New Build Move-In Cleaning in Ottawa: What to Expect and When to Book It

New-build buyers in Ottawa often assume the builder's final walkthrough means the home is move-in ready. It usually isn't. Builders typically hand over a home after what's called a “broom clean” — debris removed and floors swept — which is a very different standard from a home that's actually ready to unpack boxes into.

What Builders Actually Clean Before Handover

A standard broom clean covers bulk debris removal and a basic floor sweep or vacuum. It generally does not cover window tracks, the inside of cabinets and drawers, protective film residue left on windows and countertops, dust inside light fixtures from drywall work, or adhesive residue from shipping labels and protective coverings on appliances and floors.

What a Proper Move-In Clean Covers

• Inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers, kitchen and bathrooms included

• Window tracks and sills, where construction dust and debris tend to collect

• Removing protective film and sticker residue from windows, countertops, and appliances

• Light fixtures, switch plates, and vents where drywall dust settles

• Baseboards and closet interiors, easy to miss on a quick walkthrough

• Appliance interiors, when the fridge, oven, or dishwasher are included with the build

When to Book It

The ideal window is after keys are handed over but before furniture and boxes arrive. Once the home is furnished, cleaners lose access to full floor areas, baseboards behind furniture, and closet floors — so a clean done after move-in is never as thorough as one done before it.

New Build vs. Renovation Post-Construction Cleaning

A new build usually has less heavy drywall dust than a full renovation, since most of that work happens before final finishes go in. What a new build does have more of is protective film, packaging residue, and manufacturer stickers across nearly every surface — a different cleaning job than the dust-focused work a renovation requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the builder's warranty cover cleaning?

No. New-home warranties cover construction defects, not cleaning. A move-in clean is a separate service you book yourself.

How far in advance should we book?

As soon as your closing date is confirmed, ideally one to two weeks out — new-build closing dates shift more often than resale closings, so it helps to confirm the exact date closer to the day.

Can it be done the same day as possession?

Yes, as long as it's scheduled right after keys are handed over and before movers arrive — that sequencing is what makes a thorough clean possible.

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Rose & Rose Cleaning provides move-in and post-construction cleaning for new builds in the Ottawa area. Call +1 613-439-2097 or email saintyves.ca@gmail.com to book around your closing date.