Trying to sell or move into a brand new home without first giving it an extensive post-construction cleaning in Baton Rouge is a recipe for disaster. This is because, in addition to debris and regular dirt, new construction tends to be full of construction dust.
Construction dust refers to the various types of toxic or otherwise harmful dust that can be found in a freshly built or renovated home. Unfortunately, effectively removing construction dust and debris using regular cleaning supplies can be extremely hard, if not impossible. This is where post-construction cleaning comes in.
What is post-construction cleaning?
Post-construction cleaning, also known as “post-build cleaning”, “post-renovation cleaning”, or simply “post-cleaning”, is a specialized type of cleaning service specifically designed to get new construction ready for use.
This process takes place after new construction, remodeling, or renovation work has been completed and involves the thorough removal of dust, debris, dirt, and any other residues left behind from the building process.
Post-construction cleaning requires advanced cleaning techniques and equipment to ensure top-tier cleanliness, as well as numerous safety precautions to minimize the risks associated with handling residue and debris.
For these reasons, this type of cleaning should always be performed by professionals, typically specialized cleaning companies, as we’re equipped with the tools, knowledge, and experience to see post-cleaning through in a safe and effective manner.
Why is post-construction cleaning important?
Post-construction cleaning has several purposes:
- Makes the property ready for use/occupancy;
- Removes hazardous materials (e.g. nails, screws, debris, etc.)
- Eliminates contaminants commonly found in construction dust.
However, these are only the most obvious factors that make post-cleaning important, as this specialized service can do much more:
- Ensures a healthy environment: Post-cleaning typically involves sanitization, which is essential to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria;
- Prevents mold growth: The construction process often leaves behind residual moisture, which is fertile ground for mold growth, and cleaning can help identify and prevent these problems before they have the chance to escalate.
- Enhances aesthetics: A clean, dust-free environment makes the space look polished and inviting, so you can fully enjoy the results of your remodeling project.
- Ensures functionality of household infrastructure: Post-construction cleaning involves the removal of dust, dirt, and debris from essential systems, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, ensuring that they operate properly.
- Ensures compliance with regulatory standards: Like many other states, Louisiana requires new construction to meet safety and health standards before it’s ready for occupancy.
- Protects your investment: Proper cleaning will ensure fixtures, finishes, furnishings, and other items are protected from damage caused by construction debris and residue.
Makes long-term maintenance easier: Having a thoroughly cleaned space right from the get-go facilitates future maintenance efforts and eliminates the need for an immediate deep clean.
How do you clean a new construction home?
Start by gathering your cleaning supplies in an easy-to-carry basket or bag. These supplies include a vacuum cleaner, rubber gloves, dust mask, bucket, paper towels, brush, sponge, soap, feather duster, rubbing alcohol, rags, dustpan, and a cleaning solution.
Once you’ve put your dust mask and rubber gloves on, start cleaning:
- Wipe down all ceilings using a damp sponge.
- Remove window labels.
- Vacuum all window tracks.
- Wash the interior and exterior of all windows.
- Vacuum all the cupboards and drawers.
- Put your cleaning solution in a bucket, grab some soft rags, and wipe down all surfaces.
- Thoroughly clean the bathrooms and the kitchen.
- Vacuum the interior of the cooling and heating ducts.
- Vacuum the carpets, or wash them with carpet shampoo if they’re very dirty.
- Wipe down and dust the light fixtures.
- Clean the thresholds.
- Thoroughly mop the floors.
- Finish by sweeping and vacuuming the garage.
Take special care to remove construction dust from hard-to-reach or unnoticeable places such as behind radiators and toilet bowls, on top of electrical outlet covers, and so on. Failing to do so can cause serious health problems for the occupants in the long term.
How long does it take to clean a new construction house?
It’s impossible to provide a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The reality is that the time it takes to perform a post-construction cleaning varies greatly from house to house.
Consider the following factors:
- Scope of work. The bigger the house or room you’re cleaning, the longer the cleaning is going to take.
- Type of work done. Some construction work produces a lot more dust and debris, which makes for a longer cleaning.
- Materials used. Different materials produce different amounts and types of construction dust when worked on. Again, the more dust there is, the longer the cleaning is going to take.
- How many people are involved. The more people are involved in the post-construction cleaning, the faster it’s going to go.
- Experience and equipment. Inexperienced cleaners who don’t have access to first-rate cleaning supplies are invariably going to take longer to complete the cleaning than a professional post-construction cleaning service would.
Where can I book a reliable post construction cleaning in Baton Rouge?
If all of the above sounds like a huge hassle, that’s because it is. A proper post-construction cleaning takes a lot more time and energy than other types of residential cleaning. For this reason, most Americans prefer to outsource their post-construction cleaning to the experts.
As the leading cleaning company in Louisiana, Geaux Maids of Baton Rouge specializes in providing the full range of residential and commercial cleaning services. We will happily deal with your post-construction cleaning while you focus on your other obligations or simply relax at the Independence Park Botanical Gardens. Get in touch with us today!