After Builders Cleaning Cost in Ireland: Complete Price Guide (2026)

What Does After Builders Cleaning Cost in Ireland in 2026?

After builders cleaning — also called post-construction cleaning — is the process of removing construction dust, debris, and residues from a property after building work is complete. It is one of the most specialised cleaning services, requiring industrial equipment, trained operatives, and an understanding of how to clean newly installed surfaces without damaging them.

Costs vary significantly depending on the phase of clean required, the size of the property, the type of construction work completed, and the condition of the site at handover. This guide breaks down the real costs that Irish property owners, developers, and contractors are paying in 2026.

All prices exclude VAT at 13.5% unless stated otherwise. For a broader overview of post-construction cleaning services, see our post-construction cleaning services page. For the three-phase cleaning process explained in detail, read our builders clean guide.

After Builders Cleaning: The Three Phases

Professional after builders cleaning follows a three-phase process. Each phase serves a different purpose and is priced separately. Most properties need all three phases, but the scope of building work determines which phases are necessary.

Phase 1: Rough Clean

The rough clean happens immediately after the last tradesperson leaves the site. It removes bulk construction waste, heavy dust deposits, plaster splashes, cement residue, and packaging materials. The goal is to make the site safe and accessible for any remaining fit-out work (carpet laying, appliance installation, furniture delivery).

• 1–2 bed apartment: €150–€300
• 3-bed semi-detached house: €200–€400
• 4–5 bed detached house: €350–€650
• Commercial (per m²): €1.00–€2.50

Phase 1 is typically the builder’s responsibility under most construction contracts. If your builder is not providing this, negotiate before the project starts.

Phase 2: Builders Clean

The builders clean is the main cleaning phase. It happens after all fixtures, fittings, and appliances are installed but before carpets are laid (if applicable). Every surface is cleaned thoroughly: walls wiped down, windows cleaned inside and out, floors scrubbed, bathrooms and kitchens fully cleaned, all dust removed from shelving, inside cupboards, light fittings, and ventilation grilles.

• 1–2 bed apartment: €250–€500
• 3-bed semi-detached house: €350–€700
• 4–5 bed detached house: €550–€1,100
• Commercial (per m²): €1.50–€3.50

Phase 2 is the most labour-intensive phase and typically accounts for 50–60% of the total after builders cleaning cost.

Phase 3: Sparkle Clean

The sparkle clean is the final detail clean before occupation or handover. It brings the property to a move-in ready or show-home standard. Every surface is polished, every fitting gleams, floors are spotless, and the property smells fresh. This is the clean that makes the first impression.

• 1–2 bed apartment: €200–€400
• 3-bed semi-detached house: €300–€550
• 4–5 bed detached house: €450–€900
• Commercial (per m²): €1.00–€2.50

Phase 3 is usually the client’s responsibility rather than the builder’s. For new-build developments, developers often contract a cleaning company to deliver Phase 3 across all units before the sales launch.

Total After Builders Cleaning Cost by Property Size

The following table shows the typical total cost for a full three-phase after builders clean in Ireland in 2026:

All prices exclude VAT at 13.5%. Bulk pricing for multi-unit developments is typically 10–20% lower per unit than individual properties.

After Builders Cleaning: Per-Hour and Per-Square-Metre Rates

Some cleaning companies quote by the hour, some by the square metre, and some by the property. Knowing all three bases lets you sanity-check a quote against the market. The table below shows the 2026 rate bands Irish after-builders cleaners charge.

Worked example — 3-bed semi (110 m²) Phase 2 builders clean: at €3.00/m² = €330, or at team-of-two × 6 hours × €28/hr = €336. These two methods should always converge within 10–15%. If a quote is more than 25% off the bottom of this matrix, the cleaner may be uninsured, untrained on construction dust, or pricing without a site survey — all three are risks flagged by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

Deep-clean pricing for reference (non-builders work, moved-in properties) typically runs €220–€470 nationally. After-builders pricing sits above this because construction dust — particularly silica from concrete cutting, plasterboard dust, and grout haze — requires HEPA / M-class vacuums, sealed-unit extraction, and P3 respirators under COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) guidance.

