Final Construction Clean-Up Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know: The DOs and DON’Ts Exposed!
October 01, 2024
Finally, the construction of your dream house is complete. You may think the next step is a trip to Home Depot to pick out color schemes – not so fast. There’s still the crucial cleaning step, particularly the final construction cleaning.
If this is your first rodeo, you may not know where to start – what’s the first step? What cleaning products should you use? Don’t fret; we’re here to help.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about final construction cleaning: the phases, the DOs, and the DON’Ts.
What is Final Construction Cleaning?
Final construction cleaning is the last step of post-construction cleanup. It’s conducted after a building or property has been fully constructed or renovated. Although it may be tedious, you can’t skip this step before preparing the house for living.
It typically involves removing dust, debris, and other materials left behind during construction. You’ll need to thoroughly clean your windows, floors, walls, appliances, and fixtures. It’s crucial not just for aesthetics but also for ensuring hygiene and avoiding inhaling construction dust.
While final construction cleaning is a phase of post-construction cleaning, it also has its own phases. These include rough cleaning, interior cleaning, and exterior cleaning. Breaking the work into smaller tasks like these helps make it more manageable.
Let’s take a closer look at each phase.
Rough Cleaning
A rough cleaning is essentially a quick sweep without any attention to detail. In this phase, you’ll pick up the bigger trash and debris like broken wood, glass, or leftover materials. After construction, your house will be in a state of disarray.
The rough cleaning step is absolutely crucial – it’s when you pick up larger, potentially hazardous materials like shattered glass that could cause cuts. Here’s what to tackle during this phase:
Pick up large pieces of debris, trash, and materials using gloves and a trash bag.
Run a quick vacuum and mop over the floors – just ensure there’s nothing left that could cut or scratch your feet.
Wipe down all surfaces in your home with a damp rag, including walls, windows, and countertops.
Use a duster on noticeably dusty areas, especially where a drill, saw, or sander was used.
This way, you’ll be able to move on to the next cleaning phase without worrying about injury or inhaling too much dust. While you’re at it, empty the trash cans – they’re probably overflowing from the construction. Don’t forget to dispose of hazardous materials according to your jurisdiction’s regulations.
Usually, rough cleanup is the builder’s or contractor’s job. Refer to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines to ensure it’s done properly.
Interior Cleaning
Next, you’ll move on to final interior cleaning. How long it takes depends on how many rooms you have and where the construction occurred. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a whole day.
We recommend starting with the bathrooms and kitchen since these are the rooms you’ll need to use first. You’ll need to thoroughly clean every inch of the fixtures, appliances, cabinetry, and counter tops. Leaving construction dust or materials in the kitchen can be a health hazard.
Then, move on to the bedrooms and living rooms. If you have carpets, don’t forget to vacuum every corner – you’ll be surprised at how much dust gets trapped there. Be on the lookout for nails and screws as well.
Finally, don’t forget the ceilings. If there was a lot of construction dust circulating, use a long-handled mop to give the ceiling a quick wipe. Otherwise, use a ladder to remove scuff marks and smudges.
Exterior Cleaning
For indoor-only construction, cleaning the exterior of the home may not be necessary. However, if there was outdoor construction, here’s what’s needed for a final construction cleaning of your home’s exterior:
Remove any debris and leftover materials around your home.
Wash and dry the exteriors of windows and doors.
Sweep or vacuum around the garage, porch, and driveway.
Use a power wash to get rid of dirt and grime from the siding.
Mate! Your final cleaning project is complete. We agree – it takes quite a bit of elbow grease, which is why hiring professionals like Brisbane Sparkle Clean might be a better choice for most.
DOs and DON’Ts of Final Construction Cleaning
While it may seem simple, a lot can go wrong during post-construction cleaning. Here are some important DOs and DON’Ts to remember:
DO Plan Ahead
Planning is essential for final cleaning projects – you can’t miss a single step! This isn’t like your daily cleaning chores; various things need to be planned beforehand, like how many rooms you’ll be cleaning, which to tackle first, and how long it will take. Plus, you’ll need the right tools and equipment.
DO Use Proper Cleaning Solutions
Different surfaces require different cleaning solutions. Doing research ahead of time can save you from a lot of trial and error.
DO Prioritize Safety
Post-construction cleanup can be hazardous. Invest in safety equipment such as gloves, steel-toed boots, safety goggles, dust masks, and hard hats.
DO Hire a Professional
In some cases, hiring a professional post-construction cleaning service like Brisbane Sparkle Clean might be the best option, especially for large or hazardous messes.
DON’T Rush It
It’s tempting to rush the final details, but taking your time ensures you move into a clean, hazard-free home. The extra effort will be worth it!
DON’T Use Harsh Chemicals
Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage your newly installed surfaces. Make sure you’re using the appropriate cleaners for each material.
DON’T Ignore the Details
It’s not just about cleaning the obvious areas – pay attention to nooks and crannies like outlets, light switches, and window frames.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth final cleaning after construction. But if you’d rather relax and let the pros handle it, Brisbane Sparkle Clean is here to take care of your post-construction cleaning needs.
