New build exterior cleaning in New Zealand typically costs $249 to $649 + GST, depending on house size and the services included.
Even though a home is newly built, exterior surfaces often have construction dust, concrete splashes, paint residue, and early spider or mould growth that need professional removal before handover or moving in.
A proper exterior clean ensures the home looks finished, protects new materials, and prevents early damage. This guide explains pricing, what’s included, and which cleaning packages make the most sense for new builds.
What Is New Build Exterior Cleaning?
New build exterior cleaning is a light but essential clean designed specifically for newly constructed homes. Even though the house is new, exterior surfaces are rarely clean at handover.
What it removes:
- Construction dust and site dirt
- Concrete splashes on cladding, paths, and foundations
- Paint residue and overspray
- Spider webs and early insect activity
- Early mould or organic growth starting to form
Unlike older homes, new builds do not need heavy restoration. The goal is to finish the build properly, protect new materials, and present the home in a move-in or handover-ready condition.
This type of cleaning uses soft wash methods, which are safe for new paint, cladding, and roofing, and is usually cheaper when bundled into a package.
How Much Does New Build Exterior Cleaning Cost in New Zealand?
New build exterior cleaning is generally more affordable than cleaning older homes because there is less ingrained dirt, staining, and organic growth.
Most homeowners want to know the price upfront, and the good news is costs are predictable.
Typical new build exterior cleaning costs in New Zealand:
| Service Type | Average Price Range (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Basic exterior house wash | $249 – $349 + GST |
| House wash + roof treatment | $349 – $499 + GST |
| Full exterior cleaning package | $499 – $649 + GST |
These prices usually apply to single-storey homes up to around 150 m².
Final pricing depends on:
- House size (sqm)
- Number of storeys
- Roof type and access
- Whether services are bundled
- Optional add-ons like spider or bug treatment
Bundled packages almost always offer better value than booking services separately, especially for new builds preparing for handover or move-in.
What Affects New Build Exterior Cleaning Costs?
New build cleaning costs are mainly driven by size and access, not how dirty the home is. This helps keep pricing predictable for homeowners.
The key factors are:
1. House Size (sqm)
Larger homes take longer to clean and use more solution. Most base prices apply up to 150 m², with a per-square-metre rate added beyond that.
2. Single vs Double Storey
Double-storey homes cost more due to height, safety requirements, and longer setup time. Roof access also becomes more complex.
3. Roof Type and Access
Steeper roofs, tiled roofs, or roofs with limited access may require additional safety equipment, which can affect pricing.
4. Construction Residue Level
Heavy concrete splashes, paint overspray, or site mud increase labour time, even on new homes.
5. Optional Add-Ons
Services like spider & bug treatment or gutter cleaning increase cost but are often cheaper when bundled into a package.
Because new builds are cleaned early, bundling services is usually the most cost-effective option and prevents higher maintenance costs later.
Recommended New Build Exterior Cleaning Packages
Most new build homeowners want a handover-ready result without booking multiple services separately. Packages are designed for that exact purpose and they also cost less than individual services.
Below are the most practical options for new builds.
Package 1: House Wash + Gutter Clean + Roof Treatment
From $490 + GST (up to 150 m²)
This is the best all-round option for new builds preparing for final inspection or move-in.
Includes:
- Soft exterior house wash
- Roof treatment to prevent early moss and lichen growth
- Gutter cleaning to remove construction debris
Additional size pricing:
- $1.50 per extra m² over 150 m²
Best for:
Handover-ready homes, post-construction cleanup, and preventing early roof issues.
Package 2: House Wash + Roof Treatment (Most Popular)
From $345 + GST (up to 150 m²)
This package focuses on protecting the roof early, which saves money long term.
Includes:
- Exterior house wash
- Preventative roof treatment
Additional size pricing:
- $2 per extra m² (single-storey homes)
Best for:
New builds that look clean but need roof protection from day one.
Package 3: Full Protection Package
(House Wash + Gutter Clean + Roof Treatment + Spider & Bug Treatment)
From $590 + GST (up to 150 m²)
This is the premium option for homes near trees, rural areas, or coastal locations.
Includes:
- Exterior house wash
- Roof treatment
- Gutter clean
- Spider & exterior bug treatment
Additional size pricing:
- $1.50 per extra m² over 150 m²
Best for:
Homes where insects and spiders appear quickly after construction.
For new builds, packages offer the best value, reduce future maintenance, and ensure the home stays looking new for longer.
Why Roof Treatment Is Important on New Builds
New roofs look clean, but that doesn’t mean they’re protected. In New Zealand conditions, moss and lichen often start forming within the first 6–12 months, especially in damp, shaded, or high-humidity areas.
Here’s what homeowners need to know:
1. Early growth starts before it’s visible
Moss and lichen spores settle on new roofs quickly. By the time growth is visible, damage has already begun.
