Post Construction and Post Renovation Cleaning

Have you ever stood in a building undergoing construction or renovation? If you have, you will understand the need for post construction and post renovation cleaning. 

 

There is dust, dirt and debris everywhere! Builders cut wood producing sawdust and chips. Workers leave scrap materials and lunch litter around. No one would want to move into such a mess. That’s where post construction and post renovation cleaning services come in. 

 

This is a specialty business. Post construction and post renovation cleaners create great impressions and healthy spaces. A sparkling home appeals to potential homebuyers more than a rough worksite, making the home easier to sell.  

 

Post construction and post renovation cleaning services are concerned about the health and comfort of future occupants of the space. Cleaners know that occupants want to move into a dirt-free, dust-free building. The occupants don’t want to worry about exposure to health hazards.

 

What is post construction or post renovation cleaning?

 

During construction and renovation, workers cut wood, drill, put up drywall, install tile, and do many other processes. Dirt, dust and debris accumulate on all surfaces and in air ducts. 

 

Post construction cleaning gets rid of the dust and dirt produced during the building process. This must happen before people move in. Cleaners need to wipe down and clean the ceilings, walls, surfaces, fixtures, and floor in all rooms. This will ensure the whole area is free of potential irritants.

 

If people move back into a building before thorough cleaning has taken place, problems can occur. Dust and dirt in the air can infiltrate furniture. These particles can also pose health challenges. 

Dirt and dust may trigger allergy-like reactions such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose. They can also damage people’s lungs. If dust gets left in air ducts, air circulation systems will blow the dust back through the house.

 

 

How do you do post construction and post renovation cleaning?

 

Cleaners protect their own health by wearing masks and using cleaning products safely. They must pay attention to detail and use specialized tools and equipment such as HEPA-equipped vacuums. Their industrial machinery sucks up debris and dust, and their microfiber cloths trap and remove dust and dirt, leaving no traces.

 

What does post construction cleanup consist of?

 

This kind of cleaning consists of three phases:

 

1. Exterior cleanup

Remove debris, lumber and trash. Wash the exterior windows. Sweep the driveway and other paved or bricked surfaces. Contractors are usually responsible for this cleanup.

 

2. Rough interior cleanup

Remove construction debris (loose boards and scrap), sweep floors and prepare them for carpet or flooring. Wash interior windows and remove dust. Some building contractors do this cleanup.

 

3. Final interior cleanup

Clean up the interior of a building after construction or renovation to make it move-in ready. Vacuum carpets and furniture. Clean floors and window sills.

 

 Remove dust from light fixtures, fans, vents and ductwork. Wipe down all bathroom and kitchen surfaces. Remove adhesive from windows, doors and appliances; and get rid of debris. 

 

Some cleaners specialize in this aspect of post construction and post renovation cleaning work. Read on for more detail about what interior cleanup work involves.

 

Final Interior Cleanup Activities

 

When doing final interior cleanup work, you need to dust and clean all surfaces, and remove any debris. 

Be sure to remove all paint splatters and scuff marks. As with other cleaning jobs, start at the top and work your way down.

 

• Dust ceilings (including vents, corners and hidden areas) and remove cobwebs. Clean suspended light fixtures. 
• Clean all vertical surfaces: walls, windows and glass, window frames and casings. 
• Spot clean interior windows and squeegee glass partitions. 
• Dry dust walls or wipe them down with a damp cloth, depending on the surface covering. 
• Remove all marks, scuffs and paint splatters on walls and heating units. 
• Dust cabinets and moldings. Clean interior shelves, hard-to-reach corners of cabinets and drawers. 
• Clean blinds and all horizontal surfaces. This includes window ledges, counters, shelves, cubicle partitions and chair bases. 
• Clean all doors (front, back, top and sides) and trim (door frames and casings). Clean doorknobs. 
• Clean light switches, electrical outlets and air vents. Remove all the air vent covers and wash them with soap and water. Let them dry before putting them back in place. 

Locate exposed air filters and replace them with fresh filters. 

Vacuum all furniture. Remove cushions to vacuum around them, and vacuum the frame of the furniture. It’s a good idea to go over the furniture twice to get rid of all the dust. 

• Clean all baseboards. Remove all marks and paint splatters. 
• Sweep or vacuum all floors. Remove construction litter and any paint marks on the floor. Mop hard surface floors to make sure there is no residue left behind. Always use the appropriate chemicals for the job. 

Clean All Areas of the Building

 

After construction or renovation, remember to clean thoroughly all areas of the building. This includes:

• stairwells
• elevators
• basement
• closets 
• washrooms
• kitchen

 

 

Here are special considerations for cleaning washrooms and kitchen areas after construction:

 

• Washrooms and showers must be cleaned from top to bottom. Clean the walls, sinks, countertops and backsplashes, fixtures, and partitions. Finally, wash the toilets (seats, tanks, bases, bowls) and the floors.

 

• In break rooms and lunchrooms, clean the kitchen cabinets inside and out. Wipe out the drawers. Also clean the interior and exterior of appliances such as the stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator and any small appliances (coffeemaker, kettle, toaster, etc.).

 

How much should I charge for post construction cleaning?

 

Post construction and post renovation cleaning jobs may be large or small. Some jobs will be one-off or you may get work doing continuous on-site cleaning or detail cleaning before move-in. Some cleanup jobs can last 2 to 3 days. This may mean working on a tight schedule.

 

The costs vary depending on the size of the building, building type, location and your company’s experience. Other factors to consider are the cost of supplies, the property condition and the level of detail required. Deep cleaning costs more than a light cleaning.

 

For a medium-sized residential property, the average cost of post construction or post renovation cleanup is about $600 CAD. (The cost ranges from $300 – $1000.)

 

You can also charge by the square foot. Rough interior cleanup costs $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot. Final cleaning costs $0.50 per square foot. Window cleaning for the main floor and second level costs $3-$5 per window per side. Above the second floor, the price for window cleaning increases substantially.

 

To be competitive, your company should be licensed, bonded and insured. Your cleaners should have the following training:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Personal protective equipment
• Fall protection 
• First Aid

 

 

Post construction and post renovation cleaning services transform a worksite into a comfortable area. 

The final result should be a space where people are happy to live and work. Looks aren’t everything, though. More important than what you see is what you don’t see. Removing airborne potential health hazards is a critical aspect of these cleaning services. 

Each job you do contributes to the health and wellbeing of the people who will occupy that space after you leave.