Post Construction Clean-up Checklist in NYC

Completion of construction work marks a happy feeling among the contractor and workers. It also gives the owner a sense of accomplishment as they are just one step away from a new life. Still, it is one step away from the final stage.

After the construction work, the area remains full of debris, wires, and whatnot. It can't be left like that. All the losses must be tied up, dust must be removed, and everything needs to be polished to make it a perfect welcoming space. For this, post-construction cleanup is necessary.

It might seem like a simple cleaning task, but it can be daunting because it requires a lot of effort, time, and carefulness.

Hence, maintaining a post-construction cleanup checklist is crucial. Are you stressed over the process? Don’t be; as a commercial cleaning service provider, today, we are here to inform you about the commercial post-construction cleanup checklist to do this job with minimal effort.

Let's start!

What are the Processes for Post-Construction Cleaning?

Post-construction cleaning is labor-intensive, and one must be well-planned to finish the task on time. It includes heavy-duty tasks like removing all the debris and leftovers and polishing the space. The work involves three stages and the steps are-

1. Removal of All the Debris

It is the first step of the post-construction cleaning process, and here, the aim is to remove all the debris and dirt from the floor.

Follow the below-mentioned tips for this.

• Remove all the dust and leftovers from the floor
• Empty all the bins
• Discard all the packages, bags, tapes, and plastic accurately
• Dispose of all the extra wall colors
• Hire an electrician to tighten all the loose wires

2. Thorough Cleaning of the Floor

Once the floor is clean, one can start the actual cleaning task. Therefore, the second step is to clean the floor thoroughly and make it dust-free.

It includes steps as follows.

• Dusting and moping all the visible areas, including window washing
• Using a vacuum cleaner to take out hidden debris or dust particles
• Applying disinfectant to all the areas to ensure optimum cleaning
• Intense usage of odor-neutralizing agents or air purifiers to eliminate the odor of paint and construction materials
• Cleaning the lighting fixtures and decor

3. Provide a Final Touch

The second step ensures a tidy and pristine surface area. Now, it is time for the final touch. This is the step when you take a final look at the space and polish everything before the handover.

Here are some tips for this-

• Take a closer look at whether any marks remained or not
• If any marks or stains are there, use specific tools to remove it
• Use a dedicated cleaner and sanitizer for door knobs and windows to ensure highest cleaning
• Opt for steam cleaning of the whole space

It is important to inform that this type of work needs expert hands to avoid any mishaps or damage and the ideal tools to execute the plan. Thus, appointing a commercial cleaning service company is crucial.

What is the Post Construction Cleaning Checklist?

Commercial construction cleaning is intense work. It requires removing every residue of construction work and providing an odor-free, fresh, and tidy indoor space.

However, it is not an easy job to do. One needs to be careful about every inch of the area and cleaning it, including the lighting fixtures, door knobs, windows, etc.

Moreover, only cleaning is not enough; stain removal is also essential.

For example, it is possible that during work, workers touch a freshly painted wall and get a print of their fingers on it. Although it is a mistake, you can't let it stay. Before the handover, it must be removed. Are you stressing over how to keep remembering these tiny little details? Don't worry; the post-construction cleanup checklist will help you with this.

If you are a novice, you might be surprised by this term. Well, the post-construction cleanup checklist is a detailed written document regarding the cleaning works. It is curated according to specific areas and a given timeframe for a clear and pristine space.

For example, it will first mention spaces like the entrance. After that, it will state the to-dos and time, such as 'sweeping the entranceways,’ which should take 2-3 hours. Overall, it will help you finish tasks in an organized method.

It is important to mention here that a good post-construction cleanup checklist must document the required tools, the number of laborers, cleaning spaces, and the type of cleaning work for easy understanding.

How to Create a Post-Construction Cleaning Checklist?

A construction cleaning checklist needs close attention to detail and measurement of every area. It helps in taking care of every area minutely. However, is it fixed for every space? No, the checklist changes depending on the space and its demands. Remember, the task involves the removal of hard stains and the disposal of vast amounts of garbage. Thus, the list needs to be specially curated.

Here are some of the tips you must consider while making the list-

1. Consider the Need of the Area

Make a thorough inspection regarding how many hard-to-reach corners it has, how many lighting fixtures are there, or how many large surfaces like walls and floors are there. It will help to understand the labor and cleaning supplies requirements.

2. Arrange the Works

Depending on the needs of your given space, you must plan the cleaning work. For convenience, you can start with the entrance. You can arrange it in an order like disposal of debris, dusting the area, mopping it, disinfecting the entrance door, etc.

3. Assign the Tasks

Once the areas and works are specified, it is time to assign tasks to the employees. Assign tasks according to expertise and talent. Ask all the team members whether they are comfortable with the task or know how to do it, and provide enough tools to do the task.

