During the construction process, dust, dirt and debris contaminate the site. Construction zones are notorious for being dirty, which is why many homeowners stay somewhere when their property is undergoing renovations. This is reasonable considering the nature of the business and the number of people walking through the site each day. If the workers cleaned while they worked, the contract timeline would double. Instead, workers plan a post-construction cleaning.
Typically, they contract the work out to professional cleaners who specialize in this type of process. Large projects require extensive cleaning, and specialists have machines and equipment at their disposal that contractors do not. Nevertheless, understanding what to expect can help builders better prepare and coordinate throughout the construction timeline.
Keep reading to discover the three phases of post-construction cleaning.
1. Rough Clean
The first phase is the rough clean, and it occurs during the construction period. More specifically, it begins once the workers have finished the plumbing, wiring and framing. At that stage, the cleaners can access the site and remove debris, trash and stickers. As the name suggests, the rough clean is the time to roughly pick up and clean the area before the next construction stage begins.
Since workers will be returning to the location, it does not make sense to deep clean. However, this stage is crucial because it keeps the construction zone from being overwhelmed by waste and garbage. After the rough clean, the construction workers and specialists will install flooring, cabinetry and paint. They’ll also finish up the remainder of the project before the next stage begins.
2. Final Clean
Phase two is known as the final clean, and it occurs after construction on the site has finished. This is the most thorough cleaning stage, and it may take professionals a few days to complete. They focus on deep cleaning all of the surfaces and repeat the steps taken in phase one if needed. By the time they complete this phase, the only tasks remaining should be touch-ups.
Kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms receive special attention, but smaller areas are also dusted and cleaned. Professional cleaners will prepare the floor so that it looks its very best. This includes polishing marble or concrete flooring as needed. They also have access to carpet cleaning systems. During this stage, specialists clean all fixtures and appliances. Additionally, they’ll freshen up the exterior of the property using a pressure washer. Typically, this occurs before the final contractor inspection.
3. Touch-Up Clean
The touch-up clean is the final phase of the post-construction cleaning process. By this point, the construction team and contractors have completed their final walkthrough and finished the project. Therefore, it’s safe for the cleaning team to wipe down windows, doors and mirrors, which may have left-over smudges. The dust will have settled, so they can wipe down surfaces and make sure everything is spotless.
While some people prefer to do this stage themselves, it makes sense to have professionals finish the cleaning process. This is because they have a checklist to follow and know what hidden areas still require additional cleaning. After the touch-up clean, it’s time to hand the keys over to the owner.
Plan Ahead
Now that you know the three phases of post-construction cleaning, it’s clear it’s a labor-intensive process. A standard construction team shouldn’t try to handle a job of this magnitude. Professional cleaners have the skills and equipment needed to complete these tasks to a high standard. Since many construction sites involve hazardous materials, it’s always best to air on the side of caution.
