Is the final clean the builder's responsibility or do I need to hire my own crew?

Whether the builder handles the final clean depends on your contract. Builders often include some level of cleaning before handing over a new home, but the quality and scope of a builder-provided clean is where problems can arise, and some homeowners end up hiring their own crew for a second clean before moving in.

Your purchase agreement or construction contract is the place to look for the builder's cleaning obligations. Review it carefully. A contract may include a basic final clean as part of the builder's scope, but the definition of "clean" can vary a lot between builders. Some builders hire professional post-construction cleaning crews who do thorough work. Others assign their own labourers to do a quick sweep and wipe-down that barely scratches the surface. The difference between a basic builder clean and a professional white-glove final clean is dramatic.

A builder-provided clean often covers sweeping and mopping floors, wiping countertops and fixtures, removing visible construction debris, and basic window cleaning. What it often does not include is detailed cleaning inside cabinets and closets, HVAC duct cleaning, removal of paint overspray and adhesive residue, cleaning window tracks and hardware, and thorough cleaning of garage and exterior areas. These gaps are where homeowners can end up dissatisfied.

For a new home, the pre-delivery inspection (PDI) walkthrough with your builder is a good moment to raise cleaning problems. If the builder's clean is inadequate, document the issues with photos and ask the builder in writing how and when they will be addressed, and how they fit your new-home warranty. Some homeowners simply prefer to hire their own cleaning crew rather than wait for the builder to send someone back.

If you are hiring a renovation contractor rather than building new, the cleaning responsibility depends entirely on your contract. A renovation contract may include a basic cleanup but not a detailed final clean, so it is worth settling this upfront and getting it in writing, which makes the contractor responsible for the mess their work creates. If you hire a final clean independently for a new build, quotes in Ottawa can run roughly $800 to $3,000 depending on home size and the level of detail you want, so ask for itemized written quotes. Whether your builder handles the clean or you hire your own crew, you can find post-construction cleaning companies through the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com.

---

Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Cleanstruction
• JC Carpentry
• Prism Services
• Leeds Property Maintenance
• Titley Construction