Post-Construction Final Clean

Purpose

Define the post-construction final clean service - the cleanup done before a new-build or renovated property is delivered to the customer. The job. Builder + GC accounts that contract this work are lucrative + repeating - one builder doing 20 homes/year = /year recurring. The risk: scope creep, paint splash + drywall dust + window stickers + caulk smears that the builder thinks you can magic away.

Scope

Applies to:

• New single-family residential builds
• Major-remodel completion cleans
• New multifamily turnover (in coordination with property management)
• Light commercial new build (small office, retail)

Excludes: heavy industrial construction (specialty), restoration cleanup (separate scope), occupied rough cleanup (different protocol). Mold + biohazard NOT in scope; refer separately.

Pre-quote walkthrough (mandatory)

Before quoting, walk the property with the GC OR site supervisor + document:

• Construction phase complete? (no more dust-generating work)
• All trades final? (paint, drywall, flooring, fixtures installed)
• Site debris pre-cleaned by GC? (boxes, scrap, large debris)
• Special-condition items: marble, stone, hardwood that requires specific care
• Window manufacturer + film type (some films require specific removal technique)
• Customer move-in date

Photo each space. Quote in writing with clear inclusions + exclusions.

What's INCLUDED in a typical final clean

Whole house

• Vacuum all floors
• Mop hard floors
• Wipe baseboards, door frames, casings
• Clean windows interior + exterior glass (NOT screens, NOT exterior gutter)
• Remove window stickers + tape
• Wipe doors + door hardware
• Wipe outlet covers + light switch plates
• Wipe walls where construction dust + paint smear visible
• Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, exposed beam tops
• Vacuum HVAC vents (interior) - NOT duct cleaning

Kitchen

• Inside + outside cabinets + drawers
• Cabinet hardware
• Interior of appliances (oven, fridge, dishwasher, microwave)
• Countertops (per material - granite, quartz, marble all different)
• Sink + faucet
• Backsplash (grout especially)

Bathrooms

• Inside + outside vanity
• Tub + shower (grout + tile)
• Toilet (interior + exterior + base)
• Mirror
• Glass shower door
• Sink + faucet + countertop
• Floor + grout

Outdoor / entry

• Sweep + wipe front entry
• Sweep / leaf-blow patio + back deck
• Wipe garage door interior surface IF clean
• Vacuum garage floor (basic - NOT pressure wash unless quoted)

What's typically EXCLUDED (manage expectations)

• Painting touch-up
• Drywall repair
• Caulk reapplication
• Hardwood floor refinishing
• Carpet cleaning (separate quote - same firm + recommend)
• Pressure washing siding
• Roof cleanup (debris on roof from construction)
• HVAC duct cleaning
• Window screens (often delivered in box)
• Construction debris removal (GC responsibility)

These exclusions in WRITING on the quote prevent the "you didn't do X" complaint.

Tools + materials

• HEPA-filter upright + backpack vacuum
• Microfiber kit (4 colors minimum: blue glass, green kitchen, red bathroom, yellow general)
• Step ladder + 6 ft ladder
• Razor scrapers (for paint specks, window stickers)
• Glass cleaner + microfiber finishing cloths
• Disinfectant cleaner (kitchen + bath)
• Heavy-duty degreaser (sticky residue)
• Stone-safe cleaner (per countertop material)
• Bucket + mop set
• Tile + grout cleaner
• Furniture polish for cabinets
• Lint roller (for HVAC vent grilles)
• Goo Gone OR similar adhesive remover

Procedure (typical 2,500 sq ft single-family, 2-person crew, 8 - 12 hours)

Step 1: Site walkthrough + ID condition (15 minutes)

1. Confirm GC turnover ready
2. Photo every space pre-clean
3. Identify any pre-existing damage NOT cleanup-fixable
4. Coordinate any locked rooms

Step 2: Top-down dust knock-down (60 - 120 minutes)

1. HVAC vents - vacuum interior side
2. Ceiling fans + light fixtures - wipe / vacuum
3. Top of cabinets + casework
4. Door tops + door frame tops
5. Window casings

Top first; dust falls.

Step 3: Whole-house first pass (2 - 4 hours)

Two-person team divides:

• Person 1: kitchens + bathrooms (wet work)
• Person 2: living areas + bedrooms (dry work)

Each room:

1. Vacuum (HEPA - drywall dust)
2. Wipe all surfaces (microfiber color-coded)
3. Glass + mirror
4. Floor (sweep + mop OR vacuum)

Step 4: Detail work (3 - 5 hours)

1. Cabinet interiors + drawers
2. Inside appliances
3. Tub + shower + grout
4. Toilet detail
5. Window stickers + tape removal
6. Paint specks + caulk smears (razor scraper for hard surfaces; chemical solvent for non-scratch surfaces)
7. Outlet covers + switch plates

Step 5: Final pass + walkthrough (60 - 120 minutes)

1. Re-mop hard floors; re-vacuum carpet
2. Final glass touch-up
3. Lead inspection
4. GC OR homeowner walkthrough; resolve miss-items same-day; sign-off + photo

Common issues + handling

Drywall dust everywhere

• HEPA filtration mandatory; standard vacuum re-spreads
• Multiple passes; settled dust returns hours later
• HVAC system may need separate duct cleaning

Paint splatter on hardwood

• Light scraping with plastic putty knife
• Solvent only as last resort - risks finish damage
• Document; if won't come up clean, refer to floor refinisher

Adhesive residue on glass / cabinets

• Goo Gone OR similar adhesive remover
• Test on inconspicuous area first
• Multiple applications

Grout haze on tile

• Vinegar + water solution OR commercial grout haze remover
• May require 2 - 3 applications
• Spec the haze removal in scope OR refer to tile installer for stubborn cases

Marble + natural stone

• pH-neutral cleaners ONLY
• NO vinegar, citrus, or acidic cleaners
• Test product on inconspicuous corner

Acceptance Criteria

• Customer + GC sign final walkthrough
• No visible construction debris on any surface
• All inclusions completed per quote
• Documented exclusions communicated
• Photos archived for dispute defense

References

• ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard
• Post-Construction Cleanup Industry Standards
• Manufacturer cleaning guides for countertops + flooring (varies)
• Manuall internal: Standard Residential Cleaning Service, Standard Hot Water Extraction Service