Post-construction cleaning is the most expensive cleaning per square foot, and the reason is structural rather than opportunistic: fine construction dust stays airborne for hours, so a single pass cannot work. The property has to be cleaned, allowed to settle, and cleaned again.
What drives the quote
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| How much dust the trades left | The largest variable by far. A site that was swept daily during the build is a fraction of the work of one that was not. |
| Number of surfaces, not floor area | Every cabinet interior, window track, vent, light fixture and door frame is an individual task. |
| Scope of the build | A single-room remodel is one visit. A whole-house build or gut renovation usually needs two. |
| Residue type | Dust is straightforward. Paint spots, adhesive, grout haze and protective film all take longer and some cannot be removed safely. |
| Finish sensitivity | New stone, matte fixtures and unsealed grout need careful products and slower work. |
| Debris volume | We remove packaging and site trash. Bulk material needs a hauling contractor with a dumpster. |
The scheduling mistake that doubles the cost
Booking the clean before the last trade has finished. Paint touch-up, caulk, flooring offcuts and fixture adjustments all generate dust and residue, and they undo a completed clean in an afternoon. The property then needs cleaning again, at full price.
The correct order is: all trades complete, punch list done, then clean, then furniture. When to schedule post-construction cleaning goes through the sequence properly.
What is not included, and needs its own budget
- Bulk debris hauling and dumpster service
- Exterior windows above ground level
- Carpet extraction and floor stripping or sealing
- HVAC duct cleaning, which is genuinely worth doing after a large build
- Hazardous material handling of any kind — asbestos, lead, mold or biohazard
- Pressure washing of driveways, patios and exterior surfaces
Residential and commercial differ
A residential post-construction clean includes cabinet and appliance interiors and is judged by the homeowner moving in. A commercial fit-out is judged against an opening date and often has to happen outside building hours, which changes the scheduling and therefore the quote. Both are quoted after understanding what was built and what state the site is in.
Getting an accurate number
Tell us the square footage, what was built or renovated, when the last trade finishes, what the floor and counter surfaces are, and whether the property is empty. Photographs of the site as it stands help more than any description. Request a quote.