4. Plan the Waste Disposal

Cleaning a post-construction site requires removing a massive amount of waste materials. It contains recyclable and non-recyclable wastes. Hence, planning the disposal is essential. It is necessary to mention a guide to trash, recycling, and garbage pickup schedules in NYC; follow that strictly to avoid legal issues.

5. Focus on Making Top-to-toe Plan

Post-construction cleaning requires serious attention to minutes and taking care of corners like or, behind the doors or above the lighting fixtures to leave the space thoroughly cleaned and dust-free. Try to include all these corners in the list with a targeted timeframe. It helps prevent you from missing out on anything.

6. Kick Start the Work With Dry Cleaning

You need to remove the dust particles or residues of the construction work before heading to the final task. Hence, dry cleanings, like dusting and sweeping, should be used to remove loose debris first. Then, start the wet cleaning.

7. Ensure the Safety

Post-construction cleaning works involve a significant amount of dust, heavy particles, and chemicals. Hence, enough protective gear and ideal tools should be provided to avoid mishaps. Additionally, train your employees accurately to do this job.

8. Ensure the Timeframe

To complete a task perfectly, it is essential to [pen down the timeframe and the checklist. Hence, make sure you write the timeframe beside the worksheet or checklist. At the same time, supervise carefully whether the cleaning staff is completing the task within the given time.

These tips are enough to make a new construction cleaning checklist. Take ample time to complete this work and follow it strictly for top-notch results.

Importance of Post-Construction Cleaning Checklist

If you are a novice, you might think that only post-construction cleaning is crucial, and appointing a commercial cleaning company can relieve the headache. Then, why do you even need the post-construction cleanup checklist?

Many people also argue that maintaining a checklist or making time to curate according to their needs (of the space) is hectic. Jumping to the cleaning task without considering anything simplifies the process for them.

Well, experts strongly disagree with this. They emphasize making a checklist to do the task properly. Here is some importance of the post-construction cleaning checklist

1. Ensure Attention

Attention to detail is the key to success, irrespective of the job. For this, experts suggest making a visual presentation of the workflow. Otherwise, there is a chance that you might miss one or two tasks.

A post-construction cleanup checklist is a visual reminder of the work that needs to be done, and the staff ensures that no one is forgotten or missed.

2. Works Like a Roadmap

Planning is one of the best ways to be successful in any job. When you plan correctly, you can arrange the necessary things properly and do the job on time.

The post-construction cleaning checklist works as a planner or roadmap here. It shows the tools and time you need and the process you must follow to shape the work for the better.

3. Streamline the Work

As stated, the post-construction cleanup checklist is a roadmap for the cleaning job; it provides a clear idea of where to start the task.

For example, if you don't have a checklist, you might get confused about where to start or how. With a checklist, you know it must start from the entrance and start with a dry cleaning first. Therefore, it can be noted that it streamlines the work process.

4. A Clear Budget

A post-construction cleanup checklist briefly explains the required tools, the number of staff needed, and cleaning supplies. This gives a clear idea of the budget and contributes to smooth work.

5. Limits the Time

If you have working experience with diverse people, you must know that not everyone is equally attentive to their work. Hence, paying significant attention to the progress of the work is essential.

At the same time, setting a time to finish the work helps you to meet the deadlines efficiently, and a post-construction cleanup checklist helps you with this. It comes with its timeframes and helps to meet the goal effortlessly.

A post-construction cleanup checklist is like a to-do list for the cleaning staff. It guides them to a smooth cleaning process. Additionally, as it ensures a planned cleaning, one gets a clean and pristine space faster (obviously, an unplanned cleaning job takes a lot of time).

Who Uses Post-Construction Cleaning Checklists?

The post-construction cleanup checklist can be described as a cleaning journal for the construction areas and final cleaning of the construction for a better life. Just like the construction work, it is also mandatory to ensure a perfectly welcoming space. Hence, anyone who is planning, running, or on the verge of finishing a construction project must use this.

For example, if you are making a renovation or building a house for yourself, you must follow a post-construction cleanup checklist to prevent any accidents or make the space perfect.

However, here are some professionals who use it mostly, and some of them are-

a. Hospitality Sector

Renovation and building new properties are integral parts of the hospitality industry. Therefore, they conduct construction work throughout the year and follow the post-construction cleanup checklist. This helps them maintain the cleanliness of the space and the safety of the users.

b. Real Estate and Construction Companies

The real estate sector is about building architectural works and selling or renting them. However, they can't hand over the property right after finishing the construction. The property needs to be polished and well-decorated. Thus, a post-construction cleanup checklist is necessary for them.

c. Medical Sector

The pressure on the medical sector is increasing every day. Thus, expanding the infrastructure, like wards or beds, is necessary. For this, the medical industry has run construction works almost throughout the years and follows the post-construction cleanup checklist to adhere to the guidelines.

d. Education Sector

Like the medical sector, the pressure on education is also doubling due to the increasing population. It is forcing the industry to extend its infrastructure.

