The Complete Post-Renovation Cleaning Checklist

Why builders' clean and deep clean aren't the same thing

A 'builders' clean' — the basic tidy-up most contractors include — removes visible rubble, packaging and obvious debris. It is not a deep clean, and treating it as one is the single most common reason homeowners are disappointed when they walk into a 'finished' renovated space.

Construction dust is genuinely different from household dust: it's finer, it's often gypsum or cement-based, and it settles into places you wouldn't think to check — inside light fittings, behind radiators, in the folds of curtains that were left up during the works.

The checklist we actually work from

Ceilings and light fittings first, always — dust falls, so working top to bottom prevents re-contaminating surfaces you've already cleaned. Cornices and picture rails collect a surprising amount of fine dust that a quick wipe won't shift.

Windows, frames and tracks: paint flecks and sealant residue are common on window frames after renovation work, and tracks trap construction grit that will scratch the glass if it isn't removed with a vacuum before wiping.

Cabinetry, inside and out: new kitchen and bathroom cabinetry should be wiped down internally before first use — manufacturing residue and packing dust is standard, not a defect.

Skirting boards and architraves: these sit at exactly the height where dust settles most heavily and gets missed, particularly in corners and behind doors.

Extraction and ventilation: cooker hoods, bathroom extractor fans and air vents should be checked and cleaned — dust ingress during works can reduce their efficiency from day one if left unaddressed.

Floors, last: a final vacuum and wash only once every other surface is done, so you're not re-depositing dust onto a clean floor.

A note on timing

We recommend scheduling a post-renovation deep clean at least 24 hours after the final trades leave the site, once any remaining airborne dust has settled. Cleaning too early simply means doing the job twice.