Post-Construction Cleaning & How-to Guide 

Post-Construction Cleaning & How-to Guide. Construction is messy, and contractors and crews seldom have the time to conduct expert post-job cleanings that meet industry standards. That is why construction site cleanup will typically get subcontracted out to a professional cleaning service. After major construction work such as a new home build, commercial/residential renovations, and remodels, post-construction cleanup is necessary so that the accumulation of dust and debris is minimized on the job site.

Post-Construction Dust Cleaning

Construction dust consists of but is not limited to sawdust, asbestos fibers, metal filings, drywall dust, and cement products. It is important to minimize the amount of dust that gets kicked up into the air. Construction dust is not just a nuisance; it is a real risk to your lungs. Regularly breathing construction dust can cause diseases like lung cancer, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and silicosis. Construction workers have a high risk of developing these diseases because many common construction tasks can create high dust levels.

A facemask should always be worn while performing dust cleaning. It is also essential to have the proper vacuum equipment when dealing with post-construction dust. Floors should be vacuumed with a machine that is HEPA certified with the proper filter. Inside of air vents should be vacuumed and air filters should be checked and replaced as needed. This helps trap dust before it enters the air ducts and spreads to other areas of the building.  

Post-construction cleaning specialists have the necessary equipment and training to get the job done efficiently. Although these services can range from removal of waste and debris to meticulously detailed cleaning, post-construction cleaning typically involves three stages or phases of cleaning tasks: the initial cleaning or rough clean, final clean (interior), and touch-up and exterior clean.

Post-Construction Cleaning Phases

At each stage of post-construction cleaning, a particular degree of cleaning and specific tasks are completed, increasing the level of safety on the job site and allowing better functionality and access for the rest of the construction schedule. An overall understanding of what to expect in the site cleaning process can help builders and contractors better prepare and coordinate throughout the construction timeline.  

Post-Construction cleaning typically consists of the following requirements:

• Walls clean and free of marks, fingerprints, and smudges
• Cleaning windows and frames
• Plastic/stickers removed from furniture, windows, and doors
• Dusting, wet and dry, of ceilings, lights, fans, heaters
• Flooring free of debris, especially on edges and corners, and clean and polished
• Vacuum cleaning
• Trim cleaning
• Threshold cleaning
• Cleaning all appliances, cabinets, and shelves from inside and out
• Disposal of trash and debris
• Final touch up

Phase One: Initial Rough Clean   

The initial rough clean phase begins once the workers have finished the plumbing, wiring, and framing. At that stage, the cleaners can access the site and remove debris, trash, and stickers from appliances and windows, before the next construction stage begins. Cleaners will do a thorough sweeping and dusting and discard any remaining debris.  

Although workers will be returning to the site, a rough clean is crucial as it keeps the construction zone from becoming overwhelmed by dust, garbage, and debris. Once all of these tasks are completed, the site is ready for further preparation and construction work such as painting, installing flooring, fixtures, cabinets, and finishing up the remainder of the project before the next stage begins.

Phase Two: Final Clean (Interior)

Phase two is a laborious process that involves sweeping all the floors, cleaning all fixtures and appliances, cleaning the windows, dusting, and cleaning the HVAC system. The Final cleaning phase is the process of detailing the structure after construction is complete. This stage occurs after construction on the site has finished and includes a more detailed and targeted cleaning.

The cleaning crew will meticulously clean all bathrooms, sinks, showers, toilets, cabinets, shelves, counters, etc. They will wipe away all the dust, debris, and dirt; mop all the floors, vacuum all the carpets; wipe down cabinets (inside and out); and clean the baseboards, door frames, and mirrors.  

Phase Three: Touch Up & Exterior Clean

Phase three is the touch-up or final phase of the post-construction cleaning process. The construction team and contractors will have completed their final walkthrough and finished the project. Therefore, it is safe for the cleaning team to do the final touches, such as wipe down windows, doors, and mirrors, which may have left-over smudges. The dust will have settled, so cleaners can give surfaces a final once-over and ensure the entire interior space is spotless and move-in ready. 

The exterior of the building should also be cleaned of debris and pressure washed as needed. Additionally, the grounds of the job site should be gone over with a magnetic sweeper to pick up any nails or screws. Driveways, sidewalks, and entrances to the building should be power washed as needed. All glass in exterior light fixtures should also be cleaned as well as the fixtures themselves.

Post-Construction Cleaning Service

At Cleanstart, we have the skills, equipment and trained workforce to complete your post-construction clean-up requirements. Leave it to the PROs to get your job site ready for occupants in the fastest timeline possible. Whether it’s a brand new building, a newly built home, or a total office renovation, we have the skills and experience to tackle any post-construction clean-up – no job is too big or too small!

For over 25 years, Cleanstart has been delivering post-construction cleaning solutions in the greater Puget Sound region. We are licensed, independently owned and operated, bonded, and insured.  

✓ Over 25 years of experience in the commercial cleaning and janitorial industry
✓ Thoroughly trained and vetted cleaning professionals
✓ Commitment to the highest quality clean
✓ Local, licensed, bonded, and insured
✓ 24/7 cleaning options & support
✓ Customized cleaning solutions
✓ Quick response times
✓ One-time and recurring cleaning services
✓ 100% satisfaction guarantee
✓ OSHA, HIPAA, EPA, CDC, AORN compliant
✓  A+ BBB-rating

For more information about our comprehensive post-construction cleaning services, or to request a free cleaning quote, please give Cleanstart a call today at (253) 921-2593 or visit us online.

Where we service in the PNW:

Auburn, Bellevue, Bellingham, Bonney Lake, Bremerton, Factoria, Fife, Gig Harbor, Kent, Lakewood, Olympia, Puyallup, Renton, Seattle, Tacoma, Tukwila, University Place, King County, Kitsap County, Pierce County, and Thurston County.