Case Study: 100-Apartment New Build Handover at Avonside House, Peterborough
Avonside House is a contemporary multi-storey residential apartment building forming part of the Fletton Quays regeneration scheme in Peterborough. When the developer needed a reliable partner to handle post-construction cleaning across all 100 apartments, they called us.
This is a look at how we approached the project, the challenges we faced, and the results we delivered.
Table of Contents
The Brief
Avonside House comprises 100 high-spec new-build apartments, including premium penthouse units, alongside extensive communal circulation areas and shared spaces.
We were appointed by Propiteer Fletton Quays to deliver a full post-construction cleaning and handover preparation programme across the entire building. The scope covered:
- 65,000+ sq ft of internal residential space
- Comprehensive window cleaning — internal and external across all elevations
- Complex high-level glazing on the penthouse apartments
- Phased delivery aligned with practical completion milestones
The goal was simple: get every apartment handover-ready, on time, without compromising on quality.
Scope of Works
We provided a complete post-build cleaning solution covering every aspect of the development:
| Area | What We Delivered |
|---|---|
| Apartments (x100) | Full post-construction deep clean to sparkle standard |
| Kitchens & Bathrooms | Sanitisation, polishing, protective film removal |
| Windows | Internal and external cleaning, all floors |
| Penthouses | Specialist high-level glazing cleaning |
| Floors | Deep cleaning, scrubbing, and final polishing |
| Communal Areas | Corridors, stairwells, and shared spaces |
Project Challenges
Large-scale new-build developments come with a unique set of challenges. Avonside House was no exception:
1. Volume and Consistency
100 apartments is a lot of ground to cover. Every unit needed to meet the same high standard — no exceptions.
2. Heavy Post-Construction Contamination
New builds leave behind serious mess. We're talking about:
- Fine construction dust on every surface
- Adhesive residue and protective films
- Paint splashes on glazing
- Plaster and grout haze on tiles
3. Complex Glazing
The building features extensive glazing across multiple floors, including large windows on the penthouse units. High-level window cleaning requires specialist equipment and techniques.
4. Live Construction Environment
We were working alongside other trades, which meant:
- Phased access to different floors
- Close coordination with site management
- Working around ongoing construction activity
5. Tight Deadlines
The developer had firm completion targets. Delays weren't an option.
Our Approach
We implemented a structured, phased cleaning programme integrated into the overall construction schedule.
Team Deployment
We deployed a 15-person specialist post-construction cleaning team. This gave us the capacity to handle multiple apartments simultaneously while maintaining quality control.
Phased Delivery
Rather than waiting for the whole building to be finished, we worked floor-by-floor:
| Phase | Approach |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Move in as each floor completed construction |
| Stage 2 | Initial builders clean to remove heavy debris |
| Stage 3 | Full sparkle clean once finishes are complete |
| Stage 4 | Final inspection and sign-off |
This approach kept us aligned with the construction schedule and ensured apartments were ready as soon as trades finished.
Quality Control
With 100 units to deliver, consistency was critical:
- Daily quality inspections on every completed apartment
- Sign-off process before marking any unit as handover-ready
- Supervisory oversight across all teams
Specialist Equipment
We brought in industrial-grade equipment suited to new-build cleaning:
- Industrial steam cleaning systems
- HEPA-filtered vacuums for fine dust extraction
- Specialist high-level window cleaning kit
- Professional-grade floor polishing equipment
Results & Performance
Here's what we delivered:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Apartments cleaned | 100 (100%) |
| Internal space covered | 65,000+ sq ft |
| Average daily output | 10–12 apartments during peak phases |
| First-time pass rate | 100% |
| Delays to completion | Zero |
| Safety incidents | Zero |
Client Feedback
The site management team and project stakeholders provided positive feedback on:
- Quality consistency across all units
- Reliable programme delivery
- Smooth coordination with other trades
- Professional approach throughout
Key Takeaways
This project reinforced several principles we apply to every large-scale development:
1. Plan for Scale
100 apartments requires a different approach to 10. We needed the right team size, the right equipment, and the right processes to maintain quality at volume.
2. Integrate with the Build Programme
Working in isolation doesn't work on live sites. We coordinated closely with site management to align our schedule with trade completion.
3. Never Compromise on Quality
It would have been easy to cut corners to hit deadlines. We didn't. Every apartment met the same sparkle-clean standard.
4. Invest in Quality Control
Daily inspections and sign-offs caught issues before they became problems. This is how we achieved a 100% first-time pass rate.
Work With Us
If you're a developer, contractor, or project manager with a multi-unit residential project, we'd be happy to discuss how we can support your handover programme.
We handle projects across London and the wider South East, from individual apartments to large-scale developments like Avonside House.
Get in touch:
- Request a quote
- Call us on 0208 058 2037
- Learn more about our approach
Project completed: 2025. Client: Propiteer Fletton Quays. Location: Avonside House, Fletton Quays, Peterborough.