Professional Post-Construction Cleaning
Transform your construction site into a home. Post-construction cleaning is specialized work that requires professional equipment and expertise. Regular house cleaners cannot handle the fine dust, residue, and debris left behind from a whole home remodel.
Quick Summary
Typical Cost
$500 - $2,500
$0.15-$0.50 per sq ft
Time Frame
1-2 days
With crew of 3-5 people
Difficulty
Hire Professionals
Requires specialized equipment
Why Professional Post-Construction Cleaning Matters
After months of construction, your home is coated in fine dust that regular cleaning cannot remove. Construction dust is fundamentally different from household dust - it contains silica, drywall particles, wood shavings, and other materials that require specialized removal techniques. Using a regular vacuum simply recirculates these particles into the air.
Professional post-construction cleaners bring commercial-grade HEPA vacuum systems that actually capture these fine particles instead of spreading them. They have the chemicals to remove paint splatters, adhesive residue, and construction grime without damaging your new finishes. They know which products are safe on hardwood, tile, natural stone, and each specific surface in your home.
Beyond equipment, professional crews have the manpower to complete the job efficiently. What might take you a week of exhausting work, a professional crew accomplishes in a day or two. They clean areas you might not think of: inside cabinets, on top of door frames, inside light fixtures, and other hidden spaces where construction dust accumulates.
What Professional Post-Construction Cleaning Includes
| Area | Tasks Included | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Interior and exterior cleaning, tracks, screens, sills | Often biggest difference in how clean home feels |
| All Surfaces | Walls, ceilings, trim, doors, door frames, baseboards | Fine dust on every surface must be removed |
| Kitchen | Inside all cabinets, drawers, appliances, counters | Must be food-safe before use |
| Bathrooms | Fixtures, tile, grout, mirrors, cabinets, glass doors | Remove grout haze, polish fixtures |
| Flooring | Vacuum, mop, clean grout, appropriate for floor type | Different methods for hardwood vs tile vs carpet |
| Light Fixtures | Clean inside and outside, remove protective covers | Dust accumulates heavily inside fixtures |
| HVAC Vents | Clean all registers and returns, vacuum accessible ducts | Critical for air quality |
| Closets | Shelves, rods, floors, walls, doors | Often overlooked but hold significant dust |
| Exterior (if included) | Pressure wash driveway, walkways, patio, siding | May be separate service/cost |
Finding the Right Cleaning Company
Questions to Ask When Getting Quotes
- Do you specialize in post-construction cleaning?
- How long have you been doing construction cleanup?
- Do you carry liability insurance? What's the coverage?
- Are your workers bonded?
- What equipment do you use (HEPA vacuum, etc.)?
- How many crew members will work on my home?
- Is window cleaning included inside and out?
- What happens if I'm not satisfied with the work?
Red Flags to Avoid
- No liability insurance or won't provide certificate
- Price significantly lower than other quotes
- No specific experience with construction cleanup
- Can't describe their equipment or methods
- No references or reviews available
- Wants full payment upfront
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Verify All Construction Work is Complete
Don't schedule cleaning until everything is finished. Cleaning before construction ends wastes money - the work will need to be redone.
- Punch list items resolved
- All finish work complete (paint, trim, hardware)
- Final inspections passed
- Contractor has performed rough cleanup
- No more trades scheduled to work in the home
Research and Get Quotes
Find companies that specifically offer post-construction cleaning. This is a specialty service, not regular house cleaning.
- Ask your contractor for recommendations (they know good cleaners)
- Search "post construction cleaning" in your area
- Check reviews on Google, Yelp, and Nextdoor
- Get at least 2-3 quotes for comparison
- Have them visit the site for accurate quoting
Verify Insurance and Book the Service
Before booking, confirm the company has proper insurance. Workers will be handling your new finishes and fixtures.
- Request certificate of insurance
- Verify general liability coverage ($1M minimum)
- Confirm workers' compensation coverage
- Get written scope of work and price
- Book 2-3 days before planned move-in
Ensure Contractor Rough Clean is Complete
Your contractor should have performed basic cleanup before professional cleaners arrive. This is separate from detail cleaning.
- All construction debris removed
- Floors swept or vacuumed
- Major dust accumulations removed
- Protective coverings removed from fixtures
- Stickers and labels removed from windows and fixtures
Prepare for the Cleaning Crew
Make sure the crew can access everything and understands any special requirements.
- Arrange access (key, code, meet them on-site)
- Ensure utilities are on (water, electricity)
- Point out any special finishes requiring care
- Note any areas of particular concern
- Provide parking information if needed
Let the Professionals Work
A good cleaning crew will work systematically through the home. Here's what they typically do:
- Start with dusting from top to bottom (ceilings, walls, then floors)
- Clean all windows inside and out
- Detail clean all surfaces and fixtures
- Clean inside cabinets and closets
- Clean and polish all hard surfaces
- Clean floors with appropriate methods
- Final inspection and touch-ups
Conduct Your Walkthrough
Before the crew leaves, walk through the entire home to verify the work meets your standards.
