Are you planning to remodel a retail space, build a new home, remodel your current home, or build a commercial property from the bottom up? Whatever your next project is, there is never a better time to start thinking about that final day of post-construction cleanup. We at Crystal Cleaning provide you ten tips for post-construction cleanup.
Opening Day is the moment you’ve anticipated. You are ready to move into your new space only to find many unwanted scuff marks, drywall mud droplets, and an endless amount of dust. Are you going to undertake this cleaning task alone or hire Crystal Cleaning for post-construction cleaning?
Before you make your decision, step back and think about the size and scope of the cleanup. It’s a giant job. A detailed and thorough cleaning can slow down your move-in or grand opening date.
Many building contractors do a decent job post-construction cleaning a worksite. Still, even then, it rarely includes dusting, deep scrubbing, or polishing. As you survey the amount of cleaning that needs completing, let this checklist guide you through the job.
List of Supplies for Your Post-Construction Cleanup
To begin, make sure you have the necessary supplies on hand. Here is a sample list of the essential cleaning supplies for post-construction cleanup:
- Brooms (push broom and brooms with bristles)
- Cleaning bins (industrial)
- Construction Trash Bags
- Dust masks
- Dustpans
- Eye protection
- Extension ladders
- Hard hats
- Hoses
- Ladder bumpers
- Mop buckets and wringers
- Mop heads
- Putty knives
- Rubber gloves
- Safety Signs
- Scrub brushes
- Scrub pads
- Shop vacuum
- Step ladders
- Upholstery tools
- Utility duty cart
Other equipment required for your post-construction cleanup includes:
- Carpet cleaning supplies (strippers, floor finish, detergents, pre-sprays, spot protection, deodorizers, and rinses)
- Chemicals necessary for all areas of the space: all-purpose cleaning solution, spray bottles, stainless steel, metal, wood, window, and stone cleaner)
- Window washing supplies: buckets, strip washer, rubber blades, squeegee, steel wool, rubber blades, razor blades scrapers, extension poles)
Here are ten tips for your post-construction cleanup. It will help you stay on track for the big day:
1. Clean-up Contractor Leftovers
The first step is to clean up any trash, such as lumber, drywall, and garbage. Look around the interior and exterior areas. Keep a look-out for open plastic tarps, tape, drop cloths, and construction supplies like nails, screws, staples, and bolts. While the crews aren’t intentionally making a colossal mess, be prepared to pick up a lot of trash and debris during this first step of post-construction cleaning.
2. Hard floor Cleanup
Examine the floors. Check them for any damage and takes pictures of and report any damage to the contractor for repair. Then, start mopping, waxing, polishing, and buffing.
3. Carpet traffic, Dirt, and Grime
Carpet fibers will trap wooden splinters, dust, and various construction smells. Use an industrial shop vacuum to get out dirt and other objects. After vacuuming, be sure to shampoo or steam clean the carpets. Sometimes, both might be necessary. Be sure and allow for all the treated carpets to dry before any foot traffic.
4. Walls and Baseboards
There’s no wait to avoid walls and baseboards from getting hit and scratched during construction. Crews must use heavy tools and equipment that can create minor dents, dings, and bruises. Check for any damage and patch and repaint them. Then, clean the walls entirely and give the baseboards a cleaning with a dishwasher detergent and water mixture. Use a Magic Eraser pencil for wooden surface scars.
5. Windows and Mirrors
To restore window glass and mirror shine, use a heavy-duty glass cleaning product. Begin at the top and work down, and then be ready to rinse. You will probably have to repeat this process. For a successful finish, wipe mirrors and windows with a dry cloth and polish.
6. Lighting Shine
You need to get the white powdery dust from construction off the lighting. The dust film will reduce efficiency and produce an unpleasant smell. Be sure to turn off the electricity before cleaning light bulbs with a dry, soft cloth.
7. Cabinets, Drawers, and Closets
Don’t neglect closed closets and drawers. Despite being closed, whatever you have stored in these closed spaces is going to be dirty, too. Use a flashlight and inspect all of your closets, cabinets, and drawers.
8. HVAC and Interior Systems
The HVAC system in your home picks up airborne dust and dirt. Construction activity certainly causes a lot of that, and your HVAC is working overtime to keep up. Be sure to change the filters during post-construction. Ductwork needs cleaned, but hire a professional. Overall, you will get the entire HVAC tuned up, and all registers and vents will be free of any impediments.
9. Sidewalks and Driveways
Sweep paths, and dispose of any leftover building materials. Power wash the driveway and all exterior walkways. Remove any final dirt, sand, and gravel accumulated throughout the project to make a big difference in the overall look.
10. Final Touches to the Post-Construction Cleanup
It’s time to put the final touches on this cleanup project. Be sure to polish the doorknobs, dust the window frames, outlets and switches, and vacuum all debris from sliding door tracks. Have a variety of sponges handy for this final stage. Let the fine-tuning begin.
We hope our Ten Tips on Post-Construction Cleanup
help you get ready for the big day. CONTACT US and let us know your concerns. We are here to help you clear the dust on your new construction or remolding job.