After Builders Cleaning Cost by Project Type

The type of construction work significantly affects the cleaning cost. A kitchen extension generates very different cleaning requirements than a full new-build or a commercial office fit-out.

Kitchen or Bathroom Renovation

Single-room renovations produce localised dust and debris. The affected room needs a full builders clean, and adjacent rooms need dust removal from surfaces, floors, and soft furnishings.

• Kitchen renovation clean: €150–€350
• Bathroom renovation clean: €120–€280
• Kitchen + bathroom combined: €220–€500

Extension (Single or Double Storey)

Extensions produce substantial dust that migrates through the entire property. Even rooms that were not part of the building work need thorough cleaning. Expect to clean the entire house, not just the extension.

• Single-storey rear extension: €400–€900 (whole house clean)
• Double-storey extension: €600–€1,400 (whole house clean)
• Attic conversion: €350–€750

Full Refurbishment

A full refurbishment (gut and refit) produces as much dust and debris as a new build. Every surface needs cleaning, and the property is typically in worse initial condition than a new-build because old plaster dust, paint flakes, and decades of accumulated dirt are disturbed during demolition.

• 2-bed apartment refurbishment: €500–€1,000
• 3-bed house refurbishment: €800–€1,800
• Period property restoration: €1,200–€3,000+

Commercial Fit-Out

Commercial fit-outs (offices, retail units, restaurants) are priced per square metre because the floor area is the primary cost driver. Access hours, security requirements, and the level of finish required also affect pricing.

• Office fit-out (per m²): €3.00–€6.00
• Retail unit fit-out (per m²): €3.50–€7.00
• Restaurant/hospitality fit-out (per m²): €4.00–€8.00
• Healthcare/clinical fit-out (per m²): €5.00–€10.00

Factors That Affect After Builders Cleaning Cost

If two quotes for the same property differ significantly, it is usually because of one or more of these factors:

Scope of Building Work

A cosmetic renovation (painting, new flooring, updated fixtures) produces far less dust than structural work (walls removed, concrete poured, plastering, brickwork). Structural work generates fine silica dust that embeds itself in every surface and takes significantly longer to remove.

Property Condition at Handover

If the builder has done a reasonable rough clean before handover, the remaining work is lighter. If the property is handed over with rubble on the floors, cement splashes on the windows, and plaster dust on every surface, the cleaning cost increases substantially. The difference can be 30–50% of the total price.

Floor Types

Hard floors (tile, stone, engineered wood) can be scrubbed mechanically and are relatively efficient to clean. Newly laid carpets need specialist extraction cleaning to remove embedded construction dust. Natural stone (marble, granite, limestone) requires pH-neutral cleaning products to avoid etching. Each floor type adds complexity and time.

Window Count and Access

Windows are one of the most time-consuming elements of a builders clean. Each window needs cleaning inside and out, including frames, sills, and tracks. A 4-bed detached house with 20+ windows takes significantly longer than a 2-bed apartment with 8 windows. Access to upper-floor external windows may require ladders or a water-fed pole system, adding to the cost.

Location

Dublin and commuter-belt counties (Wicklow, Kildare, Meath) command 15–25% higher rates than the rest of the country due to higher labour costs, travel time, and parking challenges. Cork city rates are 5–15% above the national average.

After Builders Cleaning Cost by County in Ireland (2026)

After builders cleaning rates vary across Ireland depending on labour market, travel time, and local demand. The figures below show typical Phase 2 builders clean pricing for a 3-bed semi-detached house. Phase 1 adds roughly 60%, Phase 3 adds roughly 80%. All ranges exclude VAT at 13.5%.

Within Dublin, affluent south-county postcodes such as Monkstown, Foxrock, Dalkey, Blackrock and Leopardstown typically fall at the upper end of the Dublin range (€400–€800 for a Phase 2 clean on a 3-bed) because larger period properties and premium finishes increase the cleaning surface area and specification. Conversely, Kildare new-build estates frequently price at €130–€320 per unit on bulk developer contracts. These county ranges reflect national-cleaner pricing — independent cleaners operating at €15–€25/hr will sit below these figures, while fully insured, Safe-T-Cert-certified contractors will sit towards the top.

