A Comprehensive Guide to Post-Construction Cleaning Checklists

When a construction project is complete, the final step is a thorough inspection of the job site to ensure everything is clean, organized, safe, and put away. This final walkthrough usually involves a construction punch list and ensures that all loose ends are tied up, damages are addressed, and the property is up to standard. One way to ensure all of these are done is by creating and utilizing a custom post-construction cleaning checklist.

What is A Post-Construction Cleaning Checklist?

A post-construction cleaning checklist is a detailed document that breaks down the different areas of a worksite into specific categories for cleaning. It helps workers walk through each space and identify any cleanup tasks that need to be done before the project can be considered complete.

What To Include in Your Checklist

Your post-construction cleaning checklist should walk cover each area of the building. It should serve as a guide to help workers inspect all aspects of the building—from floors, windows, and ceilings to external features and the removal of trash and debris. Here’s what to include:

Entrances & Exits

All doors that lead into the building should be inspected and cleaned. These areas are the first things the new owner will notice when they arrive on the property.

• Dust exterior lights
• Make sure all lights are working
• Wipe down windows
• Clean doors, door frames, and doorknobs
• Sweep entrance ways

Living/Common Areas

The living rooms and common areas should be clear, clean, well-lit, and free of debris. All evidence that you were there working should be removed.

• Floors are swept and vacuumed/mopped
• All lights are working and free of dust
• Doorknobs and light switches are clean
• Windows, window sills, and window tracks are cleaned and dusted
• No evidence of paint drops on the floors or scuff marks on the walls
• Trash removed
• Doors and doorframes cleaned

Kitchens

Kitchens can be complicated spaces, filled with crevices and spaces that often get overlooked. Part of completing a construction project is making sure the kitchen area is clean, and everything is in working order.

• Dust all shelves and countertops 
• Clean inside appliances
• Clean inside cabinets and drawers
• Make sure all cabinet hardware is clean and secure
• Sweep and vacuum/mop floors
• Clean windows, window sills, and window tracks
• Remove trash
• Clean sink and backsplash
• Wipe down all fixtures and finishes

Bathrooms

Although they’re usually one of the smallest rooms in a home, bathrooms must be clean and in working order by the end of a construction project.

• Sink, tub, and shower are clean and sanitized
• Toilet is sanitized
• Mirrors, cabinets, and counters are wiped down
• Floors are swept and vacuumed/mopped
• Inside cabinets and drawers are cleaned
• Windows, baseboards, light fixtures, doorknobs, and doorframes are cleaned
• Trash is removed

Bedrooms

Removing trash, dusting light fixtures, and ensuring the floor, walls, and windows are clean is vital in a clean and complete bedroom area. Some other things to look out for when inspecting a bedroom area include:

• Cleaning inside closets
• Dusting light fixtures and ceiling fans
• Wiping down baseboards
• Dusting built-in shelving units
• Dusting grates and vents
• Removing paint from hinges

Outdoor Spaces/ Landscaping

The final step of your post-construction cleaning checklist should include a careful analysis of the exterior of the property. This means checking to make sure all packaging, tape, plastic, and other signs of construction are taken away from the property and disposed of properly.

• Remove all trash from the premises
• Sweep/power wash the walkways
• Sweep all porches, decks, and patios
• Clean garage door and mailbox

Manage Your New Construction Projects with GoCanvas Checklists

At GoCanvas, we provide construction teams with the tools they need to do any job efficiently. Learn about our different checklists templates and work with us to custom-design one that works best for your business. Contact us today to learn more.