Additionally, the sector is developing rapidly with a new set of technologies (like interactive learning boards). Institutes are incorporating them for the highest good, and it is also leading to constant construction work. Therefore, this sector is also a dedicated user of post-construction cleanup checklists.

e. Property Managers

Property managers are the local guardians of a property. They renovate it and then initiate the selling or renting process (they get hired by a real estate dealer or property owner). During the process, they must run construction works and follow a post-construction cleanup checklist once the job is done. It helps them to provide the best for the consumers.

According to the market study, eight of ten industries use this checklist. It allows them to get a clean and tidy space after heavy construction.

Remember, it is perfect for your personal use. However, do not forget to customize it according to your space needs.

Post Construction Cleaning Checklist Template

Almost every aspect of the post-construction cleanup checklist is covered now. The importance segment clearly shows that it controls a place's hygiene and safety. Without proper post-construction cleaning, a structure remains inappropriate for living. Therefore, it is inevitable for everyone.

Here, one can ask, 'What does post-construction cleaning include?' or' How do I clean after construction?' to make their own customized checklist. Hence, a template with dedicated spaces to help you with this.

Indoor and Outdoor Entrance

The entrance area accumulates a lot of dirt and debris. It needs to be cleaned first; otherwise, the dirt will spread with every footstep. Here is a checklist for this area-

• Dispose of all unused construction materials and equipment
• Carefully sweep the indoor and outdoor areas of the entrance
• Clean the windows with a dry cloth or broom
• Sweep and disinfect the door and the knobs
• Polish all the lights and lighting fixtures

Living Area

Once you finish the entrance part, it is time to focus on the living area. Before starting, please note that living areas tend to have maximum lighting fixtures, and cleaning them each is important. Take ample time to sweep and check them. Here are the steps to clean it-

• Check and clean all the lighting fixtures
• Clean, mop, and disinfect the door, window, and door knobs
• Carefully sweep and mop window sills and window tracks
• Clean the switchboards
• Clean the doorframes
• Remove any stain or wall pain drop from the wall and every place
• Empty the bins
• Polish all the doorknobs and doorframes

Kitchen Area

The kitchen is the heart of any home. It is because it ensures a healthy and happy life (through proper hygiene). Here are some tips for this area-

• Thoroughly clean all the walls and baseboards
• Carefully scrub and clean the slab, sink, and other countertops
• Sweep and mop the floor
• Disinfect the floor, windows, and other parts (gadgets or kitchen slab)
• Clean and disinfect the door and doorknob
• Sweep and clean the lights and fixtures
• Check and secure all the hardware supplies
• Polish every stainless steel object (taps or sinks)
• Clean and polish the glass surfaces
• Mindfully clean exhaust fans, filters, and ventilation grills

Bedroom Area

People usually don't use too fancy lighting fixtures in bedrooms. Hence, cleaning them all is relatively easy. However, most of the bedrooms contain lighter wall colors. Therefore, be careful while cleaning.

Any mistake can result in a stain on the wall and ruin the overall look. Here are the tips for cleaning-

• Sweep and clean the inside and outside of the closets
• Dusting the lighting fixtures and fans
• Through cleaning the baseboards
• Clean all the built-in grates, vents, and shelves

Bathroom Section

During construction, the workers often use the bathroom as their store room. They put all their requirements, tools, and garbage inside this room. Hence, while cleaning it, first dispose of all the waste materials. Here are some more tips regarding this-

• Thoroughly clean the tub, sink, and toilet
• Sanitize the room carefully
• Sweep, mop, and vacuum-clean the floor
• Clean the windows and lighting fixture
• Check all the hardware and lighting fixtures
• Clean all the cabinets, mirrors, slabs, door and doorknobs
• Polish the doorframes and knobs

Outer Area

The outer area of your home or property ensures the first image and amount of dirt inside the building. Thus, keeping it clean and organized is crucial. Here are some tips for that-

• Wash and clean the garage, mailbox, and walkways
• Remove all the trash from the premises

Ensure a Welcoming Space with a Post-construction Cleaning Checklist

The post-construction cleaning checklist is necessary because it helps clean every nook and corner, no matter how big a property. It ensures that not a single thing gets overlooked, and it comes with a timeframe that ensures timely completion. However, one must hire a commercial cleaning service to achieve top cleanliness.

Only a commercial cleaning service has the knowledge to create a checklist according to the space's necessity, ideal tools, perfect cleaning supplies, and the right talents to execute the task. If you are stressing over how to find the best commercial cleaning service, you can contact Sterling Cleaning Services.

We have been serving this industry and NYC for years and have a strong reputation. We are known for our customized cleaning routines, tools, and expert staff. Contact us today to get your quote!