Builders cleaning

How much do builders’ cleans cost in Sydney?

When you’ve just finished a renovation or built a brand-new living space, the last thing you want is to be surrounded by plaster dust, paint splatters and construction debris. That’s where a post-construction or “builders” clean comes into play. If you’re in Sydney and wondering how much a builders’ clean costs, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore typical pricing, what can affect the cost, and how to get the best value while ensuring your property is spotless and ready to shine.

What is a Builders’ Clean?

A builder’s clean (sometimes called “after builders cleaning” or “post-construction cleaning”) is far more than your regular house-clean. It involves:

Removing rubble, discarded materials, debris and fine dust from every nook and cranny.
Cleaning frames, windows, sills, skirting boards, floor tracks, grout, adhered paint or adhesive spots.
Deep-cleaning surfaces, walls, floors, ceilings, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, and sometimes exterior finishes.
Ensuring the property is move-in ready, presentable and safe for occupants.

As noted by one Sydney provider:

“Construction and renovation projects leave behind more than just visible mess… fine dust and construction residue linger… Without a professional after build clean, you could face health concerns, safety risks, poor first impression.”

In short, if you’ve built or renovated and want everything cleaned properly and thoroughly, you’ll often engage a specialist cleaner (rather than a regular domestic cleaner) to deliver a builders’ clean.

Typical Cost Ranges in Sydney

Let’s break down some benchmarks so you have a realistic idea of what to budget.

Hourly Rates

A recent article suggests hourly clean rates in Australia for a builder’s clean: around A$30 to A$50 per hour, depending on location and complexity.
Another resource for Sydney says: “Hourly charges for each cleaner … can range between A$50 and A$80 per hour for a cleaner.

Area or per square metre Rates

Some providers use a rate based on square metres (floor space). For example, one Sydney-based cleaning provider lists A$5 to A$10 per square metre for standard jobs; for more complex jobs, it might go up to A$20 per square metre.
For example, JBN Cleaning in Sydney states that the cost depends on size, manpower, and services.

Flat Package Examples

One Sydney-region company lists typical pricing for “Post Construction Cleaning” for a 1 bed/1 bath at around A$822, 2 bed/2 bath at A$855, 3 bed/3 bath at A$1,317, and 4 bed/4 bath at around A$2,021.

Why Costs Vary So Much

There are quite a few variables that influence the final cost of a builder’s clean. It’s worth understanding them so you can check quotes effectively.

Property Size & Layout

Bigger homes = more surface area, more rooms, more surfaces, more time. A large multi-storey building will cost significantly more than a small apartment.

Scope & Condition

Was the building site very messy? Is there heavy debris, lots of paint or adhesive to remove, many windows or glass partitions, or exterior work?
Will the cleaners need to clean high ceilings, awkward corners, scaffolding areas, exterior walls, or driveway/garage spaces?
The more “post-construction residue” (plaster dust, fine sanding dust, paint drips, adhesive), the more labour/time/equipment required.

Timeframe & Manpower

If you need the job done quickly (for example, for a handover or listing for sale/rent), the cleaner may allocate more staff or work outside standard hours, which raises the cost.

Additional Services

Basics might include dust removal, wipe down surfaces, vacuum/mop floors, clean windows/tracks, etc. But extras raise cost: steam-clean carpets, pressure wash exterior, polish floors, clean blinds/shutters, remove paint spots, etc. One article warns that niche routines can add “a few dollars to the average costs … $5-$10 extra per hour or per square metre.”

Location & Accessibility

Sydney is a major metropolitan area — labour and operating costs are higher than in rural or regional areas. Also, if the site is difficult to access or if you require after-hours work, the cost increases.

Company Reputation & Included Services

A full-service professional cleaning company with proper insurance, specialist equipment (HEPA vacuums, industrial cleaners) may charge more than a basic cleaner. But the better service often means fewer issues later (e.g., dust settling again, missed areas, etc).

What Does a Builder’s Clean Include?

When you’re comparing quotes, make sure to check what’s included. You don’t want a low price only to discover many tasks are extra. Typical inclusions might be:

Removal of rubbish, debris (leftover nails, screws, drop cloths, etc)
Vacuuming and mopping all floors
Wiping down all surfaces: walls, doors, skirting boards, frames
Cleaning windows, tracks, sills, removing tape, stickers or residue
Cleaning kitchen appliances (exterior/interior), cabinetry, and benchtops
Cleaning bathroom fixtures: sinks, taps, tiles, shower, bath, grout
Dusting light fittings, ceiling fans, vents, and switch plates
Cleaning cupboard/wardrobe interiors, shelves
Removing building dust from floors, carpet vacuuming, and tile grout cleaning
Polishing chrome/metal items, dealing with paint splashes/adhesive marks (sometimes as an extra)

As one Sydney-based blog puts it:

“A builders clean… tackles stubborn dust, paint splatters, adhesives, grout haze, and leftover debris… The goal… is to make your home safe, hygienic, and ready to enjoy.” Homeheromaintenance

How Much Could Your Job Cost?

