Post-renovation cleaning in Singapore

Post-renovation cleaning removes the fine dust, paint marks, adhesive and debris left after building work. In Singapore it is usually booked once the contractor has finished and before furniture moves in. Compare companies by what the clean includes, how many cleaners and hours they send, and whether they bring the equipment for renovation dust.

Why renovation cleaning is different

Renovation leaves a kind of mess that ordinary cleaning does not handle well. Fine dust from hacking, sanding and cutting settles on every surface and inside cabinets, tracks and grilles. Paint splatter, cement residue, silicone smears and protective film add to the work.

A post-renovation clean is normally done by a team over several hours, with industrial vacuums and scrapers suited to the job. Some companies also offer floor polishing or a second visit to catch dust that settles after the first clean. Ask what the team will bring and how many people will attend.

If you are moving into a new BTO flat or a resale flat after renovation, the post-renovation clean usually comes first. The move-out cleaning guide and the deep cleaning guide cover the other types.

When to book

Timing matters more than most people expect. Book the clean after all trades have finished, including carpentry, painting touch-ups, electrical and plumbing work. If the contractor returns to fix defects after the clean, the dust comes back.

• Ask your contractor to remove large debris and offcuts before the cleaners arrive.
• Confirm water and electricity are on, because cleaners need both.
• Leave a gap before furniture delivery so the team can work in empty rooms.
• Allow time for a touch-up visit if the company offers one.

Tell the company about curtains, blinds or lights that have already been installed, and whether they should be cleaned. Ask how the team will protect new surfaces, such as vinyl flooring or quartz countertops, from scratches.

What the clean usually covers

Scope differs between companies, so read the inclusions carefully. Some price by flat size, others by the number of cleaners and hours. A clear checklist makes comparison much easier.

• Dust extraction from floors, skirting, window tracks and grilles.
• Wiping inside and outside of built-in cabinets and wardrobes.
• Removing paint marks, cement stains and sticker residue where safe.
• Cleaning kitchen fittings, toilets, basins and shower screens.
• Wiping doors, switches, sockets covers and light fittings that can be reached.
• Cleaning windows and glass that are safely reachable from inside.

Ask what is excluded. Common exclusions include high ceilings, external window panes, heavy stains that need specialist chemicals and moving heavy items. If you want floor polishing, aircon cleaning or curtain cleaning, ask whether these are add-ons or need a separate company.

Pricing and what affects it

Prices depend on the size of the home, the amount of dust, the number of cleaners and the hours. A heavily hacked flat with a lot of carpentry usually needs more time than a light refresh. Add-ons such as polishing, steam cleaning or a second visit increase the price.

The published rates further down this page come from company websites in the HomezyPro directory. Each figure is one company's own advertised rate with its conditions, not a market average. Look at the unit carefully, since some quote per flat size and others per session.

When you request quotes, send the flat type, the floor area if known, photos of the rooms and a list of what was renovated. Ask each company to state the number of cleaners, the expected hours, what is included and whether GST applies.

Safety and building rules

Renovation dust can be irritating to breathe. Cleaners should use suitable masks and equipment, and you may want to stay away while the work is done. Ask the company how it disposes of debris and whether it will use the lift and common corridors in line with your building's rules.

In an HDB flat, renovation and cleaning activity in common areas should respect neighbours. The HDB information on renovations is a useful reference for permitted hours and common-area conduct. Condo residents should check with the management office for lift bookings and access.

Checking the finished job

Walk through the home with the team leader before they leave. Check inside cabinets, along skirting and window tracks, and on top of door frames. Point out missed areas while the team is still there.

Dust can keep settling for a day or two after a clean. If the company offers a touch-up visit, ask how long you have to request it. Keep photos of any issues and the company's written scope, in case you need to raise a complaint.

Use the home cleaning directory to compare companies that publish post-renovation cleaning. Each profile links to the company's own pages for services and prices.

Post-renovation cleaning questions

How long does post-renovation cleaning take?

It depends on the flat size, the amount of dust and the number of cleaners. Ask each company how many people it will send and how many hours it expects, based on photos and a description of the renovation work.

Should I clean before or after the contractor finishes defects?

After. If the contractor returns to fix defects, sand or drill, new dust will settle on cleaned surfaces. Book the clean once all work is complete, and ask whether the company offers a touch-up visit.

Is post-renovation cleaning the same as BTO cleaning?

A new BTO flat that has been renovated usually needs a post-renovation clean. A BTO flat with no renovation may only need a lighter move-in clean. Describe the work done so the company can recommend the right service.

Do cleaners remove paint and cement stains?

Many will remove light paint marks and cement residue where it is safe for the surface. Heavy stains may need specialist treatment. Ask the company what it can remove and what it excludes before booking.