New homes and buildings typically aren’t ready for occupancy the minute construction wraps. It is always necessary to go through post construction cleaning to prepare the space for use. But what does this process involve?
What Is Included in Post Construction Cleaning?
The excitement stemming from a newly built property can be overwhelming. As the property owner, you want to jump straight to using the space — and that’s understandable. But, a newly constructed building rarely comes ready for occupancy. Contractors often leave a mess behind. This is where post-construction cleaning comes in.
The cleaning process following construction is methodical. It comes in phases, each one serving a unique purpose. So what are the 3 phases of post-construction cleaning?
1. Rough Cleaning
The first phase is rough cleaning. This takes place after the contractor installs all of the plumbing, electrical works, and framing.
Rough cleaning involves the removal of large items such as trash, leftover construction materials, and various debris. Essentially, anything that you can’t clean up with a vacuum gets removed at this point.
Rough cleaning also involves a preliminary sweeping or vacuuming of the space. If there are any glass fixtures, such as windows, doors, and appliances, they most certainly come with stickers on them. This is also the phase wherein the stickers get removed.
2. Detailed Cleaning
The next phase of post construction clean up is detailed cleaning, also known as light cleaning. This is where the bulk of the cleaning work takes place. During this phase, cleaners will use various equipment and products to achieve good results.
Some of the tasks that occur during this phase include:
- Washing doors, windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces
- Cleaning walls and baseboards
- Wiping door knobs, door frames, windowsills, and light switches (all high-touch areas)
- Cleaning the interiors and exteriors of cabinets
- Cleaning showers, toilets, sinks, and bathtubs (and any other plumbing fixtures)
- Mopping hard floors
- Vacuuming carpets
- Washing or wiping all surfaces
Remember that, following construction, there will be a lot of accumulated dust in the space. It is important to exercise care during this part of the process because the dust particles can scratch surfaces. They can also find their way into small gaps and crevices — areas that people easily miss.
3. Touch-Up Cleaning
The final stage of the post-construction cleanup is touch-up cleaning. Touch-up cleaning does not immediately come after detailed cleaning. Typically, cleaners will wait a few days after the second step before completing this third and final step. This is to allow some time for any dirt, dust, and other remnants to settle.
During this phase, cleaners will perform the final dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming. They will also wipe off any fingerprints or smudges left on glass surfaces. If they missed anything from the first two phases, this is when they would address them. Due to the nature of this phase, it takes the least amount of time to complete. Still, it remains a necessary step to ensure your property is presentable and ready to go.
The Benefits of Post Construction Cleaning Services
While some construction contractors also offer it, post-construction cleanup rarely comes bundled with the actual construction work. More often than not, contractors already have tons of other obligations. And while you can try to DIY your way through it, cleaning up after construction takes a lot of time and work.
Here’s why it’s beneficial to hire professional cleaning services for post-construction.
1. Safety
First and foremost, professional services offer more safety. Several potential hazards come with post construction cleaning. And, if you’re not prepared for or aware of them, they can easily result in harm or injury.
In contrast, professional cleaners not only know of the dangers associated with the task but also have access to the right gear. Hard hats, protective footwear, goggles, gloves, and other safety gear can shield cleaners from exposed nails, blunt edges, chemicals, and more.
Additionally, professionals can carry out proper waste disposal. Many states and local areas have regulations when it comes to disposing of bulky items or hazardous waste. If you don’t follow these regulations, you could face a serious penalty. Professionals make it a part of their job to remain in the loop about these regulations and follow them to the letter.
2. Speed
While post-construction cleaning inherently takes place over several days, professionals can still achieve better results in half the time. You can attempt to do the cleaning yourself. But, chances are, you’re going to fumble over what equipment or products to use and where even to begin. On the other hand, professionals can inspect the premises and come up with an efficient yet effective plan of action.
3. Thorough
Post-construction cleaning is nothing like everyday cleaning. You don’t just sweep the floor and wipe the counters. It involves a lot of steps and tasks, and it is easy to miss a few items.
Sure, you can remove all the visible waste even if you don’t hire someone to do it for you. But, you might overlook small spaces and hidden areas.
4. Careful
Because newly constructed buildings usually come with rough edges and loose materials lying around, you might damage surfaces while attempting to clean up. You might even use the wrong kind of cleaning product on carpets and upholstery.
Professional cleaners, though, tend to be more careful when it comes to these things. They already know what to look for and what to do because they have spent years doing the same kind of work. If you want to minimize mistakes, go for professional services.
5. Economical
Finally, hiring a professional cleaning service is more economical. On the surface, it might seem like a waste to pay for another service after already spending money on the construction. But, all the benefits listed above are well worth the cost of a professional cleaner.
Again, professional cleaners are more thorough and careful, leaving you with better results than if you were to do it yourself. They are also more experienced, so they can clean the place up and get it ready for the grand opening at a much faster pace than you can. If you were to take the DIY route, you might damage surfaces even before the launch, costing you more money in the end.
Call on the Experts
Post-construction cleaning is something that all newly built properties must undergo. Due to the nature and duration of the work, though, it is always best to hire a professional to complete the job for you.
Maintenance Specialists Inc. offers post construction cleanup services to properties. Call us today at 704.405.6000 or contact us online for a free estimate!
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