2. Prevention is cheaper than removal
Treating a new roof early costs far less than removing heavy moss later, which often requires stronger treatments and more labour.
3. Protects roof materials from day one
Organic growth traps moisture, which can lift tiles, damage coatings, and shorten roof lifespan.
4. Keeps the home looking new for longer
Roof staining and patchy growth can make a new build look aged within a short time.
A preventative roof treatment on a new build is not about cleaning dirt. It’s about stopping problems before they start and avoiding higher roof maintenance costs in the future.
Do New Builds Need Spider & Bug Treatment?
Yes, in many cases. New builds attract spiders and insects very quickly, often within weeks of completion.
Here’s why it happens and when treatment makes sense:
- Construction lights attract insects
During and after the build, lights attract flies, mosquitoes, and bugs, which then attract spiders. - Untouched exterior surfaces
New cladding, eaves, and corners provide ideal nesting points for spiders before the home is occupied. - Nearby landscaping and open land
New builds are often surrounded by soil, gardens, or undeveloped sections, which increases insect activity. - Early treatment prevents ongoing issues
Once spiders settle in, regular web removal becomes a recurring problem. Treating early stops this cycle.
Spider & bug treatment is strongly recommended if:
- The home is near trees, reserves, or rural land
- It’s a coastal or high-humidity area
- You want a clean exterior before moving in
- You want to avoid constant spider webs in the first year
For new builds, this treatment works best when done with the first exterior clean, as part of a package, before pests establish themselves.
When Should You Clean a New Build Exterior?
The best time to clean a new build exterior is before problems appear, not after. Timing affects both cost and results.
Here’s when it makes the most sense:
1. Before final inspection or handover
Cleaning removes construction dust, concrete splashes, and spider webs so the home presents as truly finished.
2. Before moving in
An exterior clean ensures the house looks new from day one and prevents dirt and insects becoming an ongoing issue.
3. After landscaping is complete
Landscaping often adds soil, mud, and debris to exterior surfaces. Cleaning after this step avoids redoing the work.
4. Within the first 3–6 months of completion
This is ideal for applying roof treatment and insect protection before moss, mould, or spiders establish.
Early cleaning is cheaper, faster, and prevents higher maintenance costs later. For new builds, proactive cleaning always delivers better value than reactive cleaning.
Can New Build Cleaning Be Bundled for Better Value?
Yes. Bundling services is the most cost-effective way to clean a new build exterior. Homeowners save money and avoid repeat call-outs.
Here’s why bundling works better for new builds:
Lower total cost
Packages are priced cheaper than booking each service separately.
One setup, one visit
Access equipment and safety setup are done once, reducing labour time.
Better protection from day one
House wash, roof treatment, gutter clean, and insect control work together to keep the home looking new longer.
Prevents early rework
Cleaning only one area often leads to visible dirt, spiders, or debris elsewhere soon after.
Most new builds get the best value from:
- House wash + roof treatment, or
- Full exterior packages before handover or move-in
For new homes, bundling isn’t an upsell. It’s simply the smartest and cheapest way to finish the build properly.
Why Choose Sun SoftWash for New Build Exterior Cleaning?
New builds need a different approach than older homes. The goal is protection and presentation, not heavy restoration. That’s where Sun SoftWash fits best.
Here’s what matters to homeowners:
1. Built for new materials
Soft wash methods are safe for fresh paint, new cladding, and modern roofing. No high pressure damage.
2. Package-based pricing
Clear packages designed specifically for new builds. No guessing, no hidden add-ons.
3. Preventative focus
Early roof treatment and insect control stop problems before they start, saving money long term.
4. Efficient, one-visit service
Everything is handled in a single visit where possible, ideal for handover and move-in timelines.
5. Experience with new homes
The process is structured around builders, inspections, and homeowners who want the house to look finished, not “just built”.
For new builds, the right cleaner isn’t the cheapest or the strongest. It’s the one that protects the home from day one.
FAQs About New Build Exterior Cleaning
Do new builds really need exterior cleaning?
Yes. New homes often have construction dust, concrete splashes, paint residue, and early spider activity. Cleaning finishes the build properly and protects new materials.
Is new build cleaning cheaper than older home cleaning?
Yes. New builds usually cost less because there is no heavy staining or long-term organic growth. Bundled packages reduce costs further.
Can exterior cleaning damage new paint or cladding?
No, when done correctly. Soft wash methods are designed for new surfaces and avoid high pressure that can cause damage.
Does exterior cleaning affect CCC or final handover?
While not mandatory, many homeowners clean before handover to ensure the property presents well for inspection and documentation.
How long does a new build exterior clean take?
Most new builds are completed within a few hours, depending on house size and the package chosen.
Should roof treatment be done on a brand-new roof?
Yes. Early treatment prevents moss and lichen from establishing, which is cheaper than removing growth later.
Is spider treatment worth it on a new build?
If the home is near trees, open land, or coastal areas, yes. Early treatment prevents ongoing spider web issues.
