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Post Construction Cleanup

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Whatever your construction project entails, it's sure to produce a great deal of debris and other garbage. Cleaning up is essential if you are to truly enjoy your newly renovated room or addition, and doing so in a safe and appropriate manner is just as important.

Hire a Professional

If you don't want to deal with the hassle of cleaning up after your construction project is finished, you can hire a professional post-construction cleaning service to take care of it for you. Here are some quick tips to finding a service that suits your cleanup needs:

  • Prior to the start of your project, search online or check the phone book to find companies in your area.

     

  • Check each company with the Better Business Bureau to find out if they have good reputations.

     

  • Check pricing and the services each company provides--you want to find a company that will perform all required services for a reasonable price. However, be leery of companies that offer suspiciously low prices-- they may be illegitimate or inexperienced.

     

  • Make sure that you select a company that has sufficient insurance coverage in case anything gets damaged during cleanup.

     

  • Have your selected service draw up a contract that stipulates the services being provided and the cost of those services. Make sure you read the contract thoroughly before you sign.

Do-It-Yourself

If you'd rather save the cash involved in hiring a cleaning service, you can take care of cleanup yourself, but there are a few things you want to remember while taking on the task:

Safety

Always practice safety first. There are many hazards you could face while cleaning up after construction (e.g., exposed nails, broken glass, splintered wood, etc.). Take the proper precautions to ensure that no one gets hurt during cleanup.

  • Wear a face mask to prevent dust and particles from entering your lungs

     

  • Wear goggles to protect your eyes from dust and particles

     

  • Wear heavy rubber gloves to protect your hands from sharp objects

     

  • Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes to prevent falls or injury

Costs

The do-it-yourself route can be much cheaper, but won't be without some costs. Some expenses might include:

  • Goggles, face masks, rubber gloves and other protective gear

     

  • Large commercial trash bags

     

  • Cleaning supplies

     

  • A commercial-sized dumpster for large construction projects to dispose of the debris from your project-- have the rental company haul it away at a prearranged time

Dust Removal

Once all the large pieces of debris are disposed of in bags or your rented dumpster, the next step is dust removal.

  • Dry dust all the walls and other surfaces, then wipe down the area with a wet cloth--attach the cloth to a broom handle with duct tape to make removal simple in hard-to-reach places

     

  • Clean or replace all filters in your heating and a/c vents

     

  • Use a utility vacuum to get small debris and dust off the floors and windowsills--wiping with dryer sheets works well also

     

  • Vacuum the dust and dirt from your carpets with your household vacuum, making sure to change the bag and clean the filter frequently

     

  • For heavier dust and grime left behind, you may need to use a shop vac or a carpet cleaner to get the job done.

     

  • Clean bare floors with a damp mop rinsed and wrung out regularly – be sure to change the mop heads as needed so you do not spread bacteria throughout your floors

     

  • Clean windows with a vinegar and water-soaked microfiber cloth – recycled newsprint also works well

     

  • Remove dust from ceiling fans with a ceiling fan duster or a an old sock pulled over the end of a broom--spray either apparatus with some household cleaner for additional help



Adam Mandelbaum  Posted by Adam Mandelbaum on January 7, 2013

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