Post-Construction Cleaning Checklist

Phase 1: Rough Clean

The first pass clears the bulk: remove leftover debris, packaging, and materials; knock down dust from ceilings, walls, and corners; sweep and vacuum all floors with a HEPA vacuum; and clear window tracks and door frames of construction grit. This sets up a space that can actually be detailed.

Phase 2: Detailed Clean

The core of the job — every surface, top to bottom: wipe walls, baseboards, trim, and doors; clean inside and outside all cabinets, drawers, and closets; detail every fixture, outlet, switch plate, and vent cover; clean light fixtures and ceiling fans; scrub and sanitize kitchens and bathrooms including new appliances; and remove paint, grout haze, adhesive, and sticker residue from windows, glass, and hardware. Then clean all flooring per its type. See the full scope.

Phase 3: Final Touch-Up

Because fine dust keeps settling, a final pass after the space rests catches what re-emerged: re-wipe surfaces and sills, spot-clean glass and mirrors, re-vacuum floors, and do a detail walk-through. This last step is what separates “looks done” from genuinely move-in ready.

What to Inspect

Before sign-off, check the places dust loves to hide: the tops of doors, cabinets, and fixtures; inside drawers and cabinets; window and door tracks; vents and returns; and light fixtures. Run a finger along a high ledge — if it comes away clean, the job's done. This is exactly the phased approach a pro follows.

Why a Pro

This checklist is thorough for a reason — and it's why regular cleaning can't cover it. The dust volume, the residue removal, and the HEPA filtration needed all call for equipment and technique built for the job. See what it typically costs.