Who Is Responsible for Cleanup After Construction?

Renovation and construction can make quite a mess, from sawdust on your counters to splatters of paint on the windows. So, who is responsible for cleanup after construction? Post-construction cleanup almost always falls to the construction team, but the extent of that cleaning depends on your contract. 

Who Is Responsible for Cleanup After Construction?

In nearly all cases, the construction team will offer cleanup during and after the project. A general contractor will either manage a basic cleaning themselves or subcontract a cleaning company to step in during the final stages.

Now, whether the cleanup is extensive enough to host a dinner party the next day is not a guarantee. In most cases, a rough or "broom clean" comes with each construction contract. Contractors will remove tools, signs, and construction debris. They will then finish up with a sweep, wipe down, or vacuum of the area.

More thorough contractors will hire a specialized deep cleaning team, but they will note this detail in the contract beforehand.

Why is Construction Cleanup Necessary?

Cleanup after construction is important for a few reasons. First of all, contractors will need to clean the area enough to double-check their work. Removing dust and debris allows them to get a closer look at the finished product. Most contractors will clean as they work to stay on top of the details.

It also ensures the removal of all hazardous materials. Nails, tools, and slippery sawdust can make a home risky to inhabit. Enhanced ventilation after painting or finishing an area may also be necessary during this phase.

Perhaps most importantly, construction cleanup is key so you can get back to living your life. A great general contractor will almost always remove stains, repair damage, and clean up after their crew.

What Does Post-Construction Cleanup Include?

The level of deep cleaning necessary after a project highly depends on the job and the homeowner. Renovations can get messy and always require planning. Always check your contract and speak with your team to determine who is responsible for cleanup after construction.

Broom Clean

Nearly all contractors in the industry will promise a rough clean or broom clean before they go. In these cases, they should:

• Remove all signs

• Remove protective equipment

• Remove bags of construction materials

• Move household items back to their original places

• Clean dust and paint off windows

• Wipe down countertops

• Sweep and mop floors

• Vacuum rugs

• Sweep affected outdoor areas 

Disposal Management

You or your team may have rented a dumpster during the project or designated an area for waste. However, since only specific items can go in a dumpster or on the curb, your contractor may contact local waste management to handle hazardous waste or appliances. For large landscaping projects, they may subcontract a company that picks up yard waste.

Deep Clean

Some general contractors hire a subcontractor cleaning crew that specializes in post-construction cleaning. They may have access to specialized cleaners that handle oils, paint, and grease, along with equipment to wash and buffer new floors.

These cleaners know how to get into the often overlooked areas that collect sawdust, nails, and other dangerous debris so you can get back to living right away.

"In some situations, homeowners or property owners may be responsible for arranging and overseeing cleanup efforts. This is especially true for DIY projects or smaller-scale renovations where a contractor is not involved."

— Sean Foley, President of redbox+ Dumpsters

Who to Hire for Post-Construction Cleanup

If post-construction cleanup does not make its way into your contract—or if the cleanup is not terribly thorough—it's best to hire a local cleaner ready for the job. Professional cleaners cost an average of $172 per visit, but prices for a deep clean tend to be as high as $360. 

You may want to hire a deep-cleaning team to take care of the areas outside of your contractor's realm, such as washing curtains, linens, and HVAC vents. Look for cleaners with post-construction cleanup packages, especially those with experience cleaning up renovation sites in the past.