Why post-construction cleaning comes in phases

Construction dust keeps settling for as long as trades are working. Cleaning everything to a handover standard while drywall, paint, and millwork are still going in only means doing it twice. Splitting the work into phases puts the right level of cleaning at the right point in the schedule.

Phase 1: the rough clean

A rough clean happens while trades are still active. The goal is a safer, more workable site and fewer surprises later, not a finished look.

  • Loose debris gathered into the designated disposal areas
  • Packaging removed where authorized
  • HEPA vacuuming of accessible horizontal surfaces
  • Sills, ledges, baseboards, and floor edges cleared
  • Work paths, stairs, and entry zones reset

Phase 2: the final clean

The final clean is the main event. Once every trade has finished, every surface is brought to handover standard, top to bottom.

  • HEPA vacuuming and damp wiping from ceilings and vents down to floors
  • Stickers, labels, and protective film removed
  • Cabinet interiors, shelves, trim, and millwork detailed
  • Fixtures, hardware, switch plates, and doors cleaned
  • Interior glass, frames, tracks, and mirrors finished
  • Hard floors vacuumed and cleaned by surface type

Phase 3: the touch-up clean

Dust from the final clean, deficiency repairs, and people walking through keeps landing. A touch-up is a light wipe-down right before the walkthrough, photography, or move-in so the space looks its best at the moment it matters.

What's usually not included

A post-construction clean covers the finished interior. These items are normally specialist work, quoted separately or handled by another trade:

  • Hauling bulk construction waste off site (bins are the contractor's responsibility)
  • Exterior high-rise glass and rope-access work
  • Duct cleaning and HVAC servicing
  • Removing paint, mortar, or adhesive that needs a trade to avoid damaging the finish

If you're unsure, list it in your quote request and we'll confirm the scope before the work starts.

How to choose which phases to book

Book a final clean for almost every project. Add a rough clean if trades will be on site for a long stretch or the site has to stay presentable for inspections or site visits. Add a touch-up when there's a gap of more than a few days between the final clean and the walkthrough or move-in. You can book one, two, or all three.

What affects the price

Square footage and the phases you book set the base price. Heavy drywall dust or overspray, high-rise access, and timelines under 48 hours cost more. See how our pricing works, or send your square footage and a few photos for a free, fixed-price quote.