We recently got a call from a distressed homeowner who had just moved into their newly constructed home. They were appalled at the mess left behind by the contractors - dusty windows, carpets tracked with dirt, fingerprints all over the walls, and grimy light fixtures. As they gave us a tour of the house, it was clear the contractors had skipped many crucial post-construction cleaning tasks.
The homeowner felt frustrated and overwhelmed at the thought of deep cleaning their brand new home. This is a common situation we see in the construction industry - contractors eager to finish the job often neglect thorough cleaning at the end of a project. The result is new homeowners left with a dirty mess instead of the sparkling clean home they expected.
At our cleaning company, we never skip those finishing touches. We understand how important post-construction cleaning is to start your new home off right. In this article, we'll go over the top 5 post-construction cleaning tasks that contractors often skip, but we will always meticulously complete. Keep reading for tips on how to ensure your new construction is move-in ready.
Overview of Post-Construction Cleaning
Post-construction cleaning refers to the thorough cleaning process that takes place after a construction or renovation project is completed. It involves deep cleaning the entire space to remove any dirt, dust, debris, stains, or other mess that accumulated during the construction work.
This type of cleaning is extremely important for several reasons:
- It allows the space to be fully prepared and safe for occupancy and use. Construction projects leave behind high amounts of dust and debris that need to be removed.
- It helps preserve and protect the new materials, finishes, and surfaces that were just installed. Without proper post-construction cleaning, these surfaces could become damaged or worn down prematurely.
- It provides a clean slate for the owners/tenants to move into. Post-construction cleaning allows them to start enjoying the new space without having to deal with construction mess.
- It makes a good final impression on the owners/tenants about the quality of the contractor's work. The space should be delivered pristine.
So in summary, post-construction cleaning is a vital process that contractors must perform thoroughly upon completion of a construction or renovation project. It sets the space up for proper use and gives the project a polished finish.
Why is Post-Construction Cleaning Important?
A thorough post-construction cleaning is critical for both health and aesthetics. During the construction process, various materials like sawdust, drywall dust, insulation fibres, paint particles and more end up circulating through the air and settling on surfaces. This debris can negatively impact the indoor air quality if not properly removed.
Studies show that construction dust and particulates can irritate eyes, noses and throats, exacerbate allergies and asthma, and potentially contain toxic substances like lead or asbestos.
By hiring a professional post-construction cleaning company, you can ensure all these contaminants are fully eliminated. We use HEPA vacuums and advanced techniques to trap and remove fine particles from the air and all surfaces.
This improves the indoor air quality, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment for occupants. Our deep cleaning services make the space not only look spotless but also breathe clean from day one.
Top 5 Tasks Post Construction Cleaning Tasks Contractors Often Skip
One of the most important parts of any construction project is the post-construction cleaning. This ensures the new building is ready for occupancy and use. However, many contractors try to cut corners or rush this final step. Here are 5 crucial post-construction cleaning tasks that contractors often skip, but we will always make sure to complete thoroughly:
Dusting Overhead Pipes and Vents
Contractors often neglect overhead areas like pipes and vents when cleaning. However, dust and debris can accumulate in these spots during construction. Thoroughly dusting overhead pipes, vents, light fixtures, and fans is essential. We use extendable dusters and lifts if needed to carefully dust every crack and crevice up high. This prevents dust and dirt from falling later on the fresh paint and new floors. Proper vent cleaning also ensures good indoor air quality for the new occupants. Freshly circulated air starts with dirt-free ductwork.
1 - Cleaning Windows Inside and Out
Windows are one of the most visible parts of a home or building. But they often get overlooked when it comes to post-construction cleaning. Contractors may do a quick wipe down of window surfaces, but fail to do a deep clean inside and out.
Thorough window cleaning should involve:
- Washing the exterior of windows with a soft cloth, mild detergent and water. Pay extra attention to the frames and sills where dirt and debris accumulate. To remove stuck-on grime use soft brush.
- Cleaning the interior window surfaces with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Wipe down any window frames or sills.
- Using a vacuum property to clean window tracks and remove dirt. This improves functionality.
- For extra dirty windows, use a diluted vinegar solution and rinse well with water. Vinegar helps cut through grime.
- Clean all window screens by vacuuming and wiping down.
Taking time to properly clean windows makes a huge visual impact and ensures no dirty windows on day one. As window cleaners, we take great pride in making windows sparkle. It's an important first impression for any new construction project.
2 - Vacuuming Carpets
Vacuuming carpets is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, post-construction cleaning tasks. During the construction process, carpets can accumulate a surprising amount of dirt, dust, debris, and allergens that can get trampled deep down into the fibres. Thoroughly vacuuming carpets after construction removes these contaminants and helps restore the carpet to like-new condition.
