Post-Construction Cleaning Checklist: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
A detailed, professional-grade cleaning checklist to prepare any newly renovated or newly built space for safe, clean, move-in-ready living.

Construction and renovation projects transform a space – but they also leave behind dust, debris, residue, adhesives, and construction waste that require a specialized form of cleaning, not a regular deep clean.
Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, property manager, or tenant preparing to move back into a recently renovated space, this step-by-step post-construction cleaning checklist will show exactly what needs to happen to make the property safe, dust-free, and inspection-ready.
This checklist is based on the professional standards used by AGA CLEANS for homes and commercial spaces in Orlando, Davenport, Kissimmee, Celebration, and surrounding areas.
Why Post-Construction Cleaning Requires a Checklist
Post-construction cleaning is complex because:
Dust settles repeatedly over days
Fine particles cling to surfaces
New materials require gentle cleaning
Adhesives and residue require special products
Construction areas affect untouched rooms
A full reset is needed before furniture arrives
Without a structured checklist, major tasks can easily be missed – especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and ventilation areas.
Post-Construction Cleaning Checklist (Complete Guide)
Follow this checklist from start to finish for professional-quality results.
Phase 1: Initial Clean (Rough Cleaning)
This phase removes major debris and the heaviest construction dust.
Remove all large debris
Scrap wood
Packaging
Plastic coverings
Nails, screws, staples
Tape and protective materials
Cardboard and foam
Vacuum loose dust
Floors
Walls
Window sills
Corners
Crevices
Floor edges
Dry dust all surfaces
Doors
Door frames
Baseboards
Shelving
Trim
Railings
Window frames
Remove protective coverings
Window films
Appliance coverings
Counter coverings
Light fixture plastic
Sweep or vacuum heavy debris
Under cabinets
In closets
Under appliances (if accessible)
Goal: Clear out the space so fine cleaning can begin safely.
Phase 2: Detailed Dust Removal (Fine Cleaning)
This is the most labor-intensive stage. Construction dust is extremely fine and requires multiple passes.
Dusting (First Round)
High dusting (ceilings, beams, light fixtures)
Window frames
Door frames
Trim and moldings
Ceiling fans
Vent covers
Cabinets (interior and exterior)
Drawers (interior and exterior)
Clean walls
Dust full wall surfaces
Spot wipe smudges and marks
Remove drywall residue
Dusting (Second Round)
Repeat dusting after dust resettles
Use microfiber cloths to remove fine particles
Clean window tracks thoroughly
Clean interior windows
Remove smudges
Remove construction dust
Clean edges and corners
Clean light fixtures
Wipe bulbs and glass covers
Remove fingerprints
Clean housing and hardware
Goal: Remove all fine dust before sanitizing surfaces.
Phase 3: Kitchen Post-Construction Cleaning
Kitchens require detailed cleaning due to cabinetry, new fixtures, and appliance installation.
Cabinets and Drawers
Clean inside all cabinets and drawers
Remove sawdust and installation debris
Clean top of cabinets
Wipe down cabinet faces
Countertops and Backsplash
Remove dust
Remove grout haze
Remove adhesive or silicone residue
Clean backsplash tiles
Sanitize counters
Appliances
Clean exterior of all appliances
Remove stickers and residue
Clean inside microwave
Clean refrigerator shelves
Wipe down stove area
Clean range hood
Sink and Fixtures
Remove construction residue
Clean faucets
Polish metal surfaces
Remove hard water and glue residue
Floors
Vacuum edges and corners
Mop with residue remover
Remove grout or tile dust
Goal: Make the kitchen sanitary, residue-free, and ready for food preparation.
Phase 4: Bathroom Post-Construction Cleaning
Bathrooms accumulate grout haze, tile residue, and construction dust.
Shower and Tub
Clean tile
Remove grout haze
Remove caulk remnants
Clean shower doors and frames
Polish fixtures
Clean shower head
Vanity
Clean inside vanity cabinets
Clean vanity drawers
Wipe countertop
Polish faucet
Clean sink
Toilet
Clean and sanitize exterior
Clean hinges
Clean inside bowl
Remove dust behind toilet
Mirrors and Glass
Clean mirrors fully
Remove adhesive marks
Clean edges
Floors
Vacuum debris
Mop thoroughly
Clean floor edges and behind doors
Goal: Restore the bathroom to a fully sanitized, polished, hotel-clean level.
Phase 5: Bedrooms, Living Areas, and Common Spaces
Cleaning tasks
Dust ceiling fans
Dust vents
Dust window sills and frames
Vacuum window tracks
Clean interior windows
Clean sliding door tracks
Clean all baseboards
Clean doors and frames
Spot-clean walls
Dust shelving
Clean closets
Vacuum and mop floors
This phase focuses on creating a finished, livable environment.
Phase 6: Floor Cleaning and Final Touches
Floors
HEPA vacuum all flooring
Mop tile and vinyl floors
Clean grout residue from tile
Microfiber clean hardwood floors
Spot-clean stubborn stains
Detail clean floor edges
Final Detailing
Remove fingerprints from surfaces
Clean hardware and handles
Wipe down mirrors
Check for remaining dust
Ensure no residue remains
Final polish of fixtures
Goal: The space should now be clean, polished, dust-free, and ready for use.
What’s Not Included in Standard Post-Construction Cleaning (Unless added)
These require additional equipment or specialists:
Carpet shampoo
HVAC vent cleaning
Paint removal
Heavy adhesive removal
Exterior windows
Pressure washing
Furniture cleaning
Junk removal
Post-construction haul-away
Mold remediation
Deep grout restoration
These can be provided as add-ons depending on your needs.
How Long Does Post-Construction Cleaning Take?
Time varies based on size and severity of dust:
Small apartment: 3–5 hours
Medium home: 5–8 hours
Large home: 6–12 hours
New construction (full home): Full day or more
Heavy construction dust requires more rounds of dusting.
How Much Does Post-Construction Cleaning Cost?
Average prices in Orlando:
Residential
Small units: $250–$450
Medium homes: $350–$650
Large homes: $600–$1,200+
Commercial
$0.20–$0.50 per sq. ft. depending on condition and dust levels
Pricing increases if the home has:
Heavy grout haze
Dust-covered cabinets
Debris in vents
Sticker residue
Large construction waste
Tall ceilings
Large glass areas
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rounds of dusting are needed?
At least two. Fine dust settles repeatedly.
Do you remove grout haze?
Light haze is included. Heavy haze requires a grout restoration add-on.
Is the home safe to move into immediately after cleaning?
Yes. That is the purpose of post-construction cleaning.
Can I book a partial post-construction cleaning?
Yes. Kitchens, bathrooms, or single rooms can be cleaned individually.
Book Post-Construction Cleaning in Orlando
AGA CLEANS specializes in turning construction sites into clean, safe, move-in-ready homes and commercial spaces.
We provide:
Post-construction cleaning
Renovation cleaning
Final-phase cleaning
Move-in and move-out cleaning
Deep cleaning
Residential and commercial cleanup
Serving Orlando, Davenport, Kissimmee, Celebration, Winter Garden, Champions Gate, and surrounding communities.
Get your newly renovated space cleaned right.
Request a Quote | Call (407) 305-4451

