An after builders clean removes the fine construction dust, plaster, paint splashes and debris left by building or renovation work. A deep clean tackles the everyday grime of a lived-in home: grease, limescale, soap scum and dust in the places routine cleaning misses. If you have just had work done, you need an after builders clean first. If not, a deep clean is the right choice.
They sound similar, and people often book the wrong one. Here is how they differ and how to choose.
What an after builders clean does
Building work leaves behind a very fine dust that settles on every surface, gets inside cupboards, sits on top of door frames and keeps reappearing for days if it isn’t removed properly. It is also mildly abrasive, so wiping it the wrong way can scratch new surfaces.
An after builders clean typically includes:
- Removing construction dust from walls, ceilings, skirting boards, frames, sockets and switches.
- Cleaning inside new or disturbed cupboards, wardrobes and drawers.
- Removing paint splashes, plaster residue, sticky labels and protective film from windows, fittings and fixtures where safe to do so.
- Cleaning windows, frames and sills inside.
- Cleaning new sanitaryware, tiles and grout haze.
- Vacuuming and washing floors, often several passes to lift fine dust.
It is not rubbish removal. Large debris, offcuts and leftover materials should be cleared by your builder before the clean.
What a deep clean does
A deep clean is a top-to-bottom clean of a home that has been lived in. It goes well beyond a regular clean and typically includes:
- Degreasing the kitchen: cupboard fronts, extractor, hob, splashbacks and tiles.
- Descaling bathrooms: taps, showerheads, screens, tiles and grout.
- Cleaning behind and under furniture and reachable appliances.
- Skirting boards, doors, frames, switches, radiators and light fittings.
- Inside cupboards and wardrobes, on request or when empty.
- Optional extras such as oven and appliance cleaning and carpet cleaning.
A deep clean assumes the grime is everyday dirt, not a layer of plaster dust. It is ideal for a spring clean, before or after a move, or to catch up on a home that has slipped.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | After builders clean | Deep clean |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | After renovation, extension or new build work | Lived-in homes needing a thorough refresh |
| Main target | Fine construction dust, paint, plaster, labels | Grease, limescale, soap scum, built-up dust |
| Typical timing | Once the trades have finished | Seasonally, before or after a move, or as needed |
| Labels and film removed | Yes | Not usually needed |
| Free re-clean window | Report in writing within 3 days | Report in writing within 3 days |
How much each one costs
Price depends on the size of the property, how much work was done and the condition it is in. These are real totals from our jobs across the UK in the last 12 months:
| Property | After builders from | After builders average | Deep clean from | Deep clean average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | £167 | £259 | £175 | £310 |
| 2 bedrooms | £218 | £317 | £208 | £317 |
| 3 bedrooms | £258 | £366 | £265 | £418 |
| 4 bedrooms | £367 | £461 | £375 | £531 |
| 5+ bedrooms | £448 | £831 | £513 | £714 |
Real job totals from the last 12 months, updated 1 October 2026.
Our after builders studio figures are not shown because we don’t have enough studio jobs to give a fair number. Every quote is itemised, so you can see exactly which rooms and extras are included. See our full price list.
How to choose the right clean
- Just finished building or decorating work? Book an after builders clean. A deep clean won’t deal with fine dust properly, and the dust will keep coming back.
- A normal home that needs a proper refresh? Book a deep clean.
- Moved into a newly renovated property? An after builders clean first, then regular or deep cleans once you are living there.
- Only one room renovated? Tell us when you ask for a quote. We can focus the after builders work on the affected rooms.
Tips before either clean
- Make sure all trades have finished, including painters and electricians. Dust from final fixes undoes a clean quickly.
- Ask your builder to remove rubbish, offcuts and tools.
- Check that hot water and electricity are working, as the team will need both.
- Ventilate the property. Fresh paint and sealant fumes should clear before a clean.
- Replace or clean vacuum filters and extractor filters afterwards, as construction dust clogs them fast.
FAQs
Can a deep clean remove construction dust?
Not properly. Construction dust is very fine, gets everywhere and needs repeated passes and the right techniques. That is what an after builders clean is designed for.
Which is more expensive?
It depends on the property and the amount of work. For similar-sized homes, our average totals are broadly comparable, but a large renovation with heavy dust and paint will take longer.
Can I book both?
Yes. Many people have an after builders clean once the work is done, then book deep or regular cleans once they have moved back in.
What if something is missed?
For both services, report it in writing within 3 days and we will come back and re-clean it free of charge. See our guarantee.
Not sure which clean you need? Tell us about the property and any work done and we will recommend the right one. Get Free Quote for an itemised price, or Book Online. Our teams work Monday to Sunday, 8am to 7pm, with professional products and equipment included.