After a renovation or new build, one of the first questions people ask is how much after builders cleaning will actually cost. The answer isn’t a single figure — prices in Ireland vary widely depending on the property, the type of works completed, and the condition left behind.
In 2026, many online estimates are still misleading. Flat prices rarely reflect the real scope of post-construction cleaning, and that’s where budgets can quickly slip if expectations aren’t set properly from the start.
This guide breaks down what genuinely affects after builders cleaning costs in Ireland, explains why prices differ from job to job, and helps you understand what you should realistically budget for — before requesting quotes or committing to a service.
What Is After Builders Cleaning?
After builders cleaning is a specialist, one-off cleaning process carried out once construction, renovation, or fit-out works have been completed. Its purpose is to remove the fine dust, residue, and debris left behind by trades and prepare the property for safe occupation.
Unlike regular domestic cleaning, this type of clean focuses on issues that standard cleaners are not equipped to handle — including construction dust that settles into vents, skirting boards, window tracks, and newly installed surfaces. It also involves the careful removal of paint splashes, grout haze, adhesives, and protective coverings without damaging fresh finishes.
After builders cleaning is typically required following:
- full renovations or extensions
- new build properties
- office or retail fit-outs
- major refurbishment works
Because it deals with post-construction environments, the process requires specialist equipment, trained technicians, and controlled cleaning methods, which is why its cost structure differs significantly from routine cleaning services. After builders cleaning is often required once construction works are complete, whereas construction site cleaning may be carried out during earlier stages to maintain safety and organisation on active sites.
Why After Builders Cleaning Is Necessary After Renovations
Even when construction work looks finished, a property is rarely ready to use without a proper after builders clean. Renovation and building works leave behind fine dust and residues that aren’t always visible but can affect both health and the condition of the space.
Construction dust is particularly problematic because it spreads into areas that are easily missed — inside cupboards, along skirting boards, within window tracks, and across newly installed surfaces. If left untreated, it continues to circulate through the property long after the work is complete.
There are also health and safety considerations. Fine dust particles can irritate airways, trigger allergies, and create slip hazards on floors. In homes, this affects comfort and wellbeing; in offices or rental properties, it can delay occupancy, inspections, or handover.
Finally, after builders cleaning protects the investment made in the renovation itself. New floors, kitchens, bathrooms, and fittings can be damaged if residues like grout haze or paint splashes are not removed correctly. A professional clean ensures the space is not just visually complete, but genuinely ready to be used as intended.
Unlike standard domestic or deep cleaning, after builders cleaning focuses on removing fine construction dust, residue, and post-build debris that require specialist equipment and controlled methods.
What Affects the Cost of After Builders Cleaning in Ireland
There is no single fixed price for after builders cleaning in Ireland. Costs are calculated based on the actual workload involved, not just the size of the property. Understanding these factors helps explain why quotes can vary significantly from one project to another.
- Property size and layout Larger properties take longer to clean and often require more cleaners on site. Open-plan layouts, multiple floors, staircases, or large glazed areas also increase labour time compared to compact spaces.
- Level of post-construction mess Not all builds leave the same condition behind. A light refurbishment produces far less residue than a full renovation or new build. Heavy dust buildup, paint splashes, grout haze, silicone residue, or leftover materials all increase the time and care required.
- Type of works completed New builds, extensions, and structural renovations usually generate more dust and debris than cosmetic upgrades. Properties that have had plastering, sanding, tiling, or joinery completed typically require a deeper, more time-intensive clean.
- Surface types and finishes Delicate or high-end finishes such as natural stone, hardwood flooring, glass balustrades, or bespoke fittings must be cleaned carefully to avoid damage. This slows the process and often requires specialist products or techniques.
- Access, timing, and location Restricted access, tight deadlines, or properties located in busy urban areas can affect pricing. Jobs that require weekend work or rapid turnaround after trades leave may also cost more.
- Additional services required Extras such as carpet extraction, floor polishing, high-level window cleaning, or appliance detailing are not always included in a standard after builders clean and will increase the overall cost.
Together, these factors determine the true scope of work and form the basis of any accurate quote.
Average After Builders Cleaning Costs in Ireland (2026)
In 2026, after builders cleaning costs in Ireland typically fall within broad ranges, rather than fixed prices. This is because each property presents a different level of work depending on its size, condition, and the type of construction completed.
As a general guide:
- Apartments and small properties These usually cost less due to reduced floor space and fewer surfaces, provided the renovation work was limited.
- Standard family homes Full house renovations, extensions, or major upgrades require significantly more time and labour, pushing costs higher than apartment cleans.
- Larger homes, offices, or commercial spaces These projects often involve multiple cleaners, longer hours, specialist equipment, and sometimes phased cleaning, resulting in higher overall costs.
It’s important to treat these figures as indicative only. Two properties of the same size can have very different prices depending on how much dust, residue, and detailing is required. For this reason, reputable cleaning companies avoid giving firm prices without first understanding the scope of work.
Understanding these ranges helps with budgeting, but an accurate cost can only be confirmed once the property’s condition has been properly assessed.
Why After Builders Cleaning Costs More Than Regular Cleaning
After builders cleaning is priced higher than regular domestic cleaning because it is a completely different type of work, both in terms of effort and responsibility.
