How Much Does Post Construction Clean Up Cost?

Last Updated on September 26, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

After completing a construction or renovation project, carrying out a thorough post-construction clean-up is essential before the space is ready for use. But many homeowners and project managers are unsure what factors affect the clean-up costs and how to budget appropriately.

The cost depends on considerations like the size and type of property, the amount of debris, and what level of cleaning is needed. By researching average rates in your area and getting multiple quotes, you can make informed decisions when hiring cleaners.

This guide examines the factors affecting post-construction clean-up costs, typical pricing models like charging per square foot, what’s included in different levels of cleaning, and tips to reduce expenses.

How Much Does Post Construction Clean Up Cost?

Residential post construction clean-up generally cost from $300 to $2000, commercial spaces cost $1000 to $5000+, and heavy industrial projects warrant $5000 to $25,000+ for intensive clean-up by specialized crews. So post-construction clean-up costs can vary widely based on the size and type of property or facility involved.

On a national level, average clean-up costs fall between:

National Average Cost

• Small projects (under 1500 sq. ft.) – $300 to $800
• Medium projects (1500 – 3000 sq. ft.) – $800 to $2000
• Large projects (3000+ sq. ft.) – $2000+

In major metro areas like New York City or San Francisco, rates can be 50-100% higher than the national averages.

Regional Variations

Location has a major impact. In expensive urban centers expect to pay:

• Small clean-up – $500 to $1200
• Medium clean-up – $1200 to $4000
• Large clean-up – $4000+

In rural areas, costs may be 10-25% lower than national averages.

Comparison Between Property Types

Property type also causes cost fluctuations:

• Residential clean-up – $300 to $2000
• Commercial clean-up- $1000 to $5000+
• Industrial clean-up – $5000 to $25,000+

Commercial and industrial projects involve greater complexity and scale compared to residential spaces.

According to HomeAdvisor, post-construction cleaning costs typically range from $273 to $708, with an average cost around $477 for residential services. The pricing structure often works out to about $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot for cleaning, which means a standard 2,500-square-foot home could cost between $250 and $1,250 to clean.

In addition, Cleaner Match reports that rough cleaning can cost between $0.10 and $0.15 per square foot, while final cleaning is generally priced at $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot. Touch-up cleaning services may range from $0.06 to $0.12 per square foot, depending on the specific tasks involved.

The pricing guide on Mom Cleaning indicates that hourly rates for post-construction cleaning typically fall between $30 and $50 per employee. For example, hiring three cleaners for a five-hour job could cost around $750.

According to Angi, the average cost for post-construction cleanup is around $478, with some homeowners paying as little as $140 and others spending up to $1,300 depending on the project’s specifics. They suggest that costs can be influenced by the size of the job and whether additional services like window cleaning or debris removal are required.

Lastly, NAE Cleaning Solutions provides a comprehensive overview stating that homeowners might spend between $500 and $800 for a thorough residential cleanup, including window cleaning both inside and out. They also note that commercial post-construction cleaning rates can be significantly higher due to the larger scale of operations.

Factors That Impact Clean-Up Costs

Many variables influence the overall price charged by companies performing clean-up of newly constructed or renovated properties. The major factors affecting cost include:

Size of the Property

The total square footage is one of the biggest determinants of price. Larger areas logically require more time and labor to clean thoroughly. Industrial warehouses over 50,000 square feet can cost thousands for post-construction cleaning, while a small home remodel may only be a few hundred dollars.

Expect to pay $0.10 to $0.30 per square foot on average for residential properties. Commercial spaces often run $0.20 to $0.50 depending on finishes. And big industrial projects can exceed $0.40 per square foot.

Type of Cleaning Required

The level of detail needed determines costs. A basic construction site cleaning or rough clean to remove large debris averages $0.15 per square foot.

Final cleanings with extensive detail work like dusting, scrubbing, polishing, and disinfecting range from $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot for most residential and commercial projects.

Multi-day deep cleaning for industrial sites or biohazard/crime scene clean-up can cost up to $100 per hour depending on risks.

You might also like our articles about the cost of pumping out a septic tank, hauling dirt, or removing concrete.

Amount of Debris and Dust

Excessive debris and thick layers of construction dust take more time and effort to remove. Load fees for waste disposal can also add costs if large dumpsters are required.

For projects generating minimal debris, basic clean-up may start around $300. But if hauling away tons of demolition waste, expect extra charges closer to $2,000 or more.

Location of the Property

Like most services, location impacts post-construction cleaning rates. In major metropolitan areas where labor costs are higher, rates exceed suburban or rural prices for the same work.

Nationally, prices range from $400 to $900 for basic residential clean-up. But a New York City high-rise apartment may pay $1300+ compared to $500 for a Cleveland suburban home.

Labor Costs and Crew Size

The size of the cleaning team and their hourly wages directly influence project prices. More people on-site speed the process but adds payroll hours. Specialized skills like biohazard expertise increases rates too.

