Post-Construction Cleaning Prices & Rates in Toronto & the GTA (2026)
Updated: 3 days ago
Post-construction cleaning prices in Toronto and the GTA typically depend on the size of the space, how much construction dust and residue is left behind, and whether the project requires a rough clean, final clean, or both.
For many projects, post-construction cleaning can range from approximately $0.40 to $1.00 per square foot. Some smaller or less predictable jobs may instead be priced by the hour, with rates around $55 per cleaner per hour. Larger new construction, commercial, and multi-phase projects are usually quoted based on the complete scope of work.
If you already have a completed or nearly completed project, you can request a quote for our post-construction cleaning services in Toronto and the GTA.
2026 Post-Construction Cleaning Prices & Price List
Sparkle & Scrub uses flat-rate pricing based on project size, cleaning phase and site condition. The rates below are standard starting prices for Toronto, the GTA, Brantford, Hamilton and Ottawa.
Project Size | Rough Clean | Final Clean |
Up to 1,000 sq. ft. | $350 | $450 |
1,000–1,500 sq. ft. | $450 | $600 |
1,500–2,000 sq. ft. | $600 | $750 |
2,000–2,500 sq. ft. | $750 | $950 |
2,500–3,500 sq. ft. | $950 | $1,200 |
3,500–5,000 sq. ft. | $1,200 | $1,600 |
5,000+ sq. ft. / Multi-unit / Commercial | Custom quote | Custom quote |
Starting rates reflect standard site conditions. Projects with heavy debris, restricted access, active trades or multi-phase schedules are quoted individually. All quotes are flat-rate and provided upfront.
Planning a project now? Get a post-construction cleaning quote based on the actual size, condition and scope of your property through our Toronto & GTA post-construction cleaning service.
New Construction Cleaning Prices in Toronto & the GTA
New construction cleaning prices are often calculated differently from routine residential cleaning because the job starts before the property has ever been occupied.
A new home, condo unit or commercial space may need fine construction dust removed from nearly every surface, along with labels, protective films, adhesive, plaster, paint residue and debris left behind by multiple trades.
New construction projects can also involve more than one visit.
A contractor may require:
a rough clean while work is still progressing;
a detailed final clean before handover; and
a touch-up clean after deficiencies or final trades have returned to the site.
Because of this, two new builds with identical square footage can have very different cleaning prices.
For example, an open 2,000-square-foot new build with relatively little residue may take considerably less labour than a similarly sized property with extensive glazing, built-in cabinetry, drywall dust, stickers, paint splatter and multiple finished surfaces requiring careful detailing.
How New Construction Cleaning Is Usually Priced
Project Type | Common Pricing Approach |
New construction home | Square footage + condition + cleaning phase |
New condo or unit | Unit size + scope + number of units |
Commercial new construction | Site assessment and project quote |
Builder / contractor project | Scope, crew size, schedule and cleaning phases |
Renovated property | Area affected + condition + required detailing |
If your project is approaching completion, it is also important to identify which cleaning stage you actually need. Our guide to rough clean vs. final clean after construction explains the difference and when each stage should be scheduled.
How Much Does Construction Clean Up Cost?
Construction clean up cost is driven more by labour and site condition than by square footage alone. Square footage gives the cleaner a useful starting point, but it does not show how much work is actually waiting inside the property.
A newly built space with light dust and open rooms may be relatively straightforward. A smaller renovation can cost more per square foot if crews need to remove hardened paint, adhesive, grout haze or heavy drywall dust from detailed surfaces.
The biggest factors affecting construction clean-up prices include:
total square footage;
new construction versus renovation;
rough, final or touch-up cleaning;
amount of fine dust;
paint, plaster, caulking and adhesive residue;
number and size of windows;
cabinetry, shelving and built-ins;
type of flooring and finished surfaces;
bathrooms and kitchens requiring detailed cleaning;
stairs and multiple levels;
access to the building, elevators or loading areas;
whether other trades are still working on site; and
the deadline for inspection or handover.