Here are some rough guidelines for Sydney based on current market insights:

Small apartment (1–2 bed, 1-2 bath) with minimal construction mess: Maybe A$500-A$1,000.
Medium home (3 bed/2-3 bath) moderate mess: Perhaps A$1,000-A$2,000.
Large house (4 + bed, multiple bathrooms, complicated finishes or lots of dust/debris): Could be A$2,000-A$3,000+.
Hourly or sqm-based approach: If you’re paying A$5–A$10 per sqm, and you have 200 sqm at A$8/sqm → A$1,600, plus maybe extra for detailed finishes.
If hourly: If one cleaner at A$60/hr for ~20 hours = A$1,200, then add for extra staff/time.

These are approximate; you will always need a custom quote. As one provider states, “Costs vary depending on the property size and level of cleaning required. It’s best to request a personalised quote for accurate after-builders cleaning prices.

How To Get the Best Value & Avoid Surprises

Here are some tips to ensure you get a fair price and a high-quality result:

Request multiple quotes – Get 2-3 quotes from reputable companies. Compare what’s included, how many cleaners, how much time, and what equipment.
Ask for a detailed checklist – Make sure the company provides a list of tasks included in the quote so you can compare apples-to-apples.
Clarify extras – What is considered “extra”? Are there charges for window cleaning, carpet steam, pressure wash, and paint mark removal?
Check insurance & experience – A company specialising in post-construction cleaning in Sydney will know how to handle construction residue safely and effectively.
Timing matters – The sooner you schedule the clean after completion (before dust settles or more build-up happens), the less time/complexity.
Prep ahead – If you can remove large debris/trash yourself before the professional cleaning, you may reduce the cost. Cleaners will focus on achieving a detailed finish rather than removing heavy waste.
Get a fixed price where possible – If the property is clearly defined, ask for a fixed quote rather than an open “hourly + unknown extras.”
Check reviews & standards – Look for feedback from other Sydney clients. Ask about how thoroughly the dust was removed, how well the finish looked.
Ask for exclusions – Make sure you know what is not included so you’re not surprised by extra bills after the job.
Document the job – Before the clean, take photos of areas of concern (paint splashes, adhesive marks) and after the clean inspect to ensure they were addressed.

Why Hire a Professional Builders Cleaning Service?

Safety & Health: Construction dust (including silica, plaster, fine particles) can pose respiratory hazards and allergies. Professional cleaners bring suitable equipment and protective practices.
Thoroughness: Builders’ cleans demand specialist knowledge, including the removal of grout haze, adhesive residue, paint marks, and dust embedded in ventilation systems, among other tasks. Standard home cleaning doesn’t cover it.
Presentation & Value: If you’re selling/renting a property, presentation matters. One badly cleaned job can undermine the premium you built into your project.
Time-saving: Post-construction cleaning is labour-intensive and messy. Hiring professionals frees you from spending days doing it yourself.
Professional finish: When you invest in a build or renovation, you want the finishing touches to shine. A proper builders’ clean delivers that “move-in ready” standard.

Spotlight on a Service in Sydney

If you’re looking for a specialist provider, check out the offering by Sydney S5 Star Cleaning. Their dedicated page for builders cleaning in Sydney: https://sydneys5starcleaning.com.au/builders-cleaning-sydney/ highlights their expertise in post-construction cleans, tailored checklists, and professional service. They are one of the many reputable options to consider when sourcing quotes and comparing providers.

Final Thoughts

In summary: For a builders’ clean in Sydney, you’re typically looking at A$5-A$10 per square metre, or A$50-A$80 per hour per cleaner, or flat packages ranging from A$500 to A$3,000+, depending on size and scope. The exact cost will hinge on property size, condition after construction, level of finish required, and what extras you need.

But cost isn’t just a number — it’s about value. A high-quality builder’s clean means your property will be safe, healthy, visually ready and free of the lingering mess that construction leaves behind. Don’t just pick the cheapest. Choose a provider with experience, transparency, and reliable references.

If you like, I can check recent quotes specifically for Sydney suburbs (North Shore, Inner West, Western Sydney) and provide a cost-comparison table with 3-5 providers, so you can see what current competitive rates look like. Would you like me to do that?