- Check windows for streaks and spots
- Run finger along surfaces checking for dust
- Look inside cabinets and closets
- Inspect bathroom fixtures and tile
- Check floors in good lighting
- Look at light fixtures and ceiling fans
Address Any Issues Immediately
If you find areas that don't meet expectations, have them addressed before the crew leaves.
- Point out specific issues to the crew leader
- Have them re-clean unsatisfactory areas
- Don't pay until you're satisfied
- Get commitment for any needed return visits
- Document any unresolved issues in writing
Allow Dust to Settle
Wait at least 24 hours before moving in. This allows any disturbed dust to settle and filter out of the air.
- Leave HVAC running to filter air
- Open windows if weather permits for fresh air
- Wait 24-48 hours before moving furniture
- Plan to change HVAC filters after a few days
- Consider air purifier for sensitive family members
Final Preparations for Move-In
Once cleaning is complete and dust has settled, your home is ready for furniture and belongings.
- Lay protective floor covering for move-in day
- Check all systems one more time
- Verify all doors and windows lock properly
- Coordinate furniture delivery schedule
- Welcome home!
Pro Tips
Ask Contractor for Referrals
Your general contractor works with post-construction cleaners regularly and knows who does quality work. They often have preferred vendors who understand construction cleanup. This recommendation is usually reliable.
Consider Two Phases
For heavy construction mess, some companies offer rough clean followed by detail clean. The rough clean removes major debris and dust, then detail clean a day or two later for move-in ready results. This often produces better outcomes.
Don't Forget the HVAC
Change your HVAC filter immediately after cleaning and again a week later. Construction dust continues to settle and circulate for days. Consider having ducts professionally cleaned if construction was extensive.
Protect Floors During Move-In
After professional cleaning, lay down floor protection (cardboard, Ram Board, or plastic runners) before moving day. Movers and furniture can scratch your pristine floors. This small step protects your investment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Hiring regular house cleaners for construction cleanup
Regular house cleaning services lack the equipment, products, and experience for post-construction work. They may damage surfaces with wrong cleaning methods and cannot effectively remove construction dust. Always hire specialists.
Scheduling cleaning before construction is complete
Any work after cleaning - even minor touch-ups - creates new dust and mess. Wait until absolutely everything is finished. This includes all punch list items and final inspections.
Not verifying insurance coverage
Cleaning crews work with chemicals around your new finishes. Accidents happen. Without proper insurance, you could be liable for worker injuries or pay out of pocket for damaged surfaces.
Moving in immediately after cleaning
Even the best cleaning disturbs fine dust that takes time to settle. Moving in immediately means furniture and belongings get coated with settling dust. Wait at least 24 hours.
Not doing a thorough walkthrough before paying
Once you pay and the crew leaves, getting them back for missed spots is difficult. Take time to inspect every room, including inside cabinets, closets, and hard-to-see areas before signing off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't my regular house cleaner handle post-construction cleaning?
Post-construction cleaning requires specialized equipment (commercial HEPA vacuums, scaffolding, extension poles), different chemicals for construction residue, and experience with construction materials. Regular cleaners lack this equipment and may damage surfaces by using wrong cleaning methods. Construction dust is much finer than normal dust and requires special filtration to remove properly.
How much does post-construction cleaning cost?
For a whole home remodel, expect to pay $0.15-$0.50 per square foot, or approximately $500-$2,500 for an average-sized home. Costs vary based on home size, level of construction mess, number of windows, and whether exterior cleaning is included. Get multiple quotes as prices can vary significantly between companies.
How long does post-construction cleaning take?
For a whole home remodel, professional post-construction cleaning typically takes 1-2 full days with a crew of 3-5 people. Larger homes or heavily soiled conditions may require additional time. Some companies complete work in phases, with rough cleaning first and detail cleaning second.
What should be cleaned before the cleaning crew arrives?
Your contractor should complete "rough clean" or "broom clean" before professional cleaners arrive. This includes removing all construction debris, sweeping floors, and removing large dust accumulations. Professional cleaners handle the detail work: removing fine dust, cleaning windows, wiping surfaces, and making the home move-in ready.
How soon can I move in after post-construction cleaning?
Wait at least 24 hours after cleaning before moving in furniture. This allows any disturbed dust to settle and gives you time to inspect the work. If you have respiratory sensitivities, wait 48 hours. Run the HVAC system after cleaning to filter remaining airborne particles, and consider changing the air filters again a few days after move-in.