Construction dust also requires more care than ordinary household dust. Fine particles can be generated by activities involving concrete, mortar, drywall, stone and other construction materials. Ontario's construction guidance specifically recommends controlling the spread of silica-containing dust and avoiding dry sweeping in situations where silica dust may be present.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety similarly advises against dry sweeping silica dust and identifies HEPA vacuuming as one method of collecting it.
That is one reason professional post-construction cleaning generally costs more than a standard residential clean: the job involves different equipment, techniques and site conditions.
Post-Construction Cleaning Cost Per Square Foot
One of the easiest ways to estimate a larger project is by square footage.
In Toronto and the GTA, post-construction cleaning can commonly fall around $0.40 to $1.00 per square foot, depending on the work required.
That means a simple calculation might look like this:
Property Size | At $0.40/sq. ft. | At $1.00/sq. ft. |
750 sq. ft. | $300 | $750 |
1,000 sq. ft. | $400 | $1,000 |
1,500 sq. ft. | $600 | $1,500 |
2,000 sq. ft. | $800 | $2,000 |
3,000 sq. ft. | $1,200 | $3,000 |
These examples are useful for budgeting, but they are not a quote. The same 1,500-square-foot property could fall toward either end of the range depending on what the cleaners encounter.
What Pushes the Cost Per Square Foot Higher?
A project is more likely to move toward the higher end of the range when it includes:
Lower-Cost Conditions | Higher-Cost Conditions |
Open floor plan | Many rooms and detailed areas |
Light construction dust | Heavy drywall or construction dust |
Final clean only | Multiple cleaning phases |
Minimal residue | Paint, plaster, silicone or adhesive removal |
Few windows | Extensive glazing and window detailing |
Easy ground-level access | Condo, elevator or restricted site access |
Standard finishes | Delicate or specialized surfaces |
Trades completely finished | Contractors still working on site |
Flooring can make a particularly large difference. Hardwood, tile, natural stone, vinyl and concrete do not all respond to the same products or cleaning methods. If your project involves significant floor work, our guide to post-construction floor cleaning in Toronto and the GTA explains how the cleaning approach changes by material.
Post-Construction Cleaning Hourly Rates vs. Flat-Rate Pricing
Sparkle & Scrub does not charge post-construction cleaning by the hour. Instead, we scope the project in advance and provide a fixed flat-rate quote based on the size of the property, the cleaning phase, and the condition of the site.
For contractors, builders, and property managers, flat-rate pricing removes the uncertainty that can come with hourly billing. You know the agreed project price before the cleaning begins rather than waiting to see how many cleaner-hours are required.
Our standard starting rates are based on project size and whether the site requires a rough clean or final clean. For example, a standard project of up to 1,000 square feet starts at $350 for a rough clean and $450 for a final clean, while a 2,500–3,500 square foot project starts at $950 for a rough clean and $1,200 for a final clean.
Larger projects
Larger projects over 5,000 square feet, multi-unit properties, and commercial construction sites are quoted individually.
If site conditions turn out to be materially different from what was originally scoped — for example, significantly heavier debris, additional work caused by active trades, or restricted access that was not anticipated — we discuss any pricing adjustment before proceeding with the additional work, not after the job is complete.
Contractors working with Sparkle & Scrub across multiple projects can also benefit from consistent pricing and preferred scheduling.
For the full starting-rate table, see our post-construction cleaning services in Toronto and the GTA.
Post-Renovation Cleaning Costs vs. New Construction Cleaning
Post-renovation cleaning and new construction cleaning involve many of the same tasks, but the scope — and therefore the price — can be quite different.
A renovation usually affects only part of an existing property. A kitchen remodel, basement renovation or bathroom renovation may have a smaller cleaning area, but the work can still be intensive. Dust can travel well beyond the construction zone, while paint, grout haze, adhesive and plaster may need to be removed carefully from finished surfaces.
