Professional Post Construction Cleaning in Ireland
Every construction project — whether it is a single-house extension, a multi-unit residential development, or a commercial fit-out — ends the same way: with a building that looks finished from a distance but is coated in fine dust, spattered with paint, marked with adhesive residue, and covered in the debris of months of building work. That building cannot be occupied, sold, or handed over until it has been professionally cleaned.
Optus Glean provides professional post construction cleaning services across all 26 counties of Ireland. We work with building contractors, property developers, project managers, and homeowners to deliver the clean that transforms a construction site into a finished, move-in-ready property.
Our teams are Safe Pass certified for construction site access, Garda vetted, and trained in the specialist techniques required to remove construction residue without damaging newly installed surfaces, fixtures, or finishes. We carry €6.5 million in public liability insurance and €13 million in employer's liability cover — essential when working on high-value new builds and renovation projects.
The Three Phases of Post Construction Cleaning
Post construction cleaning is not a single task. It is a phased process, and understanding the three phases is critical to getting the timing and the result right. Each phase serves a different purpose, and skipping or combining phases leads to a substandard finish.
Phase 1: Rough Clean
The rough clean takes place while construction is still in progress, typically after the major structural work is complete but before the final fix trades (painters, tilers, carpet layers) have finished. The purpose of the rough clean is to make the site safe, accessible, and workable for the remaining trades.
- Removal of all large construction debris: offcuts, packaging, broken materials
- Sweeping all floors to remove loose rubble, sand, and aggregate
- Clearing stairwells and corridors for safe access
- Removing construction waste to designated skips or waste collection points
- Basic wipe-down of completed surfaces to protect them from further damage
- Window protection film removal where applicable
The rough clean is essential on multi-trade sites where different contractors need clean, safe access to complete their work. It also reduces the volume of debris that must be dealt with in later phases.
Phase 2: Builders Clean
The builders clean is the most labour-intensive phase and takes place after all trades have completed their work. This is where the bulk of construction residue is removed from every surface in the building.
- HEPA-filtered vacuuming of all floors, surfaces, and hard-to-reach areas
- Removal of plaster and cement splashes from floors, walls, and fixtures
- Scraping paint drips and overspray from glass, tiles, and hardware
- Removal of adhesive residue, sticker marks, and protective tape
- Cleaning all internal and external windows, including frame tracks
- Wiping down all skirting boards, architraves, door frames, and windowsills
- Cleaning inside all cupboards, wardrobes, and storage units
- Sanitising all bathroom fixtures: toilets, basins, baths, showers, taps
- Cleaning kitchen units inside and out, including all appliances
- Damp-mopping hard floors to remove embedded dust
- Vacuuming newly laid carpets with HEPA filtration
The builders clean typically takes a full day for a standard 3-bedroom house and 2 to 5 days for larger residential or commercial projects. We use HEPA-filtered industrial vacuum systems because standard vacuums simply recirculate fine construction dust back into the air.
Phase 3: Sparkle Clean
The sparkle clean is the final presentation clean that brings the property to a handover-ready, showroom standard. This is the clean that the buyer, tenant, or client sees on the day they walk in.
- Final detailed cleaning of every visible surface
- Polishing all chrome, stainless steel, and glass fixtures
- Streak-free cleaning of all windows and mirrors
- Final vacuum and mop of all floor areas
- Touch-up cleaning of any marks or smudges from snagging works
- Quality inspection walk-through with snagging checklist
- Photography of completed rooms for handover documentation
The sparkle clean is typically scheduled 1 to 2 days before handover. If snagging works are carried out after the sparkle clean, a touch-up visit may be required.
Expert Advice: Wait 4 to 5 Days Before the Final Clean
One of the most common mistakes homeowners and contractors make is scheduling the final clean too soon after the builders leave. Construction dust is extremely fine — particularly plaster dust, which can remain suspended in the air for days after the last trade leaves the site.
