What to look for when appointing a builder’s clean contractor
A builder’s clean is one of the final and most important steps in any construction or refurbishment project. It’s your chance to make a great first impression, so it’s worth taking the time to appoint a contractor you can trust, who turns up properly equipped, works safely, and delivers a result that reflects well on everyone involved in the project.
Yet choosing a cleaning contractor for a construction site is something many developers, site managers, and project managers leave until the last minute, often defaulting to whoever is cheapest or most convenient. Here, the team at ServiceMaster Clean Devon highlights what you should be looking for.
CSCS cards
Any cleaning operative working on a live or recently completed construction site should hold a valid CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card. This card confirms they have the health and safety knowledge required to work safely in a construction environment.
If a cleaning company can’t confirm that its staff hold CSCS cards, that’s an immediate red flag. Ask for confirmation before agreeing to anything.
PPE and equipment
A professional builder’s clean contractor will arrive with their own appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Equally important is the quality of their cleaning equipment. A builder’s clean requires industrial-grade machinery capable of tackling post-plaster dust, hard-floor restoration, and window cleaning at height.
Full insurance cover
Accidents happen on construction sites, so any contractor you appoint must carry public liability insurance at an appropriate level and employer’s liability insurance for their own staff. Ask to see certificates.
They understand the different stages of a builder’s clean
Not all builder’s cleans are the same. A good contractor will be familiar with the distinction between:
- Interim cleans — carried out between trades to keep the site safe and workable, removing debris and dust before the next phase begins.
- Post-build cleans — a thorough clean once the majority of construction work is complete, tackling plaster dust, paint overspray, adhesive residue, protective film removal and more.
- Sparkle cleans — the final detailed clean before handover, ensuring the property is presented at its very best.
Each stage requires a different approach and level of resources. If a contractor quotes for one without asking which you need, that’s a sign they may not fully understand the scope of the work.
Method statements, risk assessments and COSHH sheets
For any work on a recently completed construction site, you should expect a contractor to be able to provide method statements, risk assessments and COSHH data sheets for the chemicals they use.
These documents demonstrate that the contractor operates professionally, has thought through how the work will be carried out safely, and can be held accountable for their approach.
A free on-site assessment
A reputable contractor will want to see the job before providing a quote. Every construction project is different, with many factors affecting the scope and cost of the clean.
Be wary of contractors who quote over the phone without visiting the site. A cost given without a site visit is rarely accurate and can lead to problems at the invoice stage.
Experience and references
Check whether the contractor has experience with builder’s cleans, specifically as these are different to general commercial cleaning.
Ask for examples of similar projects they’ve completed, and even a reference from a developer or site manager they’ve worked with before.
ServiceMaster Clean Devon provides specialist builder’s clean services across South East Devon, Exeter and Torbay. Our teams hold valid CSCS cards, carry their own PPE, and are fully insured. We offer free on-site assessments and no-obligation quotations.
Call the ServiceMaster Clean Devon team on 01803 200 278 or email office@smcdevon.co.uk to arrange a site visit and receive a personalised quote.
