Post Construction Cleaning Checklist for General Contractors

Post construction cleaning is the final step before turnover. It transforms a building that smells like joint compound and sawdust into a finished space ready for occupants. The work is broken into three phases that each have specific equipment and quality standards.

Phase 1: Rough Clean (After Drywall)

The rough clean removes large debris and gross dust before paint and finish work begin. The goal is to leave the substrate ready for the trim trades.

• Remove and dispose of all construction debris
• Sweep and vacuum all hard floors
• HEPA vacuum drywall dust from ledges, window sills and door frames
• Wipe down all flat surfaces
• Clean all light fixtures and HVAC vents
• Remove paint splatters from windows and floors

Phase 2: Final Clean (Before Move In)

The final clean is the deeper pass that prepares each surface for the new occupant. This is the bulk of the post construction cleaning hours.

Floors

• Sweep all hard floors twice (different directions)
• Damp mop with floor specific cleaner
• Strip and refinish VCT if installed (wait 7 days minimum after install)
• Hot water extract carpet with a carpet extractor
• Burnish hard floors with a floor burnisher for high gloss finish

Walls and Ceilings

• Spot wipe paint splatters and fingerprints
• Vacuum and dust ceiling vents and HVAC grilles
• Replace HVAC filters
• Clean light fixtures and bulbs

Doors and Windows

• Wipe all door frames, jambs and casings
• Clean both sides of all windows (interior and exterior)
• Wipe sliding door tracks
• Polish door handles and hinges

Bathrooms

• Clean and disinfect toilets, sinks, showers and tubs
• Steam clean tile and grout for new installations (kills bacteria, dries fast)
• Polish chrome and stainless fixtures
• Wipe partitions and dividers

Kitchens

• Clean inside and outside of all appliances
• Wipe all cabinetry inside and out
• Polish counters
• Clean range hoods and exhaust filters

Phase 3: Detail Clean (Walk Through Day)

The detail clean is the final touch before the owner walks through. Sometimes called "white glove" cleaning.

• Wipe every surface again with a microfibre to remove any settled dust
• HEPA vacuum every floor surface, including under furniture if installed
• Polish all glass (mirrors, doors, windows)
• Touch up any spots missed in the final clean
• Empty trash and remove any remaining packaging
• Run a final HEPA air scrubber pass to capture residual airborne dust

Equipment List

• HEPA commercial vacuum (sealed system)
• Wet/dry vacuum for liquid pickup
• Floor machine (low speed) for stripping and scrubbing
• High speed burnisher for finished floors
• Carpet extractor
• HEPA air scrubber
• Microfibre mops, cloths and pads
• Window squeegees
• Telescoping pole and high reach duster

Standards and Sign Off

Most general contractors expect a written sign off on the cleaning that documents each phase, includes photos and lists any items rejected. The sign off protects the cleaning contractor from punch list charges that should have been a trade responsibility.

Post construction cleaning is one of the highest paying segments of commercial cleaning because it is dusty, time sensitive and demands the right equipment. Done well, it leads to repeat work with the same general contractor on every project.