If you own a carpet cleaning business that takes on post construction cleaning jobs, you know how challenging it can be to remove the dust, debris, and other construction materials left behind. Cleaners need the right equipment, tools, and supplies to complete a commercial or residential post construction cleaning job.
From heavy-duty extractors to specialized cleaning solutions, having the right post construction cleaning equipment and supplies ensures your business delivers top-notch cleaning services to your clients.
3 Phases of Post Construction Cleaning
Post construction cleaning refers to removing debris, dust, and materials from a building or site after construction or renovation work. This cleaning process is typically done in three phases: rough interior cleaning, final interior cleaning, and exterior cleaning.
Each stage involves specific cleaning tasks to ensure the building or site is left clean, safe, and ready for occupancy or use.
1. Rough Interior Cleaning
The first phase of post construction cleaning is rough interior cleaning, which involves removing large debris and construction materials such as nails, screws, drywall, and wood chips from the floors, walls, and other surfaces. This phase also includes vacuuming and dusting to remove remaining dust and debris.
For carpeted areas, this phase may involve using specialized carpet cleaning vacuum to remove debris and construction materials and anything embedded in the carpet fibers during construction. Cleaners must do a thorough job during this phase to prepare for the more detailed cleaning stages.
2. Final Interior Cleaning
The final interior cleaning phase of post construction cleaning is the most critical step in ensuring a clean, safe, and inviting property for the owner or tenant to occupy. This phase requires detailed cleaning of floors, carpets, ducts, walls, and ceilings.
During this phase, a cleaning team removes any remaining debris and construction residue, such as adhesives, grout, and paint splatters. Cleaners use specialized equipment and cleaning solutions to ensure that every inch of the property is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
A crucial aspect of the final interior cleaning phase is deep cleaning carpets and other flooring surfaces as well as the duct system in the house. Carpets and ducts are susceptible to accumulating dirt, dust, and debris during construction.
Carpet cleaners use specialized carpet cleaning equipment and techniques to remove embedded dirt and debris. They also sanitize and deodorize carpets post construction to ensure they’re in the best possible condition for the occupants.
3. Exterior Cleaning
Post construction exterior cleaning is the final cleaning phase. It ensures that the property is safe and enhances its appearance. During construction, waste materials can accumulate on the exterior of the building, including dust, dirt, sand, cement, paint, wood, metal, and concrete.
During this final phase, cleaners remove loose debris and pressure wash exterior surfaces to remove any stubborn dirt and stains. They typically also focus on cleaning windows, gutters, and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage.
Residential vs. Commercial Post Construction Cleaning
Post construction cleaning may be required for residential and commercial properties, including newly built homes, apartments, offices, and retail spaces. The cleaning process and scope of work vary depending on the type and size of the property and the complexity of the construction or renovation work.
For example, post construction cleaning for a small residential property may involve removing debris and dust from floors and carpets as well as duct system cleaning, while post construction cleaning for a large commercial property may require cleaning entire HVAC systems, high-level dusting, and commercial carpet cleaning.
The scope of a project may also differ due to the needs of the property owner or manager. For instance, they may require using eco-friendly cleaning solutions or specific equipment.
Post Construction Cleaning Checklist
Providing high-quality post construction cleaning services with the right equipment, tools, and supplies is critical. A checklist ensures that everything needed is in place, including heavy equipment.
Equipment, Tools, and Supplies
The following checklist refers to general tools, supplies, and equipment needed for post construction clean up:
- Protective equipment: dust masks, rubber gloves, safety signs, hard hats, and protective eyewear
- Cleaning equipment: brooms, dust pans, scrub brushes and scrub pads, upholstery cleaning tools, window washing equipment, and heavy-duty vacuum cleaner and/or backpack vacuum
- Floor and carpet cleaning supplies: cleaning solutions, hard floor and carpet maintenance supplies, microfiber cloths, and buckets
- Lifting and moving equipment: Brute, tilt truck/utility duty cart, and industrial garbage bins
- Maintenance equipment: step ladders, extension ladders, ladder bumpers, and hoses
- Disposal equipment: heavy-duty trash bags
Heavy Equipment Needed
The heavy-duty cleaning equipment required for post construction cleaning can potentially include the following:
- Scissor lift for multi-level facilities or high-level ceilings and structures
- Pressure washer
- Vapor steam cleaner
- Water/sludge extractor
- Floor machines such as burnishers, scrubbers, and sweepers
The Importance of Carpet Cleaning Services Post Construction
Post construction clean up services are crucial for the safety and health of future occupants. Construction sites are often filled with particulate matter that can become embedded in carpets, causing them to wear out faster and become less visually appealing. If left uncleaned, this debris can also become an airborne health hazard, leading to respiratory issues and allergic reactions.
Construction sites also contain paints, glues, and other chemicals that can leave harmful residue in the carpet fibers. Proper post construction carpet cleaning removes all debris and residue, leaving carpets fresh, clean, and safe for use. This helps prolong the carpet’s life and ensures a healthy environment for building occupants.
How Much Should You Charge for Post Construction Carpet Cleaning?
Consider several factors when determining your commercial or residential post construction cleaning rates, including:
- Size and complexity of the job
- Type of carpeting involved
- Equipment and labor required
Expect to charge anywhere from $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot or more, depending on the job’s specific needs. To ensure you’re offering a competitive and fair price, assess each job thoroughly before determining your pricing strategy.
For example, you take on a residential post construction carpet cleaning job. Assuming the job is for a 1,500-square-foot house with three bedrooms and a living room, and these rooms have standard carpeting, you might charge $0.30 per square foot. You may charge additional pre-treatment or stain removal fees if the carpet is heavily soiled or stained.
Must-Have Equipment for Post Construction Cleaning
If you routinely work on post construction cleaning jobs, you need equipment that can handle the task. The 12 Gallon Galaxy 220 PSI Carpet Extractor is the ideal carpet cleaning tool to help you with any post construction cleanup.
The Galaxy 2000 carpet extractors are a top choice for professional carpet cleaners who need durability and performance. With powerful dual vacuum motors providing a 190″ Water Lift, this machine offers the power to meet the demands of any job.
At 35″ high, 31″ long, and 18″ wide, this extractor offers portability and maneuverability while providing ample tank capacity at 12 gallons for both the solution and recovery tanks. It is also heat-ready, allowing for the addition of an external heater to further enhance its performance.
The Galaxy 2000 is backed by a 5-year warranty on parts and labor and a lifetime warranty on its rotationally-molded housing, making it a smart investment for any professional carpet cleaning business.
Be Prepared To Take On Any Post Construction Cleanup
Post construction cleaning services can be a lucrative opportunity for carpet cleaning businesses. With the right equipment, tools, and supplies, your business can provide comprehensive cleaning services to ensure a property is safe, clean, and welcoming for its occupants. By offering quality services and using top-notch equipment, carpet cleaning businesses can establish a strong reputation and attract more clients.
