Construction Cleaning That Meets Your Programme
Construction projects run to tight programmes. Every day a site is not handed over costs money. Whether you are a main contractor delivering a 200-unit residential development, a fit-out company completing a commercial interior, or a homeowner waiting for a renovation to finish, you need a cleaning partner who understands construction timelines and delivers to them.
Optus Glean provides professional construction cleaning services across all 26 counties of Ireland. Our teams are Safe Pass certified, fully insured, and experienced in working on active construction sites alongside other trades. We understand site access protocols, induction requirements, and the phased nature of construction handovers.
We work with main contractors, subcontractors, developers, property management companies, and private homeowners. From a single apartment renovation to a multi-phase commercial development, we scale our teams to meet your programme.
The Three Phases of Post-Construction Cleaning
Professional post-construction cleaning is not a single task. It is a three-phase process, and each phase is essential to delivering a property that is genuinely ready for occupation or handover.
Phase 1: Rough Clean
The rough clean begins as soon as major construction work is complete but before final fixtures and fittings are installed. This phase removes bulk debris, packaging materials, large dust deposits, and any construction waste left on site. The goal is to create a safe, dust-reduced environment for finishing trades such as painters, tilers, and joinery installers to work in.
- Removal of all packaging, offcuts, and bulk debris
- Sweeping and vacuuming all floors to remove heavy dust
- Wiping down window frames, doors, and sills
- Clearing stairwells, corridors, and communal areas
Phase 2: Builders Clean
The builders clean is the most intensive phase. It takes place after all construction work, painting, and installation of fixtures is complete. Every surface in the building is thoroughly cleaned to remove construction dust, paint splashes, adhesive residue, plaster spots, silicone overspill, and cement marks.
- Detailed cleaning of all internal windows, frames, and glass
- Removal of paint splashes from glass, tiles, and hard surfaces
- Scraping and cleaning of adhesive residue from floors and fittings
- Cleaning inside all cupboards, wardrobes, and storage units
- Sanitising all bathrooms, en-suites, and cloakrooms
- Cleaning and polishing all kitchen units, worktops, and appliances
- Vacuuming with HEPA-filtered equipment to remove fine particulate dust
- Wiping all door handles, light switches, sockets, and radiators
Phase 3: Sparkle Clean
The sparkle clean is the final presentation clean before handover. It transforms a construction site into a show-ready property. Every surface is polished, every window streak-free, every fixture gleaming. This is the clean that buyers, tenants, or clients see on their first walk-through.
- Final polish of all windows inside and out
- Buffing and polishing all hard floor surfaces
- Final wipe of all chrome fittings, handles, and taps
- Touching up any areas missed in Phase 2
- Snagging-level inspection of every room before sign-off
Expert tip: Allow 4 to 5 days between the completion of painting and the builders clean. This gives fine construction dust time to settle rather than becoming airborne again during cleaning.
Working Safely on Construction Sites
Construction sites are high-risk environments. Every Optus Glean operative deployed to a construction site holds a valid Safe Pass card, as required under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013. Our teams also carry:
- Manual handling certification — For moving heavy debris, equipment, and materials safely
- COSHH training — For handling chemical cleaning products, solvents, and adhesive removers
- Working at height awareness — For window cleaning, high-level dusting, and access equipment
- Site-specific induction — Every operative completes the main contractor's site induction before starting work
We provide full method statements and risk assessments for every construction cleaning project. These are available before work begins and can be incorporated into your project's health and safety file.
Our Services for the Construction Sector
Optus Glean offers three core services that are essential to construction projects. Each can be booked individually or combined as a package.
Post-Construction Cleaning
Three-phase builders clean for residential and commercial projects. Rough clean, builders clean, and sparkle clean to handover standard.
View service →Pressure Washing
External cleaning of car parks, pathways, building facades, and hard landscaping. Essential for new developments before handover.
View service →Window Cleaning
Internal and external window cleaning for new builds and refurbishments. Water-fed pole systems for heights up to 65 feet.
View service →Why Contractors Choose Optus Glean
Programme-Aligned Delivery
We understand construction programmes. Our teams mobilise within days, scale up for multi-unit handovers, and deliver to your deadlines. We have cleaned single-unit renovations through to 100+ unit residential developments.
Safe Pass Certified Teams
Every operative holds a valid Safe Pass card, manual handling certification, and completes your site-specific induction. Full method statements and risk assessments provided before work begins.
One Provider, Three Services
Post-construction cleaning, pressure washing, and window cleaning under one contract. No need to coordinate three separate subcontractors. One point of contact, one invoice, one standard.
Snagging-Level Standards
Our supervisors inspect every unit before sign-off. We catch the details that matter: paint splashes on glass, adhesive residue on tiles, dust in cupboard corners. The property is handed over ready for viewing.
Request a Construction Cleaning Quote
Tell us about your project and we will provide a fixed-price quotation within 48 hours.
Construction Cleaning FAQs
What is included in a post-construction clean?
A post-construction clean involves three phases. Phase 1 (rough clean) removes bulk debris, packaging, and heavy dust. Phase 2 (builders clean) covers detailed cleaning of all surfaces including floors, windows, fixtures, and fittings. Phase 3 (sparkle clean) is the final presentation-ready clean before handover. Optus Glean delivers all three phases with Safe Pass certified operatives.
How much does construction site cleaning cost in Ireland?
Construction site cleaning in Ireland typically costs between €250 and €600 or more depending on property size and condition. A standard 3-bedroom new build builders clean ranges from €350 to €500. Commercial and multi-unit developments are quoted per unit or per square metre. Contact Optus Glean for a free site assessment and fixed-price quotation.
What is the difference between a builders clean and a sparkle clean?
A builders clean (Phase 2) removes construction dust, paint splashes, adhesive residue, and debris from every surface. A sparkle clean (Phase 3) is the final polish: windows streak-free, chrome gleaming, floors buffed, every cupboard spotless. It makes the property presentation-ready for handover or viewing.
Is post-construction dust harmful?
Yes. Post-construction dust can contain silica, cement particles, plaster, and sawdust that are harmful when inhaled. Prolonged exposure is linked to silicosis, COPD, and other respiratory conditions. Professional cleaning with HEPA-filtered equipment is essential before a building is occupied.