You’ve just built your new home or renovated your current one. Now, you’re faced with the aftermath—a messy site that needs a thorough cleanup.
Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring professionals, you need a post-construction cleaning checklist.
We will dive into everything a homeowner or DIY-er needs to do both pre-, during, and post-construction to make your house a spotless living space.
Table of Contents
- Will post-construction cleaning be done by your construction contractor?
- Discuss site preparation and protection with your contractor
- How to prepare for your post-construction cleaning: Things to do and necessary equipment
- Checklist of areas and things to be cleaned after construction
- Checklist of necessary post-construction cleaning equipment
- The 3 Stages of Post-Construction Cleaning
- How to tackle tough paint stains and adhesive residue
- How to contain and clean fine dust
- Should you DIY Post-Construction cleaning or bring in the pros?
Will post-construction cleaning be done by your construction contractor?
Source: Zinkevych
It depends on the contractor. While construction contractors often do some general cleaning of debris, post-construction deep cleaning is typically not their responsibility.
Some contractors may include it as a separate service in their package, while many will leave it to the homeowner.
You can ask your construction contractor whether they provide cleanup services. Confirm the scope and extent of the cleanup to avoid misunderstandings later on.
Renovating? Discuss site preparation and protection with your contractor
A major renovation is somewhat trickier than a construction project. You have to protect your existing space and the areas you won’t be touching, especially if you’ll be demolishing parts of your home.
Contractors generally factor this in their plans, but that’s only to prevent damage. They won’t go out of their way to prevent dust and grime.
If you want your post-construction cleaning to be a lot less difficult to deal with, you need to discuss site preparation and protection with your contractor. These are the preemptive measures you can bring up:
Communicate Expectations:
Clearly express your expectations regarding preserving non-construction areas. Discuss which parts of your home will remain untouched, and emphasize your desire to minimize the impact on these spaces.
Protective Coverings:
Request the use of protective coverings, such as plastic sheeting or drop cloths, to shield surfaces and items in unaffected zones against dust, debris, and accidental spills. Plastic sheeting can be strategically draped over furniture, appliances, and flooring.
Flooring Protection:
Flooring is an often-overlooked aspect, yet it bears the brunt of construction activity. Discuss the use of materials like rosin paper or specialized floor coverings to shield your floors from scratches, stains, and heavy foot traffic.
Source: Gpoint Studio
You’ll be a lot happier not having to deal with scratched or sticky floors during post-construction cleaning.
Dust Containment Measures:
Ask about the contractor’s dust containment measures. Professionals often utilize barriers like ZipWall systems to isolate construction zones and minimize the migration of dust.
Proactive Cleanup During Construction:
If your contractor is kind enough, ask if they can clean up proactively during construction. This means removing construction debris promptly and periodically tidying up work areas. This makes the post-construction cleanup less of an uphill battle.
How to prepare for your post-construction cleaning: Things to do and necessary equipment
So you decided to DIY your post-construction cleaning. If you want a breezy process, then you can’t just jump right into it.
And no, you don’t need a complex prep plan or anything like that. But at the very least, you should seal off unaffected rooms against the impending dust invasion with plastic sheeting.
Use masking tape to hold the plastic to your walls and doors. Don’t forget to block off windows, vents, and any other small openings.
Clear most of the dust
Try to clear as much of the dust as possible before you start intensive cleaning. It not only makes your cleanup easier, but you are also protected from breathing in excess dust.
Source: La Miko
A general rule to follow when cleaning is to start from the innermost part of the room or building and then work your way outside. This way, you’ll avoid spreading the dirt and dust unnecessarily.
Inspect the construction work before starting
You should take a closer look at the construction job before you start cleaning proper. Are there any touch-ups or fixes needed? Any safety issues, such as loose wires and leaks? Addressing these beforehand means you won’t undo your cleaning efforts later.
Figure out waste management
You will need to dispose of construction debris and dust gathered from your cleaning.
Your construction contractor might have rented a dumpster, so ask if you can drop your trash there. The contractor may not want to rent the dumpster longer than they need to meet your post-construction cleaning timeline, however. But you could always reach an agreement.
For convenience, consider renting a dumpster solely for your post-construction cleanup—it tends to generate a lot more trash than you’d expect.
A good dumpster company will help you choose the most practical-sized dumpster by collecting details and judging the scope of the renovation or construction. This way, you won’t have to spend more on waste disposal than you should.
Checklist of areas and things to be cleaned after construction
Checklist of necessary post-construction cleaning equipment
The 3 Stages of Post-Construction Cleaning
When done by professionals, post-construction cleanup generally unfolds in three stages. This guarantees an efficient and highly meticulous process.
Depending on the volume of cleaning needed, these stages can be completed in as long as a week.
Rough Clean:
Purpose: Remove the heavy debris and major sources of dirt. This is also where you clear most of the dust from the construction if you didn’t do that prior.