What Is Included in Each Phase

Phase 1 (Rough Clean) Includes:

• Removal of all construction waste and debris from the property
• Sweeping and clearing all floors
• Removal of protective coverings from fixtures and fittings
• Removing plaster, cement, and paint splashes from hard surfaces
• Initial wipe-down of all surfaces to remove heavy dust
• Clearing external areas immediately around the property

Phase 2 (Builders Clean) Includes:

• All windows cleaned inside and out, including frames, sills, and tracks
• All hard floors scrubbed, mopped, and dried
• All internal doors cleaned both sides, including handles and hinges
• All skirting boards, architraves, and door frames wiped
• All light fittings, switches, and sockets cleaned
• Inside all cupboards, wardrobes, and shelving wiped
• Bathrooms fully cleaned: sanitaryware, tiles, grouting, mirrors, screens
• Kitchen fully cleaned: worktops, splashbacks, inside cupboards, appliances
• All paintwork wiped down to remove dust film
• Ventilation grilles and extractors cleaned
• Staircase including banisters, spindles, and handrails cleaned

Phase 3 (Sparkle Clean) Includes:

• Final polish of all windows and mirrors
• All chrome and stainless steel fixtures polished
• Floors given a final clean and polish
• Touch-up cleaning of any areas marked during carpet laying or furniture delivery
• Final check of all rooms against a handover checklist
• Air freshening
• External entrance and pathways swept and tidied

DIY vs Professional After Builders Cleaning

It is tempting to save money by doing the builders clean yourself. Here is a realistic comparison:

The main risk with DIY builders cleaning is damaging new surfaces. Construction dust contains abrasive particles (silica, cement, plaster) that scratch glass, tiles, and worktops if wiped with a dry cloth. Using the wrong cleaning product on natural stone, engineered wood, or powder-coated aluminium windows can cause permanent damage that costs far more to rectify than the cleaning itself.

DIY After Builders Cleaning: The Real Cost for a 3-Bed House

Homeowners often assume DIY saves €800–€1,500 on a professional builders clean. Once you fully cost the job — equipment, consumables, time at minimum wage, and the expected cost of surface damage — the maths rarely works out. Here is the honest DIY cost breakdown for a typical 3-bed semi after a full refurbishment:

A professional Phase 1 + 2 + 3 clean on the same 3-bed sits at €850–€1,650 and typically delivers in 1–2 days with a team of 2–3 using HEPA vacuums, BICSc-benchmarked methods, employers liability cover, and a rectification guarantee. Counting time as a real cost, the professional route is usually cheaper and faster. DIY genuinely beats professional only for Phase 1 (rough clean) on a small single-room renovation — below roughly 25 m² of affected floor area.

When to Request an After Builders Clean

Timing is critical for after builders cleaning. Here is the recommended scheduling:

1. Phase 1 (Rough Clean): Immediately after the last tradesperson leaves and all building work is complete. Do not delay — the longer dust sits, the harder it is to remove.
2. Phase 2 (Builders Clean): After all fixtures, fittings, and appliances are installed. Before carpets are laid. Before any snagging inspection.
3. Phase 3 (Sparkle Clean): After carpets are laid, snagging is complete, and all remedial work is finished. 1–2 days before handover or move-in.

Book your cleaning company 2–3 weeks before the expected completion date. Post-construction cleaning teams are in high demand, especially during the spring and summer building season. Last-minute bookings may attract premium rates or simply be unavailable.

