Don't get swept away in the post-construction cleanup
Cleaning new construction homes falls to your contractor in most cases, with a rough clean removing tools, debris, and dust before they finish.
Professional cleaners cost $172 on average per visit, with deep-clean services reaching $360 to remove construction dust from every surface.
Your contract determines cleanup depth, so review it beforehand to confirm whether the job includes window washing, floor buffing, and HVAC vent cleaning.
Hiring a local house cleaning professional brings specialized equipment and cleaners that tackle post-construction dust, grease, and paint splatter for a move-in-ready home.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Based on responses from 1,800 Angi customers, post-construction cleanup often targets surfaces most affected by dust and debris. Walls, ceilings, and woodwork are commonly cleaned (20.3%), while carpet and flooring cleaning accounts for 19% of requests, helping restore a fresh, move-in-ready space after renovation.
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.
I had FabClean 614 clean my apartment, and she did an outstanding job. She was so professional and efficient. My apartment looks absolutely spotless every surface, every corner, all cleaned to perfection. Definitely highly recommend FabClean 614 if you're looking for top-notch cleaning...
Fab Clean 614Best cleaning I've had at my property
Fantastic group, very communicative, and they really did a great job cleaning my condo. Will be hiring them for recurring cleaning!
eMaids of Northern Columbus100% satisfied with the work done by Supreme Brick & Chimney. Josh responded to my Angi request very quickly and squeezed our house into his schedule only a couple business days out. The chimney cleaning process was extremely clean with ZERO dirt going anywhere besides in Josh's vacuum. Very...
Supreme brick & chimneyOn time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central OhioGreat job...edging and pre clean up went well with a great job with seal coat. Friendly, efficient and professional.
All Star Paving and SealingMary Cleaning Service is fantastic! The entire team is professional and pay a great deal of attention to detail. They do such a thorough job of cleaning my house. I would definitely recommend!
It was just fine. They did a good job. They cleaned what needed to be cleaned.
Dezired Cleaners LLCThey cleaned my very dirty basement. They were prompts, quick, thorough and their price was fair.
JDE House Cleaning LLCExcellent! We were very satisfied with the service provided and the entire experience from start to finish. Very friendly and professional staff. I was able to instantly get in contact with them for a quote and the response time and overall communication remained quick and easy throughout the...
Prime Cleaning ServiceFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Construction jobs are messy, so you’ll need a good cleanup when finished. Use this guide to budget for your post-construction cleaning cost.
Does your home need a deep clean? Use this comprehensive house cleaning checklist to get your home sparkling.
Living at home while renovations are underway can be challenging for the whole family. Use these strategies to stay stress-free while your project is in progress.
After a construction project, getting your home clean and living-ready is a top priority. Learn who to hire for post-construction cleanup for the best results.
Cleaning the grill after winter is an essential step before barbecuing. Learn how to get rid of rusty grill grates, old grease in your drip pan, and help stainless steel shine.
Cleaning your house can be a feat, but these house cleaning tips can help you make the most of your cleaning without taking up all of your time.
