Wrapping up a big construction project at a commercial site can be an exciting moment. But the project isn’t truly complete until you’ve taken care of cleanup duties. And especially if people will be moving into a new or remodeled space, they’ll expect it to look pristine.

Wondering what goes into the cleanup process? Read on to learn about the 3 phases of post construction cleaning!

1. Rough Cleaning

Many construction projects result in large chunks of debris, dust, and other materials that will need to be removed from the site. In most instances, beginning to clear that debris before the next stage of a commercial construction project is helpful. That’s why starting the post-construction cleaning process early is the smartest move.

This initial step in the process is known as the rough clean. Typically, it occurs once the plumbing and electrical work are installed in a space. In simple terms, anything that cannot be vacuumed is included in the rough cleaning stage.

A new building might have the drywall up and ready to go, for instance. But before workers install trim, it’s wise to remove pieces of unused drywall or wood from the space. Doing this helps to create a tidier workspace that avoids letting dust and debris accumulate.

During the rough clean, professional cleaners will remove trash and do essential sweeping. They’ll know how to dispose of bulky items safely, too. That means you won’t have to worry about environmental concerns during the cleanup process.

Additionally, cleaning up bulky items makes the workspace easier to navigate for workers. They won’t be tripping over chunks of wood or dirt as they bring in cabinetry or windows to install. Instead, they’ll have clean floors that enable them to move forward with the next steps, such as painting the walls or adding counters.

Rough cleaning means removing waste objects and obvious grime. It also can include sweeping or mopping floors to ensure that they are clean before an appliance is installed. After all, you don’t want shiny new appliances installed on dirty floors.

2. Light Cleaning

The second stage of cleaning can be the most time-intensive. Although the name light cleaning sounds like it would be simple, this stage involves a thorough cleaning. Cleaners will take a detailed approach to cleaning that considers more than just large chunks of debris.

This step in the construction cleanup process typically happens after a crew has completed trim work and other final details. Cleaners can proceed knowing that a construction crew won’t be tracking more dirt into a new office workspace, for instance. All of the installation work is complete at this point.

In the light cleaning stage, cleaners will devote considerable attention to cleaning any newly installed items in a space. If an apartment is getting renovated, for instance, the cleaners will wipe down new windows, appliances, and toilets. They’ll also do a deep clean of new floors and walls.

Mirrors and windows are also on the light cleaning task list. When any glass is installed, there’s a good chance it will have smudges and fingerprints. Cleaners will wipe away these distractions for a more polished look.

Light cleaning also can entail cleaning areas that most people don’t think about. This can include tackling air ducts or ceiling fans, as well as trim. Cleaners will dust every fan blade and light fixture, too.

If a surface has any sticky residue or blemishes on it, those areas will be cleaned, as well. Surfaces can include kitchen countertops and sink vanities. But they also can include baseboards, windowsills, and other small spaces prone to collecting dust.

3. Final Cleaning

The remaining stage is called the final clean. In a newly constructed space, this stage is key. Think of it as the last step before making a space move-in ready for a new occupant.

This stage usually happens several days after the light cleaning phase. Unless you have a construction crew that completes a thorough cleaning themselves, you’ll want to outsource this stage to a professional cleaning crew. And given the busy schedules of those in the construction industry, it’s unlikely you’ll get a quality cleaning at the end of a job.

The standards are high in the final cleaning since you want the space to look new. Because of this, the final cleaning process may begin with a professional cleaning crew auditing the space.

A cleaning crew will check each room to locate areas that don’t look pristine. After all, the last thing you want is for a newly renovated space to look like it’s been lived in already. They’ll take detailed notes and determine which parts of a space need extra attention.

Every crevice in a new shower will be cleaned to keep away mold. And every faucet and handle will be polished. In this critical stage of cleaning, cleaning crews won’t let one feature of a room go unnoticed.

A professional crew will have industrial-strength cleaners and specialized tools for the job. Further, a professional cleaning crew will assess the air quality after a construction project. Sometimes, the foot traffic during the renovation process or the materials themselves can lead to unwanted odors.

Even after the light cleaning stage, these odors can stick around. Count on a cleaning crew to use equipment that can help purify the air. That way, you can feel confident that a renovated space smells and looks brand new.

Understand the 3 Phases of Post Construction Cleaning

The 3 phases of post construction cleaning are critical when you want a space looking its best after a construction project. The rough clean ensures that bulky pieces of debris and dust are removed from the space before the next construction phase. After that, the light and final cleaning stages add a thorough level of cleaning that will make a space look great.

When you need commercial cleaning services, turn to Chicago’s top commercial cleaning company. Anchor World Services has given organizations access to the best and most reliable janitorial services since 1890. For help meeting your cleaning needs, contact Anchor World Services today!

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