Post Construction Cleaning Checklist
Why a Detailed Post Construction Cleaning Checklist Is Essential After Building Projects
The Ultimate Post-Construction Cleaning Checklist, to Turn Your Construction Site Into A Clean, Move-in Ready Property.
Even though your project may be done, your job site is very far from being finished until all of the dust, dirt and residue created by the construction process is removed. Fine dust and debris generated from the various construction materials do not just magically disappear when you give your building a general cleaning. That is why a detailed post-construction cleaning checklist will be of benefit to you at Karen's Green Cleaning. We take advantage of our years of experience in the post-construction cleaning business to develop and implement checklists that outline the process. Our goal for this checklist is to get rid of all of the fine dust, residue and debris on the job site, while creating a safe, usable and move-in ready property. Below is the checklist that was developed based on real-world experience in post-construction cleaning, focusing on protecting new finishes, minimizing indoor air pollution, and giving your customer a polished, professional-looking finish that reflects the quality of work you did.
Post Construction Cleaning Checklist Fundamentals: Why Construction Dust Requires a Different Approach
Unlike regular household dust, construction dust is made up of much finer particles and hazardous material. Thus, construction dust needs a much more aggressive cleaning process to completely remove all of the fine dust particles. Construction dust usually includes, but is not limited to, drywall dust, sawdust, silica dust, etc. These fine dust particles will settle into the nooks and crannies, corners, and all of the other areas of new construction, resulting in both aesthetic and health issues.
A good post-construction cleaning checklist will:
Remove dust from the job site; not redistribute it.
Clean surfaces safely to protect the new finishes.
Clean air pathways so the potential for dust to circulate back into the area is eliminated.
Fact: If the vents, ledges, and floor edges are not cleaned during the initial cleaning, the fine construction dust will continue to fall onto the new finishes.
For this reason, post-construction cleaning needs to be done in a systematic top-down manner to clean and address each section of the job site.
Post Construction Cleaning Checklist Phases: Why the Work Happens in Stages
There are several ways to go about doing post-construction cleaning, however the best way is to break the cleaning process into three separate phases.
Phase 1: Rough clean - removal of excess debris and leftover materials - preliminary sweeping/vacuuming to remove loose dust - preparation of surfaces to enable detail cleaning.
Phase 2: Detail clean - complete removal of all remaining dust from all surfaces - removal of adhesive film/residue from surfaces - cleaning of all fixtures/floors/interior components of the property.
Phase 3: Final clean - final dusting - polishing of glass components - refining of floors - final inspection of the property for any remaining areas of dust.
By breaking the cleaning into sections, you are able to avoid the possibility of dust settling again, and prevent damage to new finishes by using too much cleaning power.
Post Construction Cleaning Checklist for Floors: Protecting New Surfaces From Damage
Floors receive the most residue and dust from the construction process. Improper cleaning techniques can permanently damage new flooring materials.
Priority elements of the checklist:
Vacuum before mopping to remove abrasive dust particles from the flooring.
Only use soft, non-abrasive tools to clean all surfaces.
Carefully clean the edges, corners and transitions of all flooring.
Remove adhesive film without applying too much pressure.
Allow enough drying time before permitting foot traffic on the flooring.
Important note: Dragging debris across new flooring will create micro-scratches that will eventually dull the finish of the flooring.
It is necessary to first remove dry debris prior to cleaning with water-based cleaning solutions.
Post Construction Cleaning Checklist for Walls, Ceilings, and Fixtures: Where Dust Loves to Hide
Overhead and vertical surfaces collect dust that is often forgotten when cleaning.
In addition to the above, details that should be included in the checklist:
Dust all walls, door frames and trim.
Clean all baseboards and crown molding.
Clean all light fixtures, fans and vents.
Remove film from all switches and outlets.
Clean all closet spaces and storage areas.
Since construction dust sticks to static surfaces such as walls and ceilings, removing the dust during the cleaning process will help prevent future fallout onto floors and furniture.
Post Construction Cleaning Checklist for Kitchens and Bathrooms: Removing Residue Safely
Kitchen and bathroom areas look to be clean once the construction is complete, however they still have residual construction dust and debris.
Key focus areas for the kitchen:
Clean inside all cabinets and drawers.
Clean all appliances (inside and outside) of dust.
Clean and degrease all grout and seams of the backsplash.
