So, you have had some construction work going on at your place or office, and now you’re all ready to enjoy your new space. Congratulations! But not so fast- you still have one major task left! Post-construction cleaning is an important part of the process, as you will likely find debris and dust all over.
No need to freak out, however, as with a post-construction cleaning checklist, you can slowly but surely get to the finish line. Read this blog for actionable post-construction tips to ensure no evidence of any mess left behind.
What is Post-Construction Cleaning?
Say you’ve just gotten some construction work done on your rental property. Well, once the contractors have said they’ve completed the project, you have a monumental task that is still left to do: cleaning.
Post-construction cleaning basically means clearing up all the waste, dust, debris, and more created during the process. It isn’t just important because of aesthetic and hygiene-related issues but because you need the place to be completely clean and safe before your tenants move in.
Understanding What a Post-Construction Cleaning Checklist is
As with most processes, having a checklist can ensure you complete it systematically, effectively, and efficiently. It outlines the materials you need and the order of the steps you need to take.
Similarly, a post-construction cleaning checklist guides you in cleaning the construction site thoroughly after the work has finished. It also helps you keep track of the progress. A typical step-by-step post-construction cleaning checklist would include the areas you need to focus on, what kind of washing they require, and the specific equipment and tools required.
You generally compile the checklist before starting the cleaning process, as each project has its nuances depending on the construction type, the areas, and more.
The Process of Creating a Post-Construction Cleaning Checklist
A checklist for post-construction clean-up is meant to help you clear leftover debris at a construction site efficiently. But creating and upholding them can often feel challenging. You have to ensure each team member and worker can easily access it and that it is consistent for everyone.
Therefore, you must be thoughtful and careful when choosing the medium you pass around the post-construction cleaning checklist. For example, if you print them out on paper, you’ll be spending extra time and money to make them, and they can be destroyed easily.
Alternatively, a mobile form can help you create a checklist online that can be accessed by any smartphone and viewed by the workers, with edits being made in real-time. Keeping decisions like these can make or break your process.
Post-Construction Cleaning Checklist: Equipment to Include
You might need some specific pieces of equipment depending on the scope of the cleaning job. However, for most, all you need are a couple of basic ones, such as:
- Degreasers
- Squeegee
- Mops
- Microfiber cloths
- Bathroom disinfectants
- All-purpose cleaners
- Dusters
- Trash bags
- Glass cleaners
You’ll find that most of the listed items are easily identifiable, affordable, and can be found easily in your local store. Therefore, these should definitely be included in the post-construction cleaning checklist.
The Areas to Mention in Your Post-Construction Cleaning Checklist
After determining the kinds of equipment you should get for the clean-up project, you must make a note of the construction site and the areas within it that you need to clean. You also need to specify the kind of cleaning that has to be performed according to the area so you can ensure everything gets adequately covered. Let’s explore the major areas of your post-construction cleaning checklist should include:
1. Bathrooms
Bathrooms may be a small portion of your property; it requires a lot of time and resources to ensure the standard of cleanliness is met satisfactorily. This is because they have stringent sanitation requirements due to their inherent nature of use. Here are some of the major steps to keep in mind when including the bathroom area in your post-construction cleaning checklist:
- Sanitize and wipe down all the walls
- Sanitize, mop, and vacuum the floor
- Sanitize the bin and take out its contents
- Polish and wipe down all reflective surfaces, including taps, mirrors, and the like
Disinfect and thoroughly clean all the fixtures and finishings, such as the shower cabin, bathtub, sink, and toilet
2. Kitchen
A kitchen in both private and commercial property requires a meticulous and attentive approach as they have rigorous sanitary standards they need to meet. Apart from wiping down and dusting the surfaces, you must include the following points in your checklist:
- Remove all trash
- Clean all appliances
- Ensure all drawers and cabinets are cleaned out both inside and out
- Vacuum and mop the floor thoroughly
- Clean the stovetop and sink using a degreaser (only if necessary)
- Sanitizing and deep cleaning counters where you handle food
3. Exterior Areas
Even if the construction site was outside, you need to ensure that the affected area is appropriately cleaned up. Include these steps within your checklist:
- Ensure that all outdoor decor and landscaping elements are duly returned to where they were originally placed
- Remove all unused equipment and materials
- Pick up the debris and trash
- Power wash or sweep all the walkways
4. High-Traffic Areas and Interior Rooms
A high-traffic area refers to lobbies, corridors, exits, entrances, and other places where many people pass through. These are most susceptible to getting dirty and the condition worsening quickly. Here is what the checklist should include for high-traffic areas:
- Wiping and dusting entranceways and their doorknobs
- Ensuring all the switches and lights are in working condition
- Ensuring that all reflective or glass surfaces are spotless
Let Mill City Cleaning Handle the Post-Construction Cleaning for Your Property
Though post-construction cleaning is quite daunting and may sound laborious, it’s an important part of the process. By creating a detailed checklist, you and your team can ensure that no area is left dirty and that the property is ready for action!
If you’ve undertaken a big construction project and are worried about the messy aftermath, then make sure you hire the best cleaning services in Minneapolis- which happens to be Mill City Cleaning! No matter the scope of the post-construction cleaning project or the property size- we can handle it all! The following are some of the prominent characteristics that make us perfect for post-construction cleaning:
- Over 20 years of cleaning experience
- Cutting-edge equipment
- Trained staff
- Outstanding customer service
So feel free to call us when you need- and we’ll be there!