What to Clean:
- Remove larger construction materials like wood scraps and bricks.
- Use a vacuum to extract the primary layer of dust from surfaces.
- Wipe stains and spots, such as paint and adhesive residue.
- Remove stickers from doors, windows, and appliances.
- Wash down doors, walls, and windows.
Deep Clean:
Purpose: Address remaining dust and debris, ensuring a more thorough cleaning of all visible and hidden surfaces.
Source: Freepik
What to Clean:
- Wipe down surfaces, focusing on countertops and visible areas.
- Sweep and mop floors to eliminate remaining dust and dirt.
- Clean the interior of cabinets and closets. Pay attention to details and ensure no construction residue remains.
- Take care of inner surfaces such as vents, air ducts, and HVAC filters. Regular vacuums might suffice, but a high-powered vacuum (shop vac) is highly recommended.
- Thoroughly wipe down and sanitize kitchens and bathrooms
- (with hydrogen peroxide).
- Clean door knobs, baseboards, and hardware hinges.
- Dust ceiling fans, lighting fixtures, grates.
Final Clean:
Purpose: Check your space days later for any settled dust as well as smudges, fingerprints, or missed spots.
What to Clean:
- Every surface—walls, ceilings, windows, and fixtures—with a damp microfiber cloth.
- Pay specific attention to corners, ceiling fixtures, windows, and glass doors.
How to tackle tough paint stains and adhesive residue
For dried paint:
A good old-fashioned scraper is your first line of defense. Opt for a plastic scraper to avoid surface damage. Hold the scraper at a slight angle, gently working the edge against the paint.
For water-based paints, a mix of warm water and mild dish soap can finish the job. Apply the solution to the paint, let it soak for a bit, and then scrape away. Stubborn oil-based paints might need a bit of help from a solvent.
Test any cleaning method in a hidden spot first to avoid surprises.
For adhesive residue:
Grab some cooking oil and apply it generously to the adhesive. Let it sit for about an hour. The oil breaks down the stickiness, making it easier to wipe or scrape away.
A plastic scraper or a soft cloth can be used to gently lift the residue. Follow up with a mixture of dish soap and water to clean off any oily residue.
For tougher adhesives, use rubbing alcohol or acetone. Apply a small amount to a cloth and dab at the adhesive. Be cautious, especially on delicate surfaces, as these substances can be potent. Always test a small, inconspicuous area before widespread use.
How to contain and clean fine dust
Fine dust is tough to contain and will therefore be a major headache during post-construction cleaning. This is the kind of dust that easily spreads in the air and settles on previously cleaned surfaces.
Dealing with fine dust after a renovation demands a meticulous approach. Start by ventilating the space. Open windows and doors for cross-ventilation to allow airborne particles to exit.
Then you might need to invest in a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum. Unlike regular vacuums, HEPA vacuums trap tiny particles, preventing them from circulating back into the air.
Cleaning fine dust on surfaces:
To clean fine dust on surfaces, use microfiber cloths. Dampen them slightly to capture the dust effectively. Wipe surfaces gently. Avoid excessive moisture to prevent mud streaks or residue.
Don’t overlook hidden spots like light fixtures and air vents. A soft-bristle brush can be useful for intricate areas, ensuring dust removal without causing damage.
Cleaning fine dust on floors:
Use a damp mop—a mixture of water and a mild cleaning solution—to clean the floors. Make sure your mop is not overly wet; excess water can turn fine dust into a muddy mess.
Source: Freepik
Pay special attention to corners and edges, often neglected spots where dust tends to settle.
Should you DIY Post-Construction cleaning or bring in the pros?
To make the choice between DIY or a post-construction cleaning expert easier:
- Gauge the scale of the construction mess. Think about whether you have the energy and time to complete it.
- Factor in how long it’ll realistically take you to complete on your own.
- Get estimates, then consider if your invested time and effort are worth the amount you’re saving.
DIY – When:
- Every penny counts; getting your hands dirty can save dollars.
- You’re not in a rush and can spread the cleaning over days or even weeks.
- For minor renovations where the mess isn’t overwhelming.
Professional Help – When:
- For construction projects or major renovations, pros are more efficient.
- You need a swift turnaround.
- Dealing with intricate surfaces or specific cleaning requirements.
Post-construction cleaning: Final thoughts
As much as you can’t wait to move into your new home, you have to take time with the process—expect to spend between 3 and 7 days completing the cleanup.
Or better still, leave it to the pros. According to Angi, post-construction cleaning costs between $274 and $709 on average. Contractors generally charge between $0.10 and $0.50 per square foot. Not exactly cheap, but you’ll save yourself time and stress and be ready to move in faster than if you did it yourself.
Don’t forget; cleaning generates a lot of trash, so include waste disposal in your plans. You can rent a dumpster from Speedy Dumps if you live within or near Milwaukee.