Polish all fixtures to prevent scratching.
Key focus areas for the bathroom:
Remove grout haze from all tile surfaces.
Clean and disinfect all toilets, sinks, and bathtubs.
Polish all mirrors and glass surfaces.
Clean and inspect all exhaust vents and light fixtures.
Note: Grout haze and construction film can harden if not treated and therefore may be more difficult to remove and could dull finishes.
Post Construction Cleaning Checklist for Air Quality: What You Can’t See Matters Most
Although you may think that your post-construction cleaning is done and the area looks clean, the area may still feel dusty and/or dirty. This is typically because fine particles of dust are still suspended in the air. If the construction dust particles are sucked into the HVAC system and circulated throughout the home, they can be disturbed again by movement within the home.
Items to improve indoor air quality:
Clean and wipe down all return-air grills.
Clean all vent covers and the surrounding areas.
HEPA vacuum all carpeting and upholstered furnishings.
Final wipe-down of all horizontal surfaces.
Construction dust particles can fall from the air numerous times after cleaning if the vents, ledges, and edge of flooring are not thoroughly cleaned. Thus, a comprehensive checklist will assist in improving the overall indoor air quality of your home.
Post Construction Cleaning Checklist Supplies: Professional Tools That Get the Job Done Right
Not all cleaning supplies are suitable for cleaning after construction. Some cleaning supplies may damage the new finishes.
Essential supplies provided by Karen's Green Cleaning:
Microfiber cloths (excellent for lifting/trapping dust).
HEPA-filter vacuums for fine-particle removal.
Neutral pH cleaning solutions that are safe for new finishes.
Soft-bristled brushes for cleaning grout lines and corners.
EPA-registered disinfectants for cleaning high-touch areas.
Microfiber cloths are great at picking up and containing dust particles, thus preventing them from falling onto surfaces.
Post Construction Cleaning Checklist Timing: When to Clean for Best Results
The optimal time to perform post-construction cleaning is after all work has been completed and prior to installing furniture/equipment and placing occupants in the property. This allows for:
Complete access to all surfaces.
Cleaner and more efficient cleaning.
Reduced chance of re-contaminating previously cleaned areas.
If multiple contractors worked on the property, it is important to clean the entire property immediately after the last contractor completes his/her work to reduce the risk of re-depositing dust into the clean area.
Post Construction Cleaning Checklist Accountability: How Professionals Ensure Nothing Is Missed
Checklists only work if they are consistently followed.
Professional standards include:
Verify that all items listed on the checklist have been addressed, room by room.
Conduct a surface-level inspection of all surfaces with ample lighting.
Walk-through inspection before accepting the cleaning.
Touch-up cleaning as necessary.
At Karen's Green Cleaning, we conduct checklist-driven inspections to ensure consistency and quality in every one of our post-construction cleaning jobs.
FAQ: Post Construction Cleaning Checklist Questions (Clear, Honest Answers)
Q1: Is post-construction cleaning significantly different from deep cleaning?
A: Yes. Post-construction cleaning is specifically aimed at removing fine dust, residue, and debris from surfaces created from the construction materials. Due to the nature of the debris, post-construction cleaning requires specialized tools and a step-by-step cleaning process that standard deep cleaning does not involve.
Q2: Why does the dust appear to continually return to my newly cleaned surfaces after construction?
A: Fine dust particles will continue to settle on new surfaces if the vents, ledges, and vertical surfaces are not thoroughly cleaned. A well-developed checklist will help to minimize the risk of dust continuing to settle.
Q3: Can post-construction dust negatively affect indoor air quality?
A: Yes. Fine dust particles from drywall and wood can remain airborne for long periods of time and can be recirculated into the occupied space through the HVAC system if not removed properly. Therefore, the cleaning of all airways is part of a comprehensive post-construction cleaning checklist.
Q4: Which areas are most frequently missed during post-construction cleaning?
A: Vents, inside cabinets, door frames, light fixtures, and floor edges. These areas collect fine dust that will eventually resettle on the remainder of the property.
Q5: When should I hire Karen's Green Cleaning?
A: If your recently built home still appears to be dusty, your finishes appear dulled, or you would like to obtain a professional, inspected ready finish, we can help. Karen's Green Cleaning provides a professional post-construction cleaning service that safeguards your investment and provides a truly "completed" property.