Post-construction cleaning is a complicated and lengthy process that requires specialized equipment. The typical home cleaner’s vacuum and dust mop won’t do the trick. This article will take you through what happens during a rough construction clean and the various steps to make your new house or renovation spotless for move-in.
Debris Removal
The first step of construction cleanup is removing any major debris. It is often done during the plumbing phase and after electrical wiring is finished and framed, although the cleaning crew may begin this step as soon as it can access the work site. During this phase, large chunks of drywall and wood, tools, glass shards and other dangerous items are removed from the site, as well as garbage. The cleaning team will also sweep up the space and may clean any closets or cabinets.
All surfaces get a rough wipedown in this phase, including windows, doors, appliances, and cabinets. It is less detailed than the final or touch-up cleaning, but it removes any splashes, stains, or spots that may have occurred during the project. In addition, any stickers on new surfaces are removed at this time. These can include plastics on new kitchen appliances, cabinets, or windows. Professional construction cleaning Fort Lauderdale FL crews have the skills and equipment to handle this phase efficiently.
Sweeping
This phase of the cleaning process involves general sweeping and vacuuming. Any large debris left over from the framing, plumbing, and electrical work gets tossed or moved to an appropriate location. It is also the time when the crew will clean the walls, floors, and window sills with microfiber cloths. Once the dust has been cleared, workers will wipe down all the surfaces to eliminate any grease and grime. They’ll also wipe down all the windows and doors, including frames and sills. If the new items come with stickers, those will also be removed. A rough interior cleanup takes special training, equipment, and knowledge of proper safety techniques. It’s usually best to leave this task to a professional cleaner specializing in post-construction cleaning. They’ll have all the necessary equipment to handle this large task and can do it quickly and efficiently. It will allow construction teams to resume their projects as soon as possible.
Dusting
Rough interior cleaning happens during the building process once plumbing, electrical work and framing have been installed. At this stage, the focus is removing any larger debris that may have been carelessly left behind and sweeping everything up. The crew will also wipe down floors, clean baseboards, and remove fingerprints and smudges from glass surfaces. During this phase, cleaners wear a dust mask as construction dust often contains silica, gypsum and other dangerous materials that can harm the lungs. They will also use a broom, vacuum and dustpan to clear up any remaining debris. This phase can also involve cleaning ducts to remove particles and ensure the space is ready for the next step.
Preparing Surfaces
During this phase, cleaners will wipe down surfaces like windows, doors, cabinets, and countertops. Although it isn’t a deep clean, this initial step helps eliminate any dust settled during construction. If any caulk, paint, or adhesive was splashed, dripped, or leaked onto other surfaces, these areas will also be cleaned. This phase should only be completed after the plumbing, electrical wiring, and framing work. Then, the sweeping and dusting can begin. The thorough cleaning procedure could take days to complete, depending on the scope of the renovation project. It is recommended that the cleaners wear proper PPE during this phase. It will protect them from any hazardous materials left behind during construction. It’s also recommended that all waste be disposed of properly per local laws. It includes leftover paint, varnish, and adhesives; treated wood; products with mercury; and asbestos-based construction debris.
