The Complete Guide to Cleaning up After a Renovation
Construction and renovation are messy by nature. Even under the best circumstances, dirt, dust and debris are left behind once the job is done. Here’s how to clean up after a renovation, whether the contractor or the homeowner takes on this dirty job.
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Before Renovation Begins
A mess-free construction project isn’t generally possible, but contractors can take steps to mitigate the eventual chaos before the project begins. They can start by cordoning off the renovation area and any other parts of the home they will need access to during the project.
This can be as simple as some painter’s plastic hung over doorways to prevent dust and debris from spreading to the rest of the house. An engineer could also make a more complex airlock design using CAD or other similar programs to accomplish the same task. Make it a point to avoid leaving the construction area or entering the rest of the home to reduce mess spread.
Anything the homeowner can remove from the renovation zone should be placed elsewhere. This includes furniture and belongings. If there isn’t room in the rest of the house, renting a storage container to keep these items safe during the renovation can reduce the amount of cleaning needed at the end of the project.
Collecting Supplies
The next step is to collect all necessary cleaning supplies. This will vary depending on the severity of the mess, but in general, the task will require:
Brooms and brushes with soft and stiff bristles, as well as dustpans
Mops and buckets
Rags, cleaning cloths and dusters
Sponges and magic erasers
Plastic sheeting and tape to place it
Putty knives for patching drywall, and squeegees for removing water
White household vinegar, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide and any other cleaning fluids
A stepladder
Trash bags
Ensure that everyone involved in the cleaning has access to the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as rubber-soled shoes, which offer better traction. They should also have gloves, eye protection and dust masks.
Power tools such as high-powered vacuums and wet/dry vacs can help make the job easier.
Finishing products, such as carpet cleaner and floor polish, are necessary to wrap up the project and tie it off with a neat little bow.
Out With the Old
After a renovation, the first task that needs completion is removing all the remaining construction debris. Depending on the project, this could be anything from lumber and drywall to tile for bathroom or kitchen renovations. This isn’t usually a problem on large construction sites — all the contractor needs to do is use a dumpster and haul it away when done.
There isn’t the space for that sort of cleanout for small home renovation projects. That doesn’t mean contractors have to work without dumpsters — just that they need to think a little smaller. They should consider renting a mini dumpster. These are much easier to fit in small residential neighborhoods and hold substantial construction waste. They come in various sizes designed to suit several project applications.
Once the big mess is out of the way, the real work can begin.
Map Out Cleaning Tasks
No one wants to clean the same area twice. Before the final cleaning stages begin, make sure to map out each task to keep them from overlapping. There’s no point in scrubbing and polishing the floors if someone in the next room is still cleaning up drywall dust from every nook and cranny and tracking it everywhere.
Mapping out these tasks will also make it easier to delegate them, and as the saying goes, many hands make light work.
Rough Cleaning Stage
The actual process starts with a rough cleaning stage. That includes removing any significant messes, such as piles of drywall dust or stains left behind by paint, caulk or adhesive. This step should include:
Removing any stickers left on new glass or appliances installed during the renovation
Wiping down any glass in the area, such as windows, doors or partitions
Washing walls, door frames and baseboards
Sweeping and vacuuming the area
It sounds simple, but the task becomes more complex when the cleaning crew is contending with piles of fine drywall dust.
Deep Cleaning Stage
Once the rough cleaning is complete, it’s time to buckle down and work on the details. This includes focusing on areas that might otherwise be overlooked, such as baseboards, window and door frames, and cabinets. These places can capture dust and dirt that might get overlooked during a rough cleaning. Wash down the walls, and use a soft, damp cloth to remove dust from light fixtures, door handles and other detailed surfaces.
Once the dust has been removed, it’s time to wash the carpets or clean and polish the floors.
Enjoy a Job Well Done
Renovation projects are often long and involved, but that doesn’t mean the job is done once the last nail or screw is driven home. These tips should make cleanup a bit easier, regardless of who is responsible for doing it once the project wraps.
Author Bio: Emily Newton is the Editor-in-Chief of Revolutionized. She is a journalist who covers the innovations impacting the construction and industrial sectors.
cover image © pixabay
