Who Is Responsible for Cleanup After Construction?
Don't get swept away in the post-construction cleanup
Highlights
Construction companies often offer cleanup, but it's important to check your contract to confirm.
In most cases, a rough clean comes with the job, but homeowners may prefer a deeper clean afterward.
Homeowners may need to hire a cleaner for DIY jobs and smaller projects.
Renovation and construction can make quite a mess, from sawdust on your counters to splatters of paint on the windows. So, who is responsible for cleanup after construction? Post-construction cleanup almost always falls to the construction team, but the extent of that cleaning depends on your contract.
Who Is Responsible for Cleanup After Construction?
In nearly all cases, the construction team will offer cleanup during and after the project. A general contractor will either manage a basic cleaning themselves or subcontract a cleaning company to step in during the final stages.
Now, whether the cleanup is extensive enough to host a dinner party the next day is not a guarantee. In most cases, a rough or "broom clean" comes with each construction contract. Contractors will remove tools, signs, and construction debris. They will then finish up with a sweep, wipe down, or vacuum of the area.
More thorough contractors will hire a specialized deep cleaning team, but they will note this detail in the contract beforehand.
Why is Construction Cleanup Necessary?
Cleanup after construction is important for a few reasons. First of all, contractors will need to clean the area enough to double-check their work. Removing dust and debris allows them to get a closer look at the finished product. Most contractors will clean as they work to stay on top of the details.
It also ensures the removal of all hazardous materials. Nails, tools, and slippery sawdust can make a home risky to inhabit. Enhanced ventilation after painting or finishing an area may also be necessary during this phase.
Perhaps most importantly, construction cleanup is key so you can get back to living your life. A great general contractor will almost always remove stains, repair damage, and clean up after their crew.
What Does Post-Construction Cleanup Include?
The level of deep cleaning necessary after a project highly depends on the job and the homeowner. Renovations can get messy and always require planning. Always check your contract and speak with your team to determine who is responsible for cleanup after construction.
Broom Clean
Nearly all contractors in the industry will promise a rough clean or broom clean before they go. In these cases, they should:
Remove all signs
Remove protective equipment
Remove bags of construction materials
Move household items back to their original places
Clean dust and paint off windows
Wipe down countertops
Sweep and mop floors
Vacuum rugs
Sweep affected outdoor areas
Disposal Management
You or your team may have rented a dumpster during the project or designated an area for waste. However, since only specific items can go in a dumpster or on the curb, your contractor may contact local waste management to handle hazardous waste or appliances. For large landscaping projects, they may subcontract a company that picks up yard waste.
Deep Clean
Some general contractors hire a subcontractor cleaning crew that specializes in post-construction cleaning. They may have access to specialized cleaners that handle oils, paint, and grease, along with equipment to wash and buffer new floors.
These cleaners know how to get into the often overlooked areas that collect sawdust, nails, and other dangerous debris so you can get back to living right away.
"In some situations, homeowners or property owners may be responsible for arranging and overseeing cleanup efforts. This is especially true for DIY projects or smaller-scale renovations where a contractor is not involved."
— Sean Foley, President of redbox+ Dumpsters
Who to Hire for Post-Construction Cleanup
If post-construction cleanup does not make its way into your contract—or if the cleanup is not terribly thorough—it's best to hire a local cleaner ready for the job. Professional cleaners cost an average of $172 per visit, but prices for a deep clean tend to be as high as $360.
You may want to hire a deep-cleaning team to take care of the areas outside of your contractor's realm, such as washing curtains, linens, and HVAC vents. Look for cleaners with post-construction cleanup packages, especially those with experience cleaning up renovation sites in the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
In short, yes, contractors should clean up any debris, materials, and tools left from their projects. However, whether their services include a deep clean often depends on the contract. Most homeowners will hire an additional cleaner after construction for a thorough pass through the house to ensure the space is safe and as clean from construction dust as possible.
Your contractor should handle dust control during the project. It's best to speak with your contractor beforehand to check if they plan to cover your furniture, protect your vents, or use fans to redirect dust. Eliminating drywall dust is a particularly large challenge during construction, so always take this into account during your planning phase.
The majority of general contractors include junk and trash removal in their contracts, but services vary. As the homeowner, you may need to manage tricky items on your own, such as disposing of laminate flooring in an eco-conscious way or by arranging for appliance pickup with your local waste management service.