Post-Construction Cleaning Procedure HowTo

Why this matters

Post-construction cleaning is the highest-margin single-job category in cleaning. New construction or major remodel customers need 4-8 hours of deep cleaning before move-in. Pricing ft + a typical 2,500 sq ft home = ticket. Repeat business from builders + general contractors. This is the working procedure.

When this comes up

• New construction final clean (before sale or move-in)
• Major remodel completion (kitchen, bath, addition)
• Real estate "make ready" between tenants
• Pre-listing prep (home sale)

Different from "deep clean" (recurring residential): post-construction is single-visit, extensive, dust + debris focused.

Tools + supplies

• HEPA vacuum with attachments (NOT regular shop vac)
• Microfiber cloths (multiple colors, color-coded by area)
• Bucket + caddy
• Step ladder (8 ft + 10 ft)
• Squeegees + sponges for windows
• Razor scrapers (for paint + drywall mud + adhesive)
• Putty knife + plastic scrapers
• Detail brushes (toothbrush size + larger)
• Vinegar + ammonia + standard cleaners
• Glass cleaner
• Degreaser
• Tile + grout cleaner
• Wood floor cleaner (Bona, similar)
• Stainless steel polish
• Drop cloths + plastic
• Booties + gloves
• Trash bags (heavy-duty)

Pre-job survey

Before quoting:

1. Walk every room with general contractor or homeowner
2. Identify: ceiling, walls, windows, floors, fixtures, appliances, cabinets, countertops
3. Note construction debris (drywall mud, paint splatters, sticker residue, sawdust)
4. Note completed vs incomplete work (incomplete = re-clean needed after final)
5. Photograph baseline
6. Measure square footage
7. Discuss customer's "level of clean" expectation (move-in ready, listing-ready, builder-final)

Quote based on scope + sq ft.

Procedure

Sequence is top-down + dry-to-wet:

Step 1: HEPA dust removal (all surfaces, ceiling to floor)

1. Ceilings: HEPA vacuum + soft brush
2. Fans + light fixtures: detail dust + bulbs
3. Walls: HEPA top-to-bottom OR magic-eraser if marks present
4. Window frames + sills: detail
5. Door frames + doors: top-to-bottom
6. Cabinets: tops + sides
7. Baseboards + trim
8. Stair handrails + spindles

Dust collected at floor level for final vacuum.

Step 2: Window cleaning

1. Razor scrape any paint or adhesive on glass
2. Squeegee + wipe sills
3. Frames + tracks dry-vacuumed first, then wet-wiped
4. Inside + outside if accessible
5. Avoid streaks: wipe with microfiber after squeegee

Step 3: Kitchen detail

1. Cabinets: top first, then sides, then doors + interior
2. Countertops: scrape any residue (caulk, glue, adhesive)
3. Appliances: range, oven (interior), microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator
4. Fixtures: faucet, handles, soap dispenser
5. Backsplash detail (each tile + grout)
6. Sink: stainless polish if applicable

Step 4: Bath detail

1. Tile + grout: scrub + rinse
2. Tub or shower: detail clean
3. Fixtures: faucet, handles, shower head
4. Mirror + glass
5. Toilet: interior + exterior
6. Vanity: top, drawers (open + detail), bottom
7. Light fixtures
8. Floor

Step 5: Hardware + fixtures

1. Door knobs + locks
2. Closet shelving + rods
3. Window locks + cranks
4. Switch plates + outlet covers
5. Vent covers (HVAC, exhaust fans)
6. Drawer handles

Step 6: Floor

1. Final vacuum (all surfaces, HEPA)
2. Mop hard surfaces (tile, hardwood, vinyl)
3. Spot clean carpet if construction debris
4. Sweep porch + entry

Step 7: Walk-through + touch-up

1. Customer walk-through
2. Address any missed spots
3. Final photos

Common construction debris

Drywall mud:

• Scrape off with putty knife or plastic scraper
• Vacuum + wipe
• Don't smear with wet cloth (sets like cement)

Paint splatters:

• Razor scrape glass (safe with caution)
• Scrape from tile/grout with putty knife
• Goo-Gone for stubborn

Stickers + adhesive:

• Goo-Gone or rubbing alcohol
• Razor scrape from glass
• Test on subtle area first

Tape residue:

• Goo-Gone + microfiber
• WD-40 for stubborn

Drywall dust (everywhere):

• HEPA vacuum first
• Avoid using regular shop vac (blows fines into the air)
• Damp cloth follow-up

Sawdust (under cabinets, in corners):

• HEPA vacuum + nozzles
• Tackcloth for finish surfaces

Plaster + grout splatters on floors:

• Putty knife + warm water
• Care on wood floors

Specific area protocols

Hardwood floors:

• NO water OR very minimal damp mop
• Use Bona or manufacturer-approved hardwood cleaner
• Spot scrape with plastic; never metal

Tile + grout:

• Sealer applied AFTER final clean (builder responsibility usually)
• Light scrub with grout brush

Stainless steel:

• Polish with grain (lengthwise, not circular)
• WD-40 for fingerprints
• Avoid abrasives

Stone countertops (granite, marble, quartz):

• pH-neutral cleaner only
• No vinegar or acidic cleaners
• Sealer applied separately

Builder relationships

Post-construction cleaning + builders is symbiotic:

• Same crew at multiple new builds
• Builder calls when next house is ready
• Repeat business; minimal CAC after first

Build relationships with:

• General contractors (residential)
• Custom home builders
• Property management companies (turnovers)
• Real estate agents (pre-listing prep)
• Remodel contractors

Service contract: standing offer to handle final clean at $X/sq ft. Builder books on the schedule.

Common pitfalls

• Underpriced first quote: builder learns your rate; future bids constrained
• Forgetting HEPA: regular vacuum blows fines back into air; customer wipes drywall dust off everything later
• Hot mop on hardwood: warps + ruins finish
• Abrasive on stainless: scratches permanent
• Acid on stone: etches finish
• Walk-through without photos: customer disputes scope
• Crew sees but doesn't note finish work incomplete: re-clean expected free

Customer talking points

For new construction final:

1. "Post-construction is intensive: 4-8 hours, 2-3 crew. $X total for [scope]."
2. "Includes [list of areas + tasks]."
3. "Customer or builder walks through after; address any missed spots."
4. "Move-in ready when we leave."

For builder:

1. "Per sq ft pricing on a standing basis: $Y/sq ft for final clean."
2. "Crew available within 48 hours of your call."
3. "Same service quality every house."

Quality control

After every job:

• Crew checklist signed
• Before/after photos
• Customer (or builder) signed satisfaction
• Note any issues for next time
• Crew member assignment tracked

Builders rate cleaning companies. A repeat-customer rate above 80% = success.

References

• IICRC + ISSA cleaning standards
• Builder + contractor referral protocols
• Manufacturer cleaning recommendations (Bona for floors, etc.)
• Manuall internal: Commercial Cleaning Specification Reference