You just closed on a brand new home. Exciting. But look closely at those windows — they're covered in construction residue that the builder's "cleaning" barely touched.
Here's what you're dealing with, why DIY is risky on new glass, and what professional post-construction cleaning actually costs.
What's Actually on Your New Windows
| Contaminant | Where It Comes From | Removal Difficulty | Damage Risk If Left |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction dust | Drywall, concrete, grading | Easy | Low (cosmetic) |
| Manufacturer stickers | Window labels, energy ratings | Easy-Medium | Low (adhesive hardens over time) |
| Paint overspray | Exterior painting, trim work | Medium | Medium (bonds permanently after weeks) |
| Stucco/mortar splatter | Exterior finishing | Hard | High (etches glass) |
| Concrete splatter | Foundation, walkways, grading | Hard | High (etches glass within days) |
| Silicone/caulk smears | Window sealing, flashing | Hard | Low (but very visible) |
| Metal filings | Ductwork, flashing, railings | Medium | High (rust stains + scratches) |
| Drywall dust in tracks | Interior finishing | Medium | Medium (clogs drainage weep holes) |
Why the Builder's Cleaning Isn't Enough
Most builders include a basic "builder clean" before closing. Here's what that typically covers vs. what you actually need:
| Task | Builder Clean | Professional Post-Build |
|---|---|---|
| Glass wipe (exterior) | ✅ Quick wipe | ✅ Full purified water clean |
| Glass wipe (interior) | ✅ Basic | ✅ Full detail clean |
| Sticker/label removal | ❌ Often left | ✅ All labels removed |
| Paint spot removal | ❌ Ignored | ✅ Razor + solvent treatment |
| Stucco/concrete removal | ❌ Ignored | ✅ Acid treatment + polish |
| Track cleaning | ❌ Skipped | ✅ Vacuumed + wiped |
| Screen cleaning | ❌ Not installed yet | ✅ Installed + cleaned |
| Frame detail | ❌ Skipped | ✅ All frames wiped |
| Weep hole check | ❌ Never | ✅ Cleared + tested |
Post-Construction Cleaning Pricing
| Home Type | Light Contamination | Heavy Contamination* |
|---|---|---|
| Townhouse (new build) | $299 – $449 | $399 – $599 |
| Semi-detached | $349 – $499 | $449 – $649 |
| Detached (2,000-2,500 sqft) | $399 – $599 | $549 – $799 |
| Detached (2,500-3,500 sqft) | $499 – $699 | $649 – $899 |
| Large/custom (3,500+ sqft) | $699 – $999 | $899 – $1,200+ |
*Heavy contamination: paint overspray, stucco/concrete splatter, extensive silicone smears. Includes specialized removal treatments.
Why is it more than regular cleaning? Post-construction cleaning takes 2-3x longer than a standard cleaning. Every window needs individual inspection, contaminant-specific treatment (different products for paint vs concrete vs silicone), and careful technique to avoid scratching new glass.
The Right Timing
- Wait until ALL construction is finished — including landscaping, exterior painting, and grading. Cleaning early means paying twice.
- Before you move furniture in — easier access to all windows. Interior cleaning is faster without furniture blocking access.
- Within 2 weeks of completion — concrete and stucco splatter gets harder to remove over time. Paint spots bond more permanently. Sooner = easier = cheaper.
GTA New Construction Hotspots
The busiest areas for new construction cleaning in the GTA right now:
| Area | Build Type | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Markham (Cornell, Berczy) | Detached, townhouse | Grading dust, stucco splatter, new landscaping debris |
| Vaughan (Kleinburg, Vellore) | Custom detached | Stone/brick mortar, paint overspray, high window count |
| Milton (expansion areas) | Townhouse, semi | Mass-build dust, siding installation residue, shared-wall issues |
| Brampton (Mount Pleasant, Gore) | Detached, townhouse | Interlock dust, stucco, heavy grading dust |
| Pickering (Seaton) | New community | All-phase construction dust, ongoing neighbouring builds |
| Scarborough (infill) | Custom detached | Demolition dust from tear-downs, tight lot access |
| Oshawa (north expansion) | Subdivision | Mass-build dust, unfinished neighbouring lots |
For Builders & Contractors
We work with GTA builders who want a reliable window cleaning partner for their closing packages. Volume pricing for multiple lots, consistent quality, and scheduling that aligns with your closing dates.
- Volume pricing — 5+ homes/month gets builder rates (15-20% off standard)
- Flexible scheduling — We coordinate with your closing timeline, not ours
- Consistent quality — Same crew, same checklist, same result every home
- Insurance — $2M liability, WSIB compliant. Your sites are covered.
New Home? Get It Sparkling.
Post-construction window cleaning for new builds across the GTA. Before you move in, we make it perfect.
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