Firstly, the time requirement is significantly higher. Post-construction environments involve fine dust that settles on every surface, not just visible areas. This means cleaners must work methodically, often cleaning the same space multiple times to fully remove residue rather than simply wiping surfaces once.
Secondly, after builders cleaning requires specialist equipment and materials. Industrial vacuums with fine-dust filtration, heavy-duty cleaning solutions, and tools designed for removing paint, grout, and adhesives are essential. These are not used in routine cleaning and add to operational costs.
There is also a higher level of risk and care involved. Newly installed kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and fixtures can be easily damaged if cleaned incorrectly. Professional after builders cleaning involves trained staff who understand how to work safely around fresh finishes without causing scratches, staining, or surface damage.
Finally, responsibility plays a role in pricing. Cleaning companies take on greater liability when working in newly completed properties, where mistakes can be costly. This level of accountability is reflected in the overall cost of the service.
For these reasons, after builders cleaning should be viewed as a specialist final-stage service, not a standard clean with a higher price tag.
Can After Builders Cleaning Be Quoted Without a Site Visit?
In many cases, an accurate after builders cleaning quote cannot be confirmed without seeing the property or, at minimum, reviewing detailed information about the works completed. While rough estimates can sometimes be given based on size alone, they rarely reflect the true scope of post-construction cleaning. The main issue is that square metres don’t show condition. Two properties of identical size can require very different levels of cleaning depending on:
- how many trades were involved
- the amount of sanding, cutting, or plastering carried out
- whether protective coverings were used
- how long dust has been left to settle
How to Choose the Right After Builders Cleaning Company in Ireland
Not all cleaning companies offer genuine after builders cleaning, and choosing the wrong provider can lead to poor results, delays, or even damage to newly finished surfaces. Because this type of cleaning takes place at the final stage of a project, selecting a competent and experienced team is critical.
A reliable company should be fully insured and able to demonstrate experience specifically with post-construction or post-renovation environments. This includes understanding how to clean around fresh paintwork, new flooring, fitted kitchens, bathrooms, and specialist finishes without causing damage.
Professional equipment is another key indicator. After builders cleaning requires industrial-grade vacuums, appropriate filtration for fine dust, and products designed to remove construction residue safely. Companies relying solely on domestic tools are unlikely to deliver the standard required.
It’s also important to look for transparent quoting and clear scope definitions. A reputable provider will explain what is included, what may be excluded, and how pricing is calculated. This reduces the risk of misunderstandings and ensures expectations are aligned before work begins.
Finally, verified reviews and a proven track record in Ireland provide reassurance that the company can deliver consistent results. Experience, preparation, and attention to detail matter far more than simply choosing the lowest quote.
FAQs After Builders Cleaning Costs in Ireland
How much does after builders cleaning cost in Ireland in 2026?
In 2026, the cost of after builders cleaning in Ireland typically depends on the size of the property, the level of post-construction dust and residue, and the type of works completed. Smaller properties usually cost less, while full renovations, new builds, or commercial spaces require more time and labour, increasing the overall price.
Is after builders cleaning more expensive than regular cleaning?
Yes. After builders cleaning costs more than regular cleaning because it involves removing fine construction dust, paint, grout, and residue using specialist equipment and trained cleaners. Regular domestic cleaning is not designed for post-construction environments.
Is after builders cleaning worth the cost after a renovation or new build?
Yes. It ensures the property is safe, hygienic, and ready for use, protects newly installed surfaces, and prevents fine dust from circulating long after the build is finished. In most cases, it also avoids delays to move-in, inspections, or handover.
Does deep cleaning increase the cost of after builders cleaning?
Yes. A deeper clean increases the cost because it requires more time, more detailed work, and specialist products to remove stubborn residue such as grout haze, paint splashes, and adhesive marks left after construction.
Are professional after builders cleaners more expensive than domestic cleaners?
Yes. Professional after builders cleaners usually charge more because they use industrial equipment, have experience working around new finishes, and take on greater responsibility when cleaning post-construction properties.
Do all after builders cleaning companies charge the same in Ireland?
No. Prices vary between companies depending on experience, equipment, insurance, and how thoroughly the service is carried out. Lower quotes may exclude important tasks or rely on domestic cleaning methods rather than specialist post-construction cleaning.
Can after builders cleaning be quoted accurately without seeing the property?
In most cases, no. An accurate quote usually requires a site visit or detailed assessment because two properties of the same size can require very different levels of cleaning depending on the condition left after the works.
Conclusion
After builders cleaning costs in Ireland in 2026 are shaped by the real condition of the property, not just its size. Factors such as the level of dust and residue, the type of renovation completed, surface finishes, and access all play a role in determining how much work is actually required.
Understanding these cost drivers makes it easier to budget accurately and avoid misleading “one-price-fits-all” estimates. It also helps set realistic expectations about why after builders cleaning is priced differently from regular cleaning and why professional assessment matters.
For larger renovations, new builds, or commercial projects, working with experienced professional after builders cleaning services ensures the property is properly prepared for occupancy, inspection, or handover — without shortcuts or unnecessary risk.
Fine construction dust can pose health and safety risks if not properly removed, which is why guidance from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) highlights the importance of controlling dust and residue in post-construction environments.
