Get your hands on the best vacuum cleaners for builders and say goodbye to dust and debris

Man in hi-viz yellow vest using a wet and dry vacuum in hallway with bare plastered walls
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Best vacuum cleaners: Quick menu

1. The list in brief
2. Best overall: Henry HVR160
3. Best for dust: Karcher WD4
4. Best for plaster: Makita VC2512L
5. Best budget vacuum: Vacmaster Wet & Dry
6. Best for spills : Charles CVC370-2
7. Best cordless vacuum: Makita DVC750LZ
8. How to choose
9. How we test

There’s one guarantee that when working on a self-build/DIY project, there’s going to be dust, dirt, and debris lying around at the end of the day. No one wants to drag out a broom and start sweeping; it's slow, boring and messy. That’s why you need one of the best vacuum cleaners for builders to do the hard graft for you.

Hugh is editor of sister title Livingetc.com and former digital editor of homebuilding.co.uk. He has worked on a range of home, design and property magazines, including Grand Designs, Essential Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms and Good Homes. Hugh has developed a passion for modern architecture and green homes, and moonlights as an interior designer, having designed and managed projects ranging from single rooms to whole house renovations and large extensions. He's currently renovating his own Victorian terrace in Essex, DIYing as much of the work as possible. He's recently finished his kitchen renovation, which involved knocking through walls, and landscaping a courtyard garden, and is currently working on a bathroom renovation.