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Post Construction Cleaning

Post construction cleaning removes the dust, debris, stickers, paint and adhesive left after a build-out or renovation so the space is ready to occupy. It is usually done in up to three passes: a rough clean while trades are still working, a final clean when they finish, and a touch-up before move-in or inspection. Pick your city below to compare the most-reviewed local cleaning companies, or request free quotes.

What each phase covers

• Rough clean: hauling out debris and packaging, sweeping and vacuuming, clearing work areas so trades can finish.
• Final clean: dusting every surface from ceiling to floor, vents and light fixtures, windows, sills and frames, removing stickers and paint or adhesive residue, cleaning cabinets inside and out, restrooms and fixtures, and floors.
• Touch-up: a last pass for dust that settled after the final clean and any marks left by late punch-list work.

Construction dust and the OSHA silica rule

Cutting and grinding concrete, stone, brick and drywall compound can leave respirable crystalline silica in the dust. On construction sites, OSHA's silica standard for construction (29 CFR 1926.1153) does not allow dry sweeping or dry brushing where it could expose workers to silica unless wet sweeping, HEPA-filtered vacuuming or other low-exposure methods are not feasible, and it limits cleaning with compressed air. Ask any post construction cleaner how they control dust: HEPA vacuums and damp wiping are the methods to look for.

What affects the price

• Square footage, number of floors and how many passes you need.
• How much debris is left, and whether hauling or a dumpster is included.
• Windows, high ceilings, exposed ductwork and other high work that needs lifts or ladders.
• Floor care such as scrubbing, sealing or waxing new floors.
• Your deadline: overnight or weekend work before an opening date.

How to choose a company

• Insurance: ask for a certificate of general liability insurance and proof of workers' compensation coverage, and check the dates.
• Bonding: a janitorial bond (also called a business service bond) covers theft by the company's employees. Many property managers require one.
• Background checks: ask whether staff who will have keys or alarm codes are background-checked.
• Written scope: get a task list by frequency (nightly, weekly, monthly) after a walkthrough, not a price over the phone.
• Supplies: confirm who pays for trash liners, paper products, soap and cleaning chemicals.
• Supervision: ask who inspects the work and how you report a missed task.
• Contract terms: check the length, the notice needed to cancel, and whether the price can change mid-term.
• References: ask for two or three current clients with a building like yours.

Frequently asked questions