If you clean the property while this dust is still airborne, it will continue to settle on every surface after the cleaning team has left. The result is a property that looks dusty again within 24 to 48 hours, leading to complaints and call-backs.
Our recommendation: wait 4 to 5 days after all construction work has finished before scheduling the sparkle clean. The builders clean (Phase 2) can be done immediately after the last trade finishes, as this phase is about removing the heavy residue. But the sparkle clean should be timed to allow all airborne dust to settle first.
If the property has been sealed during construction (windows closed, no ventilation), we recommend opening windows and running any HVAC system for 24 hours before the sparkle clean to circulate and settle the remaining dust.
The Health Hazard of Construction Dust
Post construction dust is not ordinary household dust. It can contain hazardous materials that pose genuine health risks if not removed properly:
- Silica dust — generated by cutting, grinding, or drilling concrete, brick, stone, and plaster. Respirable crystalline silica is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Prolonged exposure causes silicosis and increases the risk of lung cancer.
- Wood dust — from sawing, sanding, and planing. Hardwood dust is a known carcinogen. Softwood dust causes respiratory irritation and allergic reactions.
- Fibreglass particles — from insulation materials. Causes skin irritation, eye irritation, and respiratory problems.
- Chemical residues — volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from adhesives, sealants, paints, and varnishes. Can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritation.
- Lead dust — present in renovations of pre-1970s buildings where lead paint was used. Lead exposure is particularly dangerous for children.
This is why post construction cleaning requires HEPA-filtered equipment (which captures particles down to 0.3 microns) and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the cleaning team. Standard domestic cleaning equipment is not adequate for this work.
Post Construction Cleaning Pricing in Ireland
Post construction cleaning costs depend on the size of the property, the type and extent of the construction work, and the phases required. Below are indicative pricing ranges for 2026.
| Property Type | Builders Clean | Sparkle Clean | Full 3-Phase Clean |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 Bed Apartment | €250 – €350 | €150 – €250 | €400 – €550 |
| 3 Bed Semi-Detached | €350 – €500 | €200 – €350 | €500 – €750 |
| 4–5 Bed Detached | €500 – €750 | €300 – €450 | €700 – €1,100 |
| Commercial Office (per 100m²) | €300 – €500 | €200 – €350 | €450 – €750 |
| Multi-Unit Development (per unit) | €200 – €400 | €150 – €250 | €350 – €600 |
All pricing is exclusive of VAT. Volume discounts are available for multi-unit residential developments and commercial projects with 10 or more units. Optus Glean provides fixed-price quotations after a free site assessment, so you know the exact cost before any work begins.
Room-by-Room Post Construction Cleaning Checklist
Every Optus Glean post construction clean follows a standardised room-by-room checklist. This ensures nothing is missed and provides a documented record for handover.
Kitchens
- Clean inside and outside all units, drawers, and cupboards
- Remove protective film from appliances and worktops
- Clean and polish all appliances: oven, hob, extractor, fridge, dishwasher
- Clean sink, taps, and splashback
- Remove plaster or grout residue from tiles and worktops
- Clean light fittings and switches
- Vacuum and mop floor
Bathrooms and En-suites
- Clean and sanitise toilet, basin, bath, and shower
- Remove grout haze from wall and floor tiles
- Polish all chrome taps, shower fittings, and towel rails
- Clean mirrors and glass shower screens streak-free
- Clean extractor fans and light fittings
- Remove adhesive residue and sticker marks
- Vacuum and mop floor
Bedrooms and Living Spaces
- HEPA vacuum all carpeted areas or mop hard floors
- Wipe all windowsills, skirting boards, and door frames
- Clean inside wardrobes and storage units
- Remove paint drips and marks from all surfaces
- Clean all windows internally, including tracks and seals
- Dust and wipe all light fittings and switches
- Wipe radiators and vents
Working with Contractors and Developers
Most of our post construction cleaning work comes from contractors and property developers who need a reliable cleaning partner that understands construction site protocols. When you work with Optus Glean, you get:
- Safe Pass certified teams — All operatives hold valid Safe Pass cards, allowing them to work on active and recently completed construction sites.
