ensure streak-free, crystal-clear windows – something that’s very hard to achieve with regular cleaning.

For a detailed guide on professional window cleaning techniques, check our post: How We Clean Your Windows

Why Builders Cleaning is Essential

Safety: Remove hazardous debris like nails, screws, and dust.
Hygiene: Dust, glue, and leftover construction chemicals can harm surfaces and air quality.
Aesthetics: A clean home highlights the quality of construction and finishes.
Move-in Ready: Makes the property fully functional and welcoming.

A thorough builders cleaning ensures your new or renovated home looks its absolute best and is ready to enjoy from day one.

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