A new construction clean often covers the entire property and may involve multiple phases before the building is ready for inspection, occupancy or handover.
Project | Typical Pricing Considerations |
Kitchen or bathroom renovation | Size of renovated area, dust spread, cabinets, tile and residue removal |
Basement renovation | Square footage, flooring, drywall dust and stairs/access |
Full-home renovation | Whole-property dust removal, windows, cabinetry and detailed surfaces |
New construction home | Total square footage, construction phase and overall site condition |
Commercial renovation | Size, active trades, deadline and required cleaning phases |
Commercial new build | Site-specific quote based on scope, schedule and crew requirements |
A smaller renovation is therefore not automatically cheaper per square foot than a new build. Detailed residue removal in a compact space can require considerably more labour per square foot than cleaning a large, relatively open new property.
For homeowners who have recently completed major work, our post-construction cleaning services in Toronto and the GTA cover both renovation cleaning and complete new construction projects.
Rough Clean vs. Final Clean: How Each Stage Affects the Price
One of the biggest factors affecting post-construction cleaning prices is which cleaning phase the project requires.
A rough clean and a final clean serve different purposes, involve different levels of detail, and are priced separately.
Rough Cleaning
A rough clean usually happens while construction is still progressing or before the final handover stage.
The focus is on removing the larger mess created by construction so the site is safer, more workable, and ready for finishing trades.
A rough clean can include:
removing construction debris and discarded materials;
clearing larger dust and dirt;
vacuuming or sweeping work areas;
removing labels or protective materials where appropriate;
preparing floors and surfaces for the next stage of work; and
keeping the site clean enough for trades to continue efficiently.
Because a rough clean is generally less detailed than a final clean, the starting rate is lower.
For example:
Project Size | Rough Clean Starting Rate |
Up to 1,000 sq. ft. | $350 |
1,000–1,500 sq. ft. | $450 |
1,500–2,000 sq. ft. | $600 |
2,000–2,500 sq. ft. | $750 |
2,500–3,500 sq. ft. | $950 |
3,500–5,000 sq. ft. | $1,200 |
5,000+ sq. ft. / Multi-unit / Commercial | Custom quote |
Final Cleaning
A final clean takes place much closer to project completion, when the goal is to make the property ready for inspection, occupancy, client walkthrough, or handover.
This stage requires much more detailed cleaning.
Depending on the project, a final clean can include:
HEPA vacuuming fine construction dust;
cleaning walls, trim, doors, and baseboards;
wiping cabinetry inside and out;
cleaning fixtures and finished surfaces;
removing paint, plaster, adhesive, or silicone residue where it can be done safely;
detailing kitchens and bathrooms;
cleaning windows, frames, and glass;
cleaning floors according to the material; and
preparing the space for final presentation or occupancy.
Because the work is more detailed and labour-intensive, final-clean pricing is higher.
Project Size | Final Clean Starting Rate |
Up to 1,000 sq. ft. | $450 |
1,000–1,500 sq. ft. | $600 |
1,500–2,000 sq. ft. | $750 |
2,000–2,500 sq. ft. | $950 |
2,500–3,500 sq. ft. | $1,200 |
3,500–5,000 sq. ft. | $1,600 |
5,000+ sq. ft. / Multi-unit / Commercial | Custom quote |
For example, a standard 1,500–2,000 sq. ft. project starts at $600 for a rough clean and $750 for a final clean. A 3,500–5,000 sq. ft. project starts at $1,200 for a rough clean and $1,600 for a final clean.
Touch-Up Cleaning
Some projects also need a third visit after the final clean.
This can happen when painters, electricians, inspectors, or other trades return to complete deficiencies after the space has already been cleaned.
A touch-up clean can address:
new dust;
fingerprints;
footprints;
minor marks;
residue left by returning trades; and
final presentation details before handover.
Touch-up cleaning is quoted based on the remaining scope rather than the full project size.
