A high-quality builders clean (also known as post-construction cleaning) is critical before final handover. Whether it’s a new home, a commercial development, or a multi-unit project, your cleaning partner plays a big role in how the project is delivered — and how it’s remembered.

Here’s what to look for when choosing a professional post-construction cleaning company in Hawke’s Bay.

1. Company Size & Capability Matters

   If you’re nearing the end of a build, time is tight. A professional builders cleaning service should be able to:

   • Provide multiple trained cleaners for large jobs
   • Handle urgent cleans or schedule changes
   • Finish on time for CCC inspections or handover walkthroughs

   Capability is everything — especially if you need staging or multiple areas cleaned over different days.

2. Supervision and On-Site Leadership

   Your cleaners shouldn’t need constant managing. Look for a company that sends a site supervisor or project lead who can:

   • Liaise with your site team or foreman
   • Manage quality on the go
   • Ensure nothing is missed before inspection

   This is particularly important for larger post-construction cleans in commercial or multi-home builds.

3. Trained in Construction Residue Removal

   Construction work leaves more than just dust. A good builders clean team should be trained to safely remove:

   • Paint overspray
   • Mortar and grout haze
   • Silicone and glue residue
   • Fine plaster dust and sawdust

   The wrong technique or chemical can easily damage brand-new finishes — from glass to tile to timber floors.

4. Full-Service Cleaning (Not Just Dusting)

   Avoid juggling multiple subcontractors. Your cleaning company should offer a complete post-construction cleaning package, including:

   • Interior detailing (skirting boards, cabinetry, ledges)
   • Window cleaning (inside and out)
   • Building washdowns (for exteriors and decks)
   • Carpet & upholstery cleaning
   • Machine scrubbing for hard floors

   Working with a single full-service provider saves time and ensures quality across the whole site.

5. Health & Safety Compliance (SiteWise Green-Rated)

   Construction sites require cleaners to meet strict safety standards. Ask if the company is SiteWise Green-rated, which shows they’re pre-qualified under New Zealand health and safety standards. They should also:

   • Provide their own PPE
   • Be confident working around trades
   • Complete inductions and follow site protocols

6. Digital Systems & Real-Time Communication

   A modern builders cleaning company should use technology to:

   • Tick off digital checklists onsite
   • Upload photos for proof of completion
   • Track progress room-by-room
   • Communicate in real-time with your site team

   This makes coordination easier — especially across larger or multi-stage projects.

7. Flexibility for Real-World Construction Timelines

   No build runs perfectly. You need a cleaning team that can:

   • Reschedule quickly if needed
   • Split the clean over stages
   • Work after-hours or weekends when required

   Construction timelines rarely go exactly to plan — having a cleaning team that can adapt quickly is key to ensuring a smooth and timely handover.

8. Problem Solving On-Site

   Issues always come up in the final stages. What matters is how your cleaning company handles them. A reliable team will:

   • Fix issues on the spot where possible
   • Communicate clearly (not just report problems)
   • Help you move forward — not slow you down

   This kind of attitude is invaluable when you’re under pressure before final handover.

9. Fast Response for Re-Cleans or Touch-Ups

   On rare occasions, something may be missed. A professional builders clean company should:

   • Return quickly to rectify any issues
   • Take ownership of touch-ups — no hassle
   • Prioritise getting the site 100% ready

   It’s about making sure you never have to chase — especially when handover is looming.

Final Thoughts

A quality builders clean is more than just the final step — it’s what ensures your project is presented at its best.

When choosing a post-construction cleaning partner, look for a company that’s well-resourced, understands construction environments, and can deliver consistently under pressure. The best teams bring not just cleaners, but structure, responsiveness, and pride in the finished result.

Get this part right, and you’ll save time, reduce handover stress, and hand off a job you’re proud of.