Many contractors simply run a vacuum quickly over the surface of the carpets and call it a day. However, this fails to lift out the fine particles of dirt, drywall dust, wood shavings, and other debris that have filtered down deep into the carpet over the course of construction.
To do the job right, you need to vacuum slowly and methodically, going over each section of carpet multiple times to get all the way down to the base of the fibres. Make sure to use a vacuum with strong suction and an adjustable beater bar that can agitate the carpet pile to dislodge deeply embedded particles.
3 - Wiping Down Walls
During the construction process, drywall dust and debris can spread throughout the entire home, settling on walls, baseboards, and other surfaces. Thoroughly wiping down walls is crucial for removing this stubborn drywall dust and leaving a clean finish.
Use a microfiber cloth or soft rag dampened with warm water to wipe down all walls and baseboards. Pay extra attention to corners and edges where dust likes to accumulate. You may need to change rags frequently as they collect dust. For textured walls, use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner before wiping down.
Be sure to reach all wall surfaces from floor to ceiling. Drywall dust can travel far! Opening windows can help circulation while wiping down walls. Check walls under lighting at an angle to spot any remaining dust.
Proper cleaning removes all traces of drywall dust for a fresh start in the new home or space. We take the extra time to carefully wipe down all walls and use high-quality microfiber cloths that trap dust efficiently. Our team understands how important this process is for a clean finish.
4 - Cleaning Light Fixtures
Light fixtures tend to collect a lot of dust during the construction process, but many contractors fail to thoroughly clean them after the job is done. All that dust not only makes the fixtures look dirty and dingy, it also poses potential fire and respiratory hazards if left untouched.
Our team takes the time to meticulously clean all lighting fixtures, inside and out. We use microfiber cloths and cleaning solutions specifically designed for lighting fixtures to gently wipe away dirt, debris, fingerprints, and dust. For fixtures with glass coverings, we'll clean both sides of the glass to really make them sparkle.
For recessed and track lighting, we use slender vacuum attachments to get rid of dust and cobwebs inside the fixture housing. Ceiling fans also require special attention - we clean the fan blades, light kit, and motor housing to keep the fan operating safely and quietly.
Properly cleaning lighting fixtures not only makes them look better, it also maximises light output and extends the life of the fixtures. It's a small detail that makes a big difference in the final appearance of a space. We recognize the importance of this post-construction cleaning task and ensure that no fixture gets left dusty.
5. Scrubbing Tile Grout
Grout gets extremely dirty during the construction process. With workers constantly walking over tile floors, drywall dust and debris collects in the grout lines. If the grout is not properly cleaned, it can get stained and look dirty in the finished space.
Thoroughly cleaning grout after construction is crucial for having clean, bright floors. This involves using a grout brush and grout cleaner to scrub the grout lines. Apply the grout cleaner and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to penetrate the dirt. Then use a stiff grout brush to scrub the grout lines and rinse with clean water.
For stubborn stains, an oxygen bleach cleaner may be required. Avoid using too much pressure when scrubbing, as this can damage the grout over time. Properly sealing the grout after cleaning will also help protect it from future stains.
Taking the time to deeply clean and seal grout will result in beautiful, clean tile floors that you will be proud of. At CarePlus Cleaning Solutions, we take grout cleaning seriously and ensure your tile floors shine after we complete our work. Your grout will look as good as new when we're done!
Solution To The Mystery Of Post- Construction Cleaning
Post-construction cleaning is a crucial final step that should not be overlooked. While it may seem tedious, taking the time to thoroughly clean a new construction or renovation ensures your clients receive the space in pristine, move-in ready condition.
When done right, post-construction cleaning removes debris, dust, dirt, stains, and more from all surfaces. It brings floors, walls, windows, and fixtures to a sparkling finish. This "deep clean" makes the space feel fresh, new, and complete.
As we've covered, common tasks contractors often skip include cleaning windows, vacuuming, wiping down walls, cleaning light fixtures, and scrubbing tile grout. CarePlus Cleaning Solutions makes sure to meticulously complete all of these steps so you receive a space that exceeds your expectations.
We also use commercial-grade tools and eco-friendly cleaning solutions to deliver superior results safely and efficiently. Our experienced team follows checklists to ensure no corners are cut.
If you're ready to have your new construction or renovated space cleaned to perfection, contact CarePlus Cleaning Solutions today. We're committed to providing white glove service and total peace of mind with our post-construction cleaning.
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