There’s nothing worse than bringing in contractors to do a construction project only to find that once they’ve finished the job, they’ve left their mess behind. Construction site cleanup is part of the construction industry and it can be a tricky job, but someone has to do it. You can make your life easier by cleaning as you go to start with, and that should help reduce the burden of final cleanup to some extent. While it is impossible to cover every aspect of a proper construction cleanup project, a good place to start would be to remove trash and debris on a daily basis, particularly wood and paint chips that can pose a fire hazard.

There are many construction companies that could use an independent contractor to do the cleaning for them, as you can save a lot of time and money by bringing in specialists (depending on the size of the job). It is always advisable to take a walk-through before the cleanup begins so that the supervisor finds out exactly what the construction manager’s expectations are regarding the cleanup. This will also help avoid a poor end product (when the project is complete).

So what does construction site cleanup really entail? In general, any scuffs, hand and finger stains, dust and dirt should be cleaned from the walls and the same goes for trim, baseboards, windows, door frames and handrails. Ceilings will also need a good dusting and removal of any cobwebs that have sprung up. Doors need to be cleaned, which can include the front, back, sides, and top, and don’t forget the hinges. Any masonry should be vacuumed and cleaned as instructed. All project rugs will also need to be vacuumed. Wood, tile, or marble must be polished, waxed, and sealed. You will need to clean the window rails, frames and glass. Be sure to clean any light fixtures and ceiling fans that tend to collect dust. Wall and ceiling vents and floor vents will also need to be vacuumed, and in the case of floor vents, they will need to be removed so you can vacuum as deep as the fixtures will allow. Electrical outlets and switches should be cleaned as they can collect dust and hand stains. That is just basic interior cleaning, it does not include the specific cleaning required in a bathroom, kitchen or entryway. Not to mention the mirrors and cabinets throughout the house, as well as the removal of unnecessary manufacturer stickers.

On the subject of manufacturers, you must not forget the importance of which cleaning chemicals should and should not be used. Only manufacturer recommended cleaning products should be used as the wrong chemical can cause irreparable damage and will slow down your project as you will have to replace damaged items, especially delicate stone like marble, granite and quartz. You most likely won’t be able to do all of the cleaning yourself, depending on the type of project, you may need to call in professionals to finish your floor as it will require sealing and waxing. Now that you’ve taken care of the inside, you can start to focus on cleaning the outside.