Post-Construction Cleaning for Cork Developments
Cork is experiencing a construction boom. The Docklands regeneration is transforming the city's waterfront with major residential and commercial projects at Horgan's Quay, Albert Quay, and the former Ford distribution site at Marina Park. The Port of Cork's relocation to Ringaskiddy has released prime city-centre land for development. Across the suburbs, large-scale residential developments are under construction in Ballincollig (Maglin, The Weirs), Carrigaline (Janeville, Castlelands), Cobh (Ticknock), Douglas (Maryborough Ridge), Rochestown, and Glanmire.
Every one of these projects needs professional post-construction cleaning before units can be handed over to buyers, tenants, or occupiers. Optus Glean provides Safe Pass certified cleaning teams for all phases of post-construction cleaning, from rough cleans during construction through to final sparkle cleans before handover.
Our Three-Phase Cleaning Process
Phase 1: Rough Clean
Carried out during or immediately after construction, the rough clean removes bulk construction waste, rubble, offcuts, packaging, and debris from the site. This makes the building safe and accessible for remaining finishing trades. Our teams work alongside other trades on active construction sites, which is why Safe Pass certification is essential.
Phase 2: Builders Clean
Once all trades have completed their work, the builders clean begins. This is the most intensive phase and involves:
- Removing all paint splashes from windows, frames, tiles, and surfaces
- Cleaning plaster dust and construction dust from every surface, ledge, and recess
- Removing adhesive residue, grout haze, and silicone smears
- Deep cleaning all bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms
- Scrubbing and mopping all floor surfaces
- Cleaning all internal and external windows
- Wiping all light fixtures, switches, sockets, and door furniture
- Vacuuming any fitted carpets to remove construction dust
- Cleaning stairwells, corridors, and common areas in apartment developments
Phase 3: Sparkle Clean
The sparkle clean is the final clean before handover. It brings the property to a show-home or move-in-ready standard:
- Final window polish (internal and external where accessible)
- Final floor clean and polish
- Touch-point cleaning of all handles, switches, and fixtures
- Bathroom final check — mirrors, chrome, tiles, grouting
- Kitchen final check — countertops, appliances, cabinet interiors
- Snagging support — noting any defects for the contractor
Cork Development Areas We Serve
- Cork Docklands — Horgan's Quay, Albert Quay, Marina Park, the Events Quarter. Large-scale mixed-use developments requiring phased cleaning programmes
- Ballincollig — Multiple residential developments including Maglin and The Weirs. High-volume unit cleans on tight handover schedules
- Carrigaline — Janeville, Castlelands, and other suburban housing developments. New-build houses and apartments
- Cobh — Residential developments serving the commuter market. Heritage town setting requires care with external cleaning
- Douglas & Rochestown — Premium residential developments with higher specification finishes requiring careful handling
- Glanmire — Growing commuter town with significant new-build residential activity
- City Centre — Commercial office fit-outs, retail refurbishments, and apartment conversions
- Midleton — Residential and mixed-use development activity associated with the Water Rock area
Post-Construction Cleaning Pricing in Cork
- New-build house (3-bed semi) — €350 to €550 for a full builders clean and sparkle clean
- New-build house (4-bed detached) — €500 to €750
- Apartment (1-bed) — €200 to €350
- Apartment (2-bed) — €300 to €450
- Commercial office (per sqm) — €3 to €8 per sqm depending on condition
- Common areas (apartment block) — Quoted per project based on number of floors, lifts, and specification
All prices are exclusive of VAT. Actual costs depend on the condition of the site, the quality of finish, and the scope of work required. Volume discounts apply for developments of 10+ units.
Frequently Asked Questions — Post-Construction Cleaning Cork
How much does post-construction cleaning cost in Cork?
Post-construction cleaning in Cork is typically priced per square metre or per unit. A standard builders clean for a new-build house costs between €300 and €600 depending on size. Apartment sparkle cleans range from €200 to €400 per unit. Commercial post-construction cleans are priced based on site survey and can range from €2,000 to €15,000+ for larger projects.
What is the difference between a rough clean, builders clean, and sparkle clean?
A rough clean (Phase 1) removes bulk construction debris during or immediately after construction. A builders clean (Phase 2) is a thorough clean after all trades have finished, removing paint splashes, plaster dust, adhesive residue, and construction dirt from all surfaces. A sparkle clean (Phase 3) is the final clean before handover, bringing the property to a move-in-ready or show-home standard with polished surfaces and streak-free windows.
Do you provide post-construction cleaning for Cork Docklands developments?
Yes. The Cork Docklands regeneration is one of the largest urban development projects in Ireland. We provide post-construction cleaning for both residential units and commercial office spaces in the Docklands, working to the tight handover schedules that characterise these large-scale developments.
Are your post-construction cleaning teams Safe Pass certified?
Yes. Safe Pass certification is mandatory for anyone working on construction sites in Ireland. All our post-construction cleaning operatives hold valid Safe Pass cards. We also carry €6.5M public liability insurance, which meets or exceeds the requirements of all major construction companies and developers operating in Cork.
Can you handle large residential developments in Cork?
Yes. Cork has major residential developments in Ballincollig, Carrigaline, Cobh, Douglas, Rochestown, and Glanmire. We deploy large teams for multi-unit developments, cleaning 10 to 50+ units on phased handover schedules. We work with developers and main contractors to align our cleaning programme with the construction programme.
How quickly can you start post-construction cleaning in Cork?
We can typically start within 48 to 72 hours for standard projects. For larger developments, we recommend booking 2 to 4 weeks in advance. Emergency or urgent post-construction cleans for delayed handovers can often be accommodated at shorter notice.