Starting rates assume standard site conditions. Heavy debris, restricted access, active trades, or multi-phase schedules may require a custom quote.
If you're unsure which stage your project needs, see our guide to rough cleaning vs. final cleaning after construction.
Residential vs. Commercial Post-Construction Cleaning Rates
Residential and commercial post-construction cleaning can involve similar cleaning tasks, but they are often priced differently because the projects operate very differently.
Residential Post-Construction Cleaning
Residential jobs commonly include:
renovated houses;
newly built houses;
condos;
basement renovations;
kitchen and bathroom remodels; and
additions.
Pricing is often based on square footage, the areas affected by construction and the condition of the property.
Commercial Post-Construction Cleaning
Commercial projects may include:
offices;
retail spaces;
medical facilities;
industrial spaces;
commercial build-outs;
condo developments; and
multi-unit construction.
These jobs can involve larger crews, tighter handover schedules, active trades, multiple cleaning phases and site-specific safety or access requirements.
That is why a commercial cleaning company may need more information than simply:
“How much do you charge per square foot?”
The project schedule can matter almost as much as the floor area.
For example, cleaning 15,000 square feet once after every trade has left is a very different project from cleaning the same space in stages while contractors continue working.
Ontario's construction regulations also contain specific housekeeping requirements for active construction projects. Waste material and debris must be removed as often as necessary to prevent hazardous conditions under Ontario Regulation 213/91 for Construction Projects.
Contractors may also have requirements surrounding insurance and WSIB documentation. A WSIB clearance confirms that a registered business is in good standing with the WSIB.
Sparkle & Scrub provides WSIB and insurance documentation on request for commercial projects. Contractors, builders and property managers can learn more about our commercial and post-construction cleaning services.
What Can Increase a Post-Construction Cleaning Quote?
Square footage is useful, but it only tells part of the story.
These are some of the biggest factors that can increase the final price of a construction clean.
1. Heavy Construction Dust
Fine dust can settle almost everywhere: floors, walls, trim, light fixtures, vents, cabinets and horizontal surfaces.
A property with extensive drywall cutting or sanding can require substantially more detailed cleaning than one where most of the dusty work happened off site.
2. Paint, Plaster, Adhesive and Silicone
General dust removal is usually faster than removing dried construction residue.
Paint specks, drywall compound, adhesive, grout haze, silicone and other materials often need to be addressed individually while avoiding damage to the underlying finish.
That takes time.
3. Windows and Glass
A property with large windows, glass partitions or numerous interior panes can require considerably more labour.
Construction cleaning may also involve removing labels, fingerprints and construction residue from the glass and surrounding frames.
4. Detailed Kitchens and Cabinetry
New kitchens contain a large number of surfaces in a relatively small area.
Cabinet interiors, shelves, drawers, countertops, backsplashes, appliances and fixtures can all collect fine construction dust.
A 200-square-foot kitchen can therefore take much longer to clean than 200 square feet of open finished floor.
5. Flooring Material
New flooring needs to be cleaned according to the material and the type of construction residue present.
Hardwood, natural stone, porcelain tile, vinyl, laminate and concrete should not all be treated the same way.
For more detail, see our guide to post-construction floor cleaning in Toronto and the GTA.
6. Other Trades Are Still Working
This is a major one.
If cleaners are working while trades are still cutting, sanding, painting or moving materials through the building, areas may need to be cleaned more than once.
Whenever possible, a final clean should happen after dust-producing work is complete.
7. Restricted Access
Downtown condos, elevators, loading restrictions, parking limitations and security procedures can all add time to a project.
The cleaning itself may be identical, but moving people, supplies and equipment through the property takes longer.
8. A Tight Handover Deadline
A project that needs to be completed in one day may require a larger crew than the same job completed over several days.
Contractors should mention their walkthrough, inspection or occupancy deadline when requesting a quote so the cleaning company can plan the correct crew size.
How to Get a More Accurate Post-Construction Cleaning Estimate
If you want an accurate price, give the cleaning company enough information to understand the project before they quote it.
