There are several types of builders cleans which vary due to the preference of the builder and the stage of the build. Some builders prefer a one-off builders clean at the end of construction while others require a two stage or three stage builders clean throughout the construction process. Let’s take a look at the differences between them and the advantages and disadvantages of three types of builders cleans.
One off Builders Cleans
As the name suggests, one-off builders cleans are the final clean once construction is completed. We generally start with the cleaning of the windows. One of our team vacuums the window tracks and ledgers along with the glass sliding door tracks. We then remove all stickers and protective tape from the windows, doors and frames before cleaning the glass outside then inside.
While the windows are being cleaned, the floors are swept to remove debris (off cuts, plaster cement etc) and dust. All draws and cupboards throughout the property are then vacuumed and wiped down before buffing cupboard and draw fronts.
Tiled areas, floors and walls in bathrooms, are wiped clean of grout dust before being cleaned with a solution to remove the grout haze. Where necessary, tiles are buffed to make them shiny. Splashbacks in the kitchen and pantry are also deep cleaned and buffed before counter tops are cleaned. If necessary, patio tiles are water blasted which may also require grout haze treatment.
The remainder of the property is then cleaned of dust, including ceiling fans, light switches, GPO’s and skirting boards. The entire property is then vacuumed and the hard floors are washed, which again may require grout haze treatment.
Advantages of One-off Builders Cleans
One-off builders cleans occur at the end of construction after all defects have been rectified and the property is ready for hand over. As it is only one clean, this process can be cost effective.
Disadvantages of One-off Builders Cleans
In many cases, further defects are found during builders cleans which could have been rectified throughout the construction process rather than being discovered days before handover.
Two stage Builders Cleans
Two stage builders cleans are similar in all respects to the one-off builders cleans with the addition of a sparkle clean in the days before handover to the client. This type of clean occurs over a 2-3 week period and consists of all of the detail in a one-off clean along with a follow up sparkle clean in the days before handover to the clients.
Advantages of Two Stage Builders Cleans
The main advantage is that other minor defects can be uncovered, allowing the builder to rectify any issues well in advance of handover. The sparkle clean before handover ensures that the property is in pristine condition and matches the expectations of both the building supervisor and the client.
Disadvantages of Two Stage Builders Cleans
There are no disadvantages of two stage builders cleans, beside the cost, however that is minimal as the major portion of the clean has already been carried out.
Three stage Builders Cleans
Three stage builders cleans consist of an initial clean, a final clean and just before handover there is a sparkle clean. This type of clean commonly occurs over a 3-4 week period.
Initial Clean
The main objective of the initial clean is to clear away building debris and prepare surfaces and tiled edges so that the caulking specialist can do their job without hindrance. During the initial clean, debris is swept from all floors, window tracks and glass sliding door tracks are vacuumed and the glass is cleaned. All surfaces in the tiled areas are wiped down and all tiled edges are thoroughly cleaned.
Final Clean
A week or two later we arrive back on site to complete the final builders clean. This entails a thorough deep clean of the entire house. All cupboards and draws are vacuumed and wiped clean and cupboard doors and draw fronts are wiped clean and buffed. Wardrobe shelves are also vacuumed and wiped clean. Skirting boards are cleaned and all doors are cleaned.
At the end of this final clean, floors are vacuumed and mopped. Often floor tiles require treatment with a tile glaze solution to remove the clouding appearance.
Patio tiles are cleaned at this stage using a water blaster and if necessary, they are treated with a tile glaze solution.
Sparkle Clean
A day or two before handover we return for the sparkle clean. This typically requires a wipe down of all surfaces, including cupboards and draws. Windows usually require cleaning again due to the accumulation of dust within the house and landscaping dust on the external windows. All floors are vacuumed again including carpets, which are usually the last floor coverings to be laid. And, of course, hard floors are mopped once more.
Advantages of Three Stage Builders Cleans
One advantage of three stage builders cleans is that the project is maintained at a safe level with the ongoing removal od debris and trip hazards. Another advantage is that trades tend to follow suit by cleaning up after themselves rather than leaving their rubbish where they have worked. This promotes a work safe culture and shows pride in the quality of workmanship.
Also, of great importance to the project manager, a clean environment allows them to easily see minor defects and have them rectified in a timely manner, rather than scrambling to fix minor defects in the days before handover.
Disadvantages of Three Stage Builders Cleans
Clearly there is an increased cost factor for three stage builders cleans, but this should be budgeted for in the same manner that all trade services are budgeted. However, maintaining a safe and clean work environment promotes safety and pride on site and leads to better outcomes for the building company and their clients.
Contact Westys Home Cleaning today and let us transform your construction site into an immaculate home that exceeds your expectations.
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