Post-Construction Cleaning: Where to Start?

Cleaning your new property after construction can be a daunting task. You're surrounded by walls and ceiling dust, sawdust on the floors, paint particles in the air, and debris in areas you didn’t know debris could accumulate. However, with a simple post-construction cleaning checklist from Merry Maids®, your new home will be move-in-ready in no time!

We’ll give you all the tips you need for each room of your house—from bathroom tile grout lines to hidden baseboards—so that at the end of it all, you may just look back on what felt like an overwhelming endeavor as one of accomplishment. Let's get started!

Clear Debris and Dirt from the Floors and Walls

Removing debris and dirt from the floors and walls is an essential task that can greatly improve a space's appearance and overall cleanliness post-construction. Floors can easily accumulate dirt, dust, and other unwanted particles, especially in high-traffic areas. In addition, walls can collect debris over time, including cobwebs and dust buildup, depending on the time between the end of the construction phase and your move-in date.

Taking the time to thoroughly clean these surfaces can help enhance the look of a room, improve indoor air quality, and reduce the risk of allergy-related symptoms. Whether using a broom to sweep up debris or a vacuum to suck up dirt, cleaning floors and walls after your new home is built is a must to enjoy a tidy and healthy space.

Dust Grates and Vents

Grates and vents are often overlooked in post-construction cleaning. But they’re prime targets for renovation messes, so give them some TLC. If possible, you may want to remove the grate or vent and vacuum the inside to remove any collected dust. In addition, completing a home update is an excellent excuse to change out your air filter or clean a window or ductless air conditioning system.

Clean Inside Cabinets and Closets

Construction and demolition dust can work its way into some surprising areas. This includes closets and cabinets. Post-construction cleaning for closets can be relatively simple. Just wipe down any items that were on the floor with a microfiber cloth and vacuum the bottom of the closet. You may also want to shake out or clean any clothing items stored inside.

Cabinets require a little more effort. You’ll want to remove everything within and wipe down the inside of the cabinet itself first. Then you can begin cleaning and returning each item to its place.

Move Furniture Into its Proper Place

After a construction project, piles of furniture and equipment often need to be moved and placed back in their original spot. This can be a deterring task, even for strong and physically capable people.

The process can be made easier with a few simple tips and tricks, including:

• Planning – Take some time to sketch out where each piece of furniture needs to go and label each item accordingly. This will help you stay organized and avoid confusion as you move things around.
• Enlist the help of others – Not only will this make the job go faster, but it’s also safer to have multiple people lifting and carrying heavy objects.
• Take breaks and stay hydrated – Moving furniture can be strenuous work, so taking care of your body and avoiding injury is important.

With some planning and effort, you can have your furniture back in its proper place to start enjoying your newly renovated or built home sooner.

After Post-Construction Cleaning, What's Next?

Completing a home renovation is an exciting milestone, but the work doesn't stop there.

Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you ensure your home is in the best shape possible post-renovation:

• Environmental Hazards: Renovations can stir up dust and potentially harmful particles. Check for any remaining debris, especially if your renovation involves older building materials that could contain asbestos or lead.

• Functionality Check: Confirm that all appliances, electrical systems, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems are working correctly. This includes outlets, switches, faucets, toilets, HVAC systems, lights, and any new appliances installed during the renovation.
• Structural Integrity: Examine walls, ceilings, and floors for any signs of damage that might have occurred during the renovation. Also, check the exterior of your home, including roofing, siding, gutters, and windows, to ensure they’re intact.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Now it's time to focus on the look of your newly renovated space. Inspect paintwork for any touch-ups needed, ensure all fixtures and fittings are securely in place, and confirm that all finishing details meet your satisfaction.
• Final Walk-through with Contractor: If anything doesn't meet your expectations or needs fixing, now is the time to address it with your contractor. Discuss any issues with your contractor before they consider the project officially complete.
• Home Insurance: After a significant renovation, you may need to update your home insurance policy. Check with your insurance provider to ensure your coverage matches your home's current value.
• Documentation: Keep a record of all warranties, manuals, product specifications, and any other relevant documents for your newly installed appliances or systems.

Remember, the type of renovation and the size of your home can affect this checklist. A larger renovation may require more extensive checks, while a smaller project might not need as much attention. Nonetheless, this comprehensive checklist should help you navigate the post-renovation process and enjoy your new, improved home.

Professional Cleaning Services for Post-Construction

Dust and debris can be tough to get rid of. Hiring a professional cleaning service like Merry Maids ensures your home is clean, organized, and ready to enjoy. We can provide post-construction cleaning services focusing on newly installed floors or windows and other areas affected by the renovation.