- Programme integration — We work to your construction programme, scheduling cleans around your trades and your handover dates.
- Snagging coordination — We identify snagging items during the cleaning process and report them to your site manager before the sparkle clean, so they can be addressed without requiring additional cleaning visits.
- Volume capacity — For multi-unit developments, we can deploy multiple teams to clean multiple units simultaneously, keeping your handover programme on track.
- Consistent quality — Every unit is cleaned to the same checklist by trained teams. No variation between units.
Need external window cleaning or pressure washing of external areas as part of the handover? These services can be scheduled alongside the post construction clean for a seamless finish.
Residential vs Commercial Post Construction Cleaning
While the fundamentals are the same, commercial post construction cleaning involves additional considerations:
- Scale — Commercial projects are measured in thousands of square metres. We deploy teams of 4 to 12 operatives with industrial equipment to match the scale of the project.
- Floor types — Commercial premises often feature polished concrete, vinyl, raised access floors, or specialist safety flooring. Each requires different cleaning methods and products.
- Fit-out residue — Office fit-outs generate specific residue including cable dust, ceiling tile debris, carpet tile adhesive, and partition plaster dust.
- Out-of-hours working — If the building is partially occupied, we schedule cleaning outside business hours to avoid disruption.
- Handover documentation — Commercial clients often require photographic evidence and sign-off documentation for the building handover pack.
Frequently Asked Questions About Post Construction Cleaning
How much does after builders cleaning cost in Ireland?
After builders cleaning in Ireland costs between €250 and €600 or more depending on the property size and the level of cleaning required. A sparkle clean for a standard 3-bedroom house typically costs €350 to €500. Larger commercial projects are priced per square metre or on a day-rate basis. Optus Glean provides fixed-price quotations after a free site assessment.
What is included in a post-construction clean?
A post-construction clean typically includes removal of all construction debris and packaging, HEPA vacuuming and mopping all floor areas, cleaning all internal windows and glass, wiping down all surfaces including skirting boards and door frames, sanitising bathrooms and kitchens, removing paint splashes and adhesive residue, polishing all fixtures and fittings, and a final inspection walk-through. The exact scope depends on whether you need a rough clean, builders clean, or sparkle clean.
What is the difference between a builders clean and a sparkle clean?
A builders clean is the second phase that removes the bulk of construction residue including dust, plaster splashes, paint marks, and adhesive residue. A sparkle clean is the final phase that brings the property to a showroom or move-in standard. It includes detailed cleaning of every surface, polishing fixtures, cleaning inside cupboards and appliances, and a final quality inspection. The sparkle clean is what the client or buyer sees on handover day.
How long after builders leave should I clean?
You should wait 4 to 5 days after builders leave before scheduling the final sparkle clean. This allows fine construction dust to settle on surfaces rather than remaining airborne. The builders clean (Phase 2) can be done immediately after the last trade finishes, as this phase removes heavy residue. But the sparkle clean should be timed to allow all airborne dust to settle first. Optus Glean advises all clients on optimal timing during the initial site assessment.
What is a Phase 1 and Phase 2 builders clean?
Phase 1 (rough clean) takes place while construction is still ongoing. It involves removing large debris, sweeping floors, and making the site safe for the remaining trades. Phase 2 (builders clean) happens after all trades have finished and involves detailed removal of construction residue from all surfaces. Some projects add a Phase 3 (sparkle clean) as the final handover-ready clean. Optus Glean offers all three phases individually or as a complete package.
Is post-construction dust harmful?
Yes. Post-construction dust can contain silica (a Group 1 carcinogen), wood dust, fibreglass particles, chemical residues from adhesives and sealants, and lead particles in older renovations. This is why professional post-construction cleaners use HEPA-filtered vacuum equipment that captures particles down to 0.3 microns, along with appropriate PPE. Standard domestic cleaning equipment is not adequate for safely removing construction dust.