cleaning

As a general contractor or building owner you have done the hard part when the final nail is hammered into place on your new construction, the last paint brush stroke is applied and building inspectors do their final sign-off. There is, however, an important final step to put your building in make-ready condition and that is a post-construction final clean.

Final Clean is More Than Just About “Curb Appeal"

The final clean for your new construction is not just about “curb appeal” or putting your best foot forward, though it certainly will do this for your project, but it is also about the health and safety of your tenants that will occupy the space.

In the COVID-19 pandemic era, a post-construction final clean is more critical than ever  as employees, some tentative about heading back into buildings to work, will want to see a clean and secure working environment.

Keep in mind that while you may have kept a sparkling construction site and constantly cleaned common areas, debris tracked in and out from any tenant build-out or commercial tenant finishes inside the building are going to contribute to your cleaning checklist.

While it may be tempting to handle the post-construction final clean in-house, there are advantages to outsourcing to professional cleaning services. This type of convenience labor can pay off in three ways:

  • Safety: Professional cleaning crews are used to working around the  sometimes-dangerous debris on a construction site . Non-cleaning pro asked to “pitch in” and do a final clean may not have the proper equipment and could injure themselves on nails, wires, broken glass, and other debris left behind.
  • Proper Disposal: Commercial cleaning services understand the local rules regarding the  proper disposal of items such as paints and other chemicals . Even drywall and leftover lumber may have special disposal requirements.
  • Efficiency and Quality: Not only can professional cleaning crews accomplish a post-construction final clean efficiently, but they can do so with quality results due to their experience in the industry.

Tips for Your Final Clean

Assuming rounding up and removing all trash on the job site, and giving the restrooms a sparkling and sanitary final clean is on the top of every list, what other items should your professional cleaners pay attention to?

Here are some post-construction final tips to put your building into make-ready shape:

Vacuum Carpets

Even if your newly installed carpets appear pristine, you need to vacuum all carpets in your building. Vacuuming can help assure that any hidden construction debris on the floor is removed.

Mop Floors

The tile, wood and other material floors in your public spaces are usually your first impression. A good final clean will include a mopping of all non-carpeted floors. Apply with a cleaner that sanitizes and disinfects to ensure no bacteria lingers on the surface.

Clean Windows

This can be time-consuming depending on the size of your project but must be done before move-in. Nobody wants to have a new tenant on Day One stare out at a streaked and dirty window.

Disinfect and Sponge Clean Countertops

A fine layer of grime and dust will build up during any construction project and a damp sponge is best to help remove. This is also the time to clean with a disinfectant to assure there are no unwanted germs lingering on the surface.

Dust and Sanitize Windowsills and Other Smaller Surface

Countertops and other items in the open do not get overlooked in a final clean, but smaller items, such as windowsills, handrails, trim and other items can get overlooked. This should be dusted and sanitized like floors.

Look Up! Dust and Clean Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures

So many times, we just assume a never-used item such as a ceiling fan is clean and ready to go. The reality is that the ceiling fan, and other items up high like light fixtures, are collecting dust and other debris from the moment they are installed because the construction process is messy. Dust and clean these items before move-in.

Dust Those Doors and Clean Touch Surfaces

Doors can get overlooked come dusting time, but the tops and side can collect construction dust. Also make sure that any touch surfaces such as doorknobs and handles are disinfected.

Houston-based Noble Building Services has been a leader in quality janitorial services since 2004.  Contact us today  to see how our efficient and cost-effective, post-construction final clean services can put your building in make-ready shape.