Most professional cleaners charge $25 to $40 per hour per person for standard services. Expect higher rates in urban areas nearing $50+ per hour for each worker.

Cleaning Supplies and Equipment

Industrial vacuums, commercial cleaning solutions, and other costly gear needed for large construction clean-up requires companies to charge more to cover these overhead expenses.

Expect added fees around $50 to $150 per day for equipment rental costs if intensive scrubbing or hazards are present. This covers wear and tear on gear.

Specialty Services

Extra services like power washing building exteriors, carpet cleaning, and abatement of dangerous materials involve specialty gear and skills that add costs.

A basic surface-level construction site cleaning may only be $500. But if lead or asbestos abatement is needed, strict protocols cause rates to exceed $1500.

Post-Construction Cleaning Services

The needs of residential, commercial, and industrial properties vary greatly when it comes to clean-up requirements. The right cleaning method depends on your unique project.

Residential Post-Construction Cleaning

For newly constructed homes or renovated living spaces, general contractors normally include basic surface cleaning in their project fees. But for a deeper post-construction clean, expect to invest:

• Minor remodels – $300 to $500
• Major remodels – $500 to $900
• New home construction – $800 to $2000

This covers detailed dust removal, floor scrubbing, window/door track vacuuming, and thorough site cleansing.

Commercial Cleaning

Larger commercial projects like office renovations, restaurants, hotels, and retail stores involve more extensive cleaning needs. Typical costs are:

• Small commercial spaces – $1000 to $3000
• Medium commercial spaces – $3000 to $5000
• Large commercial spaces – $5000+

Pressure washing, parking garage sweeping, HVAC sanitizing, and plumbing disinfecting may be required in commercial settings.

Industrial Post-Construction Cleaning

For large factories, distribution centers, power plants, and similar industrial sites, heavy-duty equipment and hazmat training are often needed for cleaning crews. Common price ranges are:

• Light industrial clean-up – $5000+
• Heavy industrial clean-up – $15,000+
• Biohazard/Hazmat clean-up – $25,000+

Strict protocols also add expenses when working in active industrial facilities.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning

For environmentally conscious clients, green cleaning uses non-toxic methods and biodegradable products. Prices are comparable or moderately higher than standard cleaning:

• Green residential clean-up – $500 to $1000
• Green commercial clean-up – $1500 to $4000
• Green industrial clean-up – $5000+

While sometimes costing 10-15% more, green post-construction cleaning reduces environmental impact.

Cost Breakdown

Two common pricing models include charging per square foot or hourly rates. But a customized flat fee may also be an option. Here is a closer look at each:

Cost Per Square Foot

The per square foot pricing model offers transparency upfront. Typical rates range:

• Basic cleaning – $0.10 to $0.20 per sq. ft.
• Standard cleaning – $0.20 to $0.40 per sq. ft.
• Deep cleaning – $0.40+ per sq. ft.

The higher the desired level of detail, the more you can expect to pay per square foot. High-end finishes also increase rates.

Hourly Rates for Cleaning Services

Some companies charge hourly with rates between:

• General cleaners – $25 to $35 per hour
• Specialized cleaners – $35 to $50 per hour
• Hazmat technicians – $50+ per hour

More complex projects require senior-level experts charging higher hourly rates. Travel time and mileage may have additional fees.

Flat Fee vs. Hourly Rates

A flat fee provides a single all-inclusive price but it’s essential to define what is covered to avoid surprise add-ons. Hourly billing offers transparency into labor costs but can exceed estimates if complications arise.

For small, straightforward jobs, a flat fee reduces administrative costs for providers. But larger endeavors benefit from hourly billing to adjust for unexpected issues during clean-up.

Additional Costs to Consider

Be aware of other potential charges beyond the base cleaning price:

• Waste disposal fees
• Parking permits/site access fees
• Equipment rental costs
• Biohazard removal
• Permit and inspection fees

Clarify what extras may apply to avoid under-budgeting. Consider a 10-15% cushion for incidentals.

How to Get an Accurate Estimate

Follow these best practices for an accurate quote:

Site Inspection and Assessment – A reputable company will provide estimates only after thoroughly walking the site firsthand to understand the full scope and challenges. Photographs help technicians tailor the quote.

Provide blueprints and plans to allow the most precise quote possible. Attempt to define all problem areas upfront.

Request Multiple Quotes – Do not rely on a single estimate. Gather 3 to 5 quotes based on the same cleaning criteria to compare rates fairly and accurately. Beware unusually lowball bids that seem too good to be true.

Ask each company detailed questions to understand variances in pricing and recommended methods.

Reduce Cleaning Costs

Smart strategies can help lower clean-up costs:

DIY Cleaning vs. Hiring Professionals

Attempting DIY clean-up seems budget-friendly but consider the value of experts with industrial equipment versus amateur efforts. Weigh risks like injury liability.

That said, