Site Cleaning Nightmares: What You Must Know Before Booking a Site Clean

24th March 2025

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Discover the hidden challenges of site cleaning before construction begins. This article explores who is responsible for clearing land, common mistakes to avoid, and why cheap site cleaning can lead to costly delays.

Site Cleaning Nightmares: What You Must Know Before Booking a Site Clean

Understanding Site Cleaning Responsibilities

If you're building a new home, dealing with site cleaning can be a frustrating and expensive process—especially if you don't know what to expect. Many home buyers assume their land will be clear and ready for construction, only to find dumped rubbish, overgrown weeds, or worse—construction debris contaminating the soil.

In this episode of The Home Building Hub Podcast, hosts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan speak with Brett Fuller from Clear My Block, an expert in site cleaning. We discuss common issues, misconceptions, and how to ensure your site is properly cleared before construction begins.

Who is Responsible for Site Cleaning?

One of the biggest misconceptions among home buyers is who is responsible for clearing their land. The reality is:

• The landowner is responsible for clearing the block of any rubbish, weeds, or contamination before building can begin.
• Builders typically require a clean and contamination-free site before construction can start.
• If there is rubbish dumped on your block, it's still your responsibility to remove it—even if you didn’t put it there.

Common Problems with Site Cleaning

Many buyers are caught off guard by unexpected site cleaning costs. Some common site cleaning nightmares include:

• Illegal rubbish dumping: People often use vacant lots to dump old furniture, household waste, or construction debris.
• Overgrown weeds and grass: These need to be completely removed before building.
• Hidden contamination: Even if a block looks clear, it may still have contaminants like rubble, concrete, gravel, landscaping debris such as bark or builder’s waste that need to be scraped away.
• DIY site clearing gone wrong: Many people think hiring a skip bin and manually clearing the site will save them money, but they often fail to remove all debris properly - leading to additional costs.
• Trades dumping materials on vacant blocks: Landscapers, electricians, and builders from nearby sites may dump leftover materials onto your land.

Why Cheap Site Cleaning Can Cost You More

While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest quote or even attempt a DIY clean-up, improper site clearing can lead to:

• Delays in construction: Builders won’t start work until the site is cleared to their standards.
• Repeated clean-ups: If debris isn’t removed properly, you may have to pay for multiple cleans.
• Expensive contamination removal: Contaminated soil can be costly to dispose of because it can’t go to standard landfill sites.

How Professional Site Cleaning Works

Brett Fuller explains that proper site clearing involves more than just picking up visible rubbish. His company, Clear My Block, follows a systematic process:

1. Assessment: A quote is provided based on site photos or an in-person visit.
2. Debris removal: Large debris, including furniture, bricks, and construction waste, is removed.
3. Contamination clearing: The top layer of soil is scraped to remove hidden waste.
4. Separation and recycling: Materials like metal, bricks, and concrete are sorted for recycling, reducing waste disposal costs.
5. Final site check: The block is left clear and ready for building.

How to Protect Your Site from Illegal Dumping

Once your block is clean, preventing future dumping is crucial. Here’s how:

• Install temporary fencing: A wire or temporary fence around your block discourages illegal dumping.
• Monitor your site: Regular visits can help you spot and address issues early.
• Ensure a clear settlement agreement: When purchasing land, ensure the contract states the block must be delivered clean and clear.
• Act quickly if dumping occurs: If rubbish appears, remove it immediately to prevent further dumping.

What to Do If You See Illegal Dumping

If you witness someone dumping rubbish on your site:

• Take photos: Capture evidence, including number plates and company logos.
• Report it: Contact local council or police to report the incident.
• Avoid confrontation: Dumpers can be aggressive, so it’s best to report them rather than engage directly.

Key Takeaways

• Landowners are responsible for site cleaning, even if rubbish is dumped illegally.
• Proper site clearing involves more than just removing visible rubbish - contaminated soil must also be addressed.
• Going for the cheapest quote or DIY clearing can lead to delays and extra costs for not being completed properly.
• Installing fencing and monitoring your site can help prevent illegal dumping.
• If you see illegal dumping, report it to your local council or police with photographic evidence.

FAQ

1. How much does a proper site clean cost?

• Costs vary based on site conditions, but expect to pay between $1,000–$2,000 for a professional clean.

2. Can I clear my own site?

• Technically, yes, but most DIY attempts fail to remove all contamination, leading to additional costs later.

3. What happens if my site isn’t clean before construction?

• The builder will delay construction until the site is properly cleared, which could lead to increased costs and mortgage repayments.

4. How quickly can site clearing be done?

• Professional cleaners like Clear My Block aim to complete the job within a week.

5. What should I do if my builder’s trades dump rubbish on my block?

• Contact the number on the site sign and request removal. If they refuse, document the issue and report it to local authorities.

Listen to the Full Episode

For more insights and expert advice, listen to the full episode of The Home Building Hub Podcast: Site Cleaning Nightmares – Listen Before Booking Your Site Clean

About the Home Building Hub Podcast

The Home Building Hub Podcast, hosted by industry experts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan, is Australia’s premier resource for new home buyers. With weekly episodes featuring special guests, the podcast provides objective, high-quality insights into the home building process—completely free and without sales pitches. From understanding financing options to navigating the complexities of building a new home, each episode is packed with actionable advice and tips.

Explore more episodes at www.homebuildinghub.com.au and join our growing community of informed home buyers.

Disclaimer

Whilst we’re all about providing value to you, this article should not be considered as legal or financial advice. It contains general information only and is based on the content discussed during the podcast episode. This information is relevant to the episode’s release date and may not be applicable at the time of reading. Always seek independent professional advice tailored to your personal situation before making any legal or financial decisions.