Other items on the list should include selecting materials and figuring out costs. With this long to-do list, it’s easy to overlook plans for site prep and protection. And this can have a big effect on your site during and after the renovation.
What to know about after construction cleaning
Construction contractors generally work with you on protecting the existing space. That is to say, they aim to prevent damage and are not super focused on blocking dirt and grime. So, your floors wouldn’t be scratched or dented, but they may be dusty, streaky, or even sticky. They will require thorough cleaning. It’s a good idea to discuss your expectations for cleanliness with your contractor throughout the construction.
You may need to discuss with your contractor because extensive cleaning is typically not part of your contractor’s job unless you explicitly build it into your contract. The industry standard is “broom-swept,” which usually involves picking up larger bits of debris and then running a broom across the floor. Anything beyond this (including cleaning up common spaces such as hallways and elevators) will need to be specifically arranged and will most likely incur additional costs that you’ll bear as the site owner.
Whether it’s a home renovation or it’s an office space, store or a fresh construction, you’ll need to arrange for a deep post-construction clean up once that last drawer pull is attached and the final coat of paint applied. You can undertake the deep clean yourself as the owner or outsource it to one of the many companies that focus on this service. A good example is us here at Elegantly Clean – professional after builders cleaners.
How to clean up after construction
Usually, a post-construction clean up will include the following:
- Sweep and vacuum all surfaces, including ceilings and walls
- Sweep, mop, and disinfect floors
- Vacuum all upholstery
- Wipe down doors, knobs, baseboards, mouldings, and hardware
- Thorough wipe-down and sanitization of bathrooms and kitchens (including appliances, cabinets, and counters)
- Dust, vacuum, and wipe-down of all window interiors, including sills and frames
- Dust all ducts, grates, vents, blinds, ceiling fans, and lighting fixtures
- Clean all hardware hinges and handles, shelves, and cabinets
- Clean inside all closets
- Removal of all remaining trash and debris (although your contractor should have removed most of this as part of the contract)
- Cleaning lights
- Dusting air diffusers
You could tackle the cleanup yourself or outsource it to experts. The following questions can help you decide:
- Can you spare the time and energy?
- How long will it take you?
- Do you have any money left over from the construction budget you could use to hire professionals?
Wrap up
Different circumstances will determine who does the job, but a thorough clean is very important. All kinds of particles are released into the air during renovations, including various toxins, mould spores, silicates, and ultrafine dust that can damage your lungs and adversely affect your health. Given the possible danger, both to your health and the safety of the building, it might be wise to hire a professional after builders service.