How to Save Money on After Builders Cleaning

1. Negotiate cleaning into the building contract. The cheapest way to get a builders clean is to make it the builder’s responsibility. Include Phase 1 and Phase 2 in the contract specification and tie payment to a satisfactory clean.
2. Get the builder to do a proper rough clean. If the builder delivers a good Phase 1, the cost of Phase 2 and 3 drops significantly. A well-swept, debris-free site is much cheaper to detail-clean than one where the cleaning team has to spend hours removing rubble and bulk waste.
3. Bundle all three phases with one company. Booking Phase 1, 2, and 3 with the same company is typically 10–15% cheaper than booking separately. The team already knows the site and can plan efficiently.
4. Book for multi-unit developments in bulk. If you are developing 5+ units, negotiate a per-unit rate. Bulk pricing for new-build estates is 15–25% lower per unit than individual bookings.
5. Avoid premium scheduling. Weekend and bank holiday rates are 15–50% higher. If your timeline allows, schedule the clean during weekdays.

How to Choose the Right After Builders Cleaning Company in Ireland

Price is the headline, but a cheap quote from an uninsured cleaner can cost you far more than the saving if they scratch a €3,000 stone worktop or leave silica dust in the ventilation system. Use the checklist below to separate serious contractors from one-van operators.

Insurance and Regulatory Cover

• Public liability insurance — minimum €6.5 million. Ask for a current certificate.
• Employers liability insurance — minimum €13 million. This is the one most uninsured cleaners skip, and it is the one you are personally exposed on if a cleaner is injured on your site.
• Health and Safety Authority (HSA) registration and a documented safety statement covering construction dust, working at height, and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) controls.
• Safe Pass cards for any operative entering an active construction site, and Safe-T-Cert certification for contractors delivering fit-out cleans on commercial projects.
• Garda vetting for staff working in occupied or healthcare properties.

Standards, Accreditation, and Method

• BICSc (British Institute of Cleaning Science) method training — the benchmark for cleaning competence recognised across UK and Ireland.
• ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 14001 (environmental management) certification for larger contractors. These indicate documented processes, not just promises.
• HEPA-filter or M-class vacuums capable of capturing silica dust down to 0.3 µm. A domestic vacuum on a silica-heavy site just re-circulates the hazard.
• P3 respiratory protection (not standard dust masks) wherever the builder has cut concrete, stone, or plasterboard — a non-negotiable under COSHH.
• Written method statement and risk assessment provided before the job starts, not after.

Quote Quality and Transparency

• Site survey offered before quoting. Any quote issued without eyes on the property is a guess.
• Fixed-price quote, not a time-and-materials open book, with the phases, inclusions and exclusions itemised.
• Written rectification guarantee — if any element fails your snagging inspection, the cleaner returns within 48 hours.
• VAT quoted transparently at 13.5% for cleaning services — cleaners operating below the VAT threshold should state so.

Quick Answers (People Also Ask)

What is after builders cleaning?

After builders cleaning — also called post-construction cleaning — is the specialist cleaning that happens once construction, renovation, or fit-out work is finished. It removes silica dust, plaster residue, grout haze, paint splashes, and bulk debris, and brings the property to a safe, occupiable, move-in standard. It is split into three phases in Ireland: Phase 1 rough clean, Phase 2 builders clean, Phase 3 sparkle clean.

How much to pay a cleaner for 3 hours of builders cleaning?

For a 3-hour after-builders job in Ireland in 2026, expect to pay €60–€120 for one cleaner at standard rates (€20–€40/hr depending on phase and county), or €120–€210 for a team of two. Most professional contractors apply a minimum call-out of €120–€220 because mobilisation, equipment set-up, and waste disposal take a fixed amount of time regardless of job length.

How much does a builders finish cost in Ireland?

"Builders finish" refers to the state a builder hands a property over in before the final clean and decoration. A builders-finish handover from a main contractor typically costs €1,400–€2,200 per m² of new-build construction in 2026, of which €15–€40/m² is the Phase 1 rough clean included by the builder. The Phase 2 and Phase 3 cleans to take a builders-finish property to move-in are priced separately — see our tables above.

How much do house cleaners charge per hour in Ireland?

Domestic house cleaners charge €15–€25/hr in Ireland in 2026. After-builders cleaners charge more — €20–€40/hr — because the work requires HEPA / M-class vacuums, P3 respirators, insurance uplift for construction-site work, and training in material-specific cleaning. A domestic cleaner using household products on a post-build site will usually make the problem worse, not better.