Who to Hire for Post-Construction Cleanup

A professional house cleaner is likely to provide the best services

A post-construction interior of a house
Photo: piovesempre / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
A post-construction interior of a house
Photo: piovesempre / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Dan Simms
Written by Dan Simms
Contributing Writer
Updated May 30, 2024
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Construction and renovation projects can create a big mess, even after the construction debris is hauled away. Knowing who to hire for post-construction cleanup can get your space back into shape quickly and effortlessly. 

You can always DIY your cleanup, but if you don’t have the time or desire to get your hands dirty, a professional house cleaning service near you is your best option.

Benefits of Hiring a House Cleaner for Post-Construction Cleanup

House cleaners bring a few key things to the table that other professionals won’t when it comes to post-construction cleanup:

  • Deep cleaning and attention to detail: First and foremost, house cleaning services provide greater attention to detail when cleaning up after a renovation project. Contractors will sometimes do a surface-level clean after the job, but professional cleaners are trained to clean every nook and cranny to remove sawdust, drywall debris, and anything else that might be lying around after your construction project is complete.

  • Specialized knowledge: House cleaning services also have the experience and training to clean a wide variety of materials without damaging them. Drywall dust embedded in your cloth couches and sawdust or dirt in that high-end area rug is no match for a professional house cleaner, whereas a contractor or handyperson may not use the appropriate tools, supplies, or cleaning methods to keep your belongings safe and damage-free while cleaning.

  • Flexibility: Professional house cleaners will also have greater flexibility than other professionals who might offer one-off cleaning services. Whether you’re looking for additional cleaning services, like window cleaning or professional organizing, or you want to set up routine cleanings for your new space, a professional house cleaner will be able to accommodate you, while other professionals will more likely focus on construction- or repair-based projects. Additionally, house cleaners are more likely to be able to accommodate requests to use kid- and pet-friendly products.

Can I DIY Post-Construction Cleanup?

"For larger cleanup projects, such as home renovations, construction debris, or large-scale landscaping projects, renting a dumpster is often more practical than hauling waste multiple times."

— Sean Foley, President of redbox+ Dumpsters

You can absolutely DIY your own post-construction cleanup. It’s a great way to save some money if you have the time, materials, supplies, and know-how to get the job done.

However, cleaning up after a construction project is often more involved than routine cleaning. You’ll spend more time and effort completing a deep clean that a pro could tackle quickly. Additionally, if you have specialty items you need cleaned, like Persian rugs or leather couches, it’s easy to make mistakes and use the wrong cleaning solutions, which could damage your belongings.

Ultimately, it’s a good idea to hire a professional cleaning service to save time and get the best results.

Can I Hire a General Contractor for Post-Construction Cleanup?

A person doing a post construction cleaning of a house
Photo: enigma_images / E+ / Getty Images

Yes, many general contractors completing construction projects in and around your home can include a post-construction cleanup in their original estimate as a part of the junk removal costs or sometimes as an add-on service.

However, contractors don’t specialize in cleaning services. They’re less likely to provide the same deep clean a dedicated cleaning service would, and they likely won’t have the same experience and knowledge that allows for safely cleaning a wide range of materials throughout your home. 

They’ll usually clear away debris after construction, but a deep clean is best left to a cleaning specialist.

How Do House Cleaners Carry Out Post-Construction Cleanup?

House cleaning services usually use a post-construction cleaning checklist to ensure they don’t miss anything and that your entire interior is cleaned from top to bottom. They’ll often go room by room, beginning with ceiling fans, cabinets, and countertops and working their way down toward the floors. They’ll use the proper cleaning solutions and techniques on furniture, rugs, carpets, and other soft materials to avoid damage and leave everything perfectly clean.

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Learn more about our contributor
Dan Simms
Written by Dan Simms
Contributing Writer
Dan is a writer and property manager and can be found sharing his home improvement tips on sites like EcoWatch and Today’s Homeowner. He loves sharing his years of hands-on experience and love of DIY to help homeowners bring their visions to life.
Dan is a writer and property manager and can be found sharing his home improvement tips on sites like EcoWatch and Today’s Homeowner. He loves sharing his years of hands-on experience and love of DIY to help homeowners bring their visions to life.
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