Cleaning Up After a Renovation

But shouldn’t the builder or contractor clean up after finishing the project?

Darius advises, unless specifically stated in the building contract, a professional after builders clean is NOT usually included and are just required to do a rough clean which mainly involves sweeping up the larger pieces of debris and dirt with a broom and dustpan. It is then the homeowners responsibility for any other cleaning beyond this.

The dust that is left lying around makes the room look unsightly. And if left unattended, the dust can find its way into the air ducts and other areas such as window tracks which damage the integrity of the moving parts over time causing premature wear and tear. Therefore, cleaning up is essential if you want to enjoy clean indoor air and have a home which you will be able to enjoy without any issues for at least the next 10 years.

The Equipment You Need

You will need the following equipment for the task at hand:

• A broom and dustpan
• Face masks
• Dust mops or towels
• Microfiber towels
• An industrial vacuum that does NOT have a HEPA filter
• A mop and bucket
• Squeegee for the windows
• Extension poles to reach high areas
• Gumption paste for removing marks on walls
• pH7 neutral floor cleaner

Steps To Take During Clean-Up

1. You will start with sweeping and vacuuming all surfaces, including the floors, walls, ceiling, windows, ledges, and tracks.
2. Vacuum all the upholstery.
3. Inspect the ducts, vents, ceiling fans, and lighting fixtures for dust that you must vacuum before wiping them down.
4. Wiped down the baseboards, mouldings, doors, knobs and other installed hardware.
5. Wash all the windows starting with the interior surfaces, which includes the sills and frames. Remember to squeegee the panes.
6. Mop and disinfect the floors as you sanitize the bathrooms and kitchen surfaces, including the shelving, cabinets, countertops, and appliances.
7. Clean the inside of all closets, cupbo
8. Get rid of the remaining trash and debris you encountered when cleaning (although the renovations contractor should have handled this as part of the contracted job).

If you are wondering whether to outsource the services of cleaners or to do the job yourself, you should ask yourself the following:

1). Do you have the time and are you up for the task?

2). Do you have the necessary skills and the right equipment for the job?

3). How long with the cleaning take you to complete?

4). Do you have any money left in the remodelling budget that you can use to higher cleaners?

The circumstances surrounding each option will influence what you will decide, but even then, you should ensure that the cleaning is thorough. You do not want any dust particles left behind. During renovations, silicates, mould spores, toxins and even ultrafine dust will be released and invade different areas of the house. These particles are very tiny and can damage your lungs or cause allergies when inhaled. That is why the costs of deep cleaning will be worth the price when you consider the safety of your health.

Check out our speed cleaning tips to keep your home clean after you’ve completed your renovation cleaning and have moved into your new home.