Many new condo developments in Toronto include a builder-provided cleaning before occupancy. While this is a helpful starting point, the standard of these cleans varies significantly, and buyers are often surprised by what’s been missed once they move in and start unpacking.
Common Gaps in Builder-Provided Cleans
- Interior of cabinets and drawers often left untouched, with sawdust or construction debris still inside
- Appliance interiors — fridge, oven, dishwasher — frequently not cleaned before handover
- Balcony areas often skipped entirely, especially glass railings and floor debris
- Bathroom grout and fixtures sometimes still showing installation residue or caulking overspray
Why This Happens
Builder cleaning crews are often working across many units on a tight schedule ahead of a building-wide occupancy date, which limits how much time is spent per unit compared to a dedicated, single-unit clean.
What to Do Before Move-In
- Walk through the unit as soon as you get access, opening every cabinet, drawer, and appliance to assess actual cleanliness
- Check balcony areas, storage lockers, and any included parking spots for leftover construction debris
- Book a supplementary deep clean if the builder’s clean falls short — ideally before your moving truck arrives
Elevator and Move-In Booking
Most Toronto condo buildings require booking a moving elevator slot in advance, especially during a building’s initial occupancy period when many units are moving in around the same time. Coordinate your supplementary cleaning around this booking window.
My Canada Cleaning provides supplementary occupancy cleaning for new Toronto condos, filling the gaps often left by builder-provided cleans before your furniture moves in.