The renovation is complete. Now what? A comprehensive and thorough cleaning of the entire space is necessary to make sure it’s safe for people to return to your home or business.
There are several key questions to consider when planning how to tackle the cleanup after a renovation, such as: who’s responsible for the cleaning—you or the contractor? What are the steps, or what should be cleaned? When should you consider calling a professional? This article will help answer these questions and provide a post-renovation cleaning checklist.
Who is Responsible for Post-Renovation Cleaning?
Before settling back into your space after the completion of a renovation project, extensive deep cleaning is crucial. Unless specified, a thorough cleaning is not the contractor’s responsibility. While they typically will remove all leftover materials, debris, and waste from the space, the industry standard is “broom-swept.” Normally, any cleaning that remains falls to the home or business owner.
Keep in mind that SERVPRO® professionals have the expertise and tools necessary to tackle any job, big or small.
What are the Steps for Cleaning Interior Spaces?
Once the renovation crew has left and removed all debris from the space, the process of cleaning the interior can begin. Here are steps to ensure your space is safe for people to return:
- Dust and vacuum. Begin by dusting all surfaces—walls, ceilings, floors, and all other surfaces (furniture or counters). Vacuum the floors and any upholstered furniture.
- Clean surfaces. Wipe down all surfaces with a sanitizing cleanser. Be sure to open all cabinets and drawers to wipe the insides.
- Dust all air vents and ducts, blinds, ceiling fans, and lighting fixtures.
- Clean the carpets. Vacuum all carpets thoroughly, using a HEPA filtered vacuum, if possible. Then, using a carpet cleaner, clean the carpets to rid them of dirt, dust, and possible debris.
- Use an air scrubber with a HEPA filter.
One of the biggest concerns post-renovation or construction is dust. Dust is an inevitable by-product of any construction or renovation project and can be a potential health hazard. There are three main types of construction dust:
- Silica dust (from concrete, mortar, and sandstone).
- Wood dust.
- Lower toxicity dusts (from marble or drywall).
Tips for Removing Construction Dust from a Space
Dust is common in most households or businesses, but construction dust is typically more dangerous. Prolonged exposure to construction dust can cause potential health effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), silica dust is made up of small particles that become airborne during activities like cutting, drilling, sanding, and grinding materials like concrete, sandstone, or mortar.
Clearing a space of dust particles, particularly silica dust, is a crucial part of post-renovation cleanup. To make sure these particles are removed from the air and surfaces, use a HEPA air filter and a vacuum with a HEPA filter. According to the EPA, high efficiency particulate air filters can remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria.
What are the Steps for Cleaning Exterior Spaces?
Deep cleaning after renovation doesn’t just apply to interiors! To be sure the outside of your home or business is a clean and safe space:
- Remove debris or garbage left behind by the crew. Make sure to pay special attention to clearing walkways and driveways of screws and nails.
- Wash all exterior surfaces—walls, decks, patios, and fencing. Tools like pressure washers can be especially helpful.
- Clean windows using a glass cleaner to clean them. Ensure the windowsills and frames are clean as well. Construction dust often settles on these surfaces.
When should you call a professional?
Cleaning up after a renovation project can be overwhelming, and it’s not always easy to know when calling in a professional would be best. Here are a few things to that might mean you should call a professional like SERVPRO for everything from carpet cleaning to air duct cleaning:
- You’re unable to complete the cleanup yourself due to time constraints.
- You don’t have the proper tools like HEPA air scrubbers and vacuums to ensure that all dust, dirt, and debris are removed from your home or business.
- You need your space sanitized before settling back in.
- You want to be sure the property meets local regulations or standards.
SERVPRO is Here to Help
After the renovation of your home or business is complete, SERVPRO is here to help ensure your space is safe for people to return. Our experienced technicians have the expertise and tools necessary to complete the job quickly and efficiently.
We’re here to help you maintain a safe, clean, healthy environment. Contact us today for more information, or visit our FAQ and Glossary.