At minimum, provide:
the property location;
approximate square footage;
whether it is residential or commercial;
new construction or renovation;
the areas that were renovated;
whether you need a rough, final or touch-up clean;
whether construction is completely finished;
your required completion date; and
photos or videos of the property's current condition.
For larger commercial projects, drawings, floor plans or a site walkthrough may also help establish the scope.
The more accurately the condition of the site is communicated, the less likely the quote is to change once the crew arrives.
If your project is approaching completion, you can request a post-construction cleaning quote based on the actual size, condition and cleaning phase required.
Real Post-Construction Cleaning Projects in the GTA
Online price ranges are useful, but they cannot show how different two construction sites can be in practice.
For example, Sparkle & Scrub recently completed post-construction cleaning for a pharmaceutical facility in North York, including multi-stall washrooms and hallways.
The project involved removing construction dust from ceilings, walls and floors as well as paint and plaster residue from the finished flooring.
That scope is very different from cleaning a newly renovated residential condo, even if the total square footage were similar.
You can see examples of completed work on our post-construction cleaning service page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Construction Cleaning Prices
How much does post-construction cleaning cost in Toronto?
Post-construction cleaning in Toronto and the GTA can range from approximately $0.40 to $1.00 per square foot for many projects. Smaller jobs may instead be priced hourly, while large commercial and new construction projects are generally quoted according to their specific scope.
What are typical new construction cleaning rates?
New construction cleaning rates depend on square footage, site condition and whether the project requires a rough clean, final clean or multiple visits. A newly built property with heavy dust, extensive windows and detailed cabinetry will generally require more labour than an open property with minimal residue.
How much does construction clean up cost per square foot?
Around $0.40 per square foot can be a useful orientation figure for smaller standard projects, but Sparkle & Scrub prices post-construction cleaning as a flat-rate project rather than applying a fixed per-square-foot charge. Larger projects and repeat contractor work can have a lower effective cost per square foot, while difficult site conditions can increase the total price.
What is the hourly rate for post-construction cleaning?
Sparkle & Scrub does not charge post-construction cleaning by the hour. We assess the project and provide a flat-rate quote upfront based on project size, cleaning phase and site condition. This gives homeowners and contractors a clear price before work begins.
Is post-renovation cleaning cheaper than new construction cleaning?
Not necessarily. A renovation may involve fewer square feet, but concentrated drywall dust, paint, adhesive or grout residue can make a smaller area labour-intensive. The condition of the property is often more important than whether the project is technically a renovation or new construction.
Is rough cleaning cheaper than final cleaning?
Generally, a rough clean requires less detailed work than a final clean. Final cleaning involves fine dust removal and detailed cleaning of finished surfaces, fixtures, cabinetry, glass and floors, so it usually requires more labour.
How long does post-construction cleaning take?
It depends on the size and condition of the property, the cleaning stage and the size of the crew. A small renovation may take a few cleaner-hours, while a large new construction or commercial handover can require a full crew and multiple cleaning phases.
Should I get a post-construction cleaning quote before the project is finished?
Yes. Contractors and homeowners can arrange cleaning in advance, especially when there is a fixed inspection, move-in or handover date. The final scope should be confirmed once the cleaning company has enough information about the condition of the site.
Get a Post-Construction Cleaning Quote in Toronto & the GTA
There is no single post-construction cleaning price that works for every property.
Square footage provides a useful starting point, but the final rate depends on what was built or renovated, how much dust and residue remains, which cleaning phase is required and how much detailed work is involved.
For a realistic price, the best approach is to quote the actual project rather than rely entirely on an online average.
Sparkle & Scrub Cleaners provides post-construction cleaning in Toronto and the GTA for homeowners, contractors, builders and property managers, from residential renovations and new homes to commercial build-outs and larger projects.
Send us your project size, location, required cleaning phase and a few photos of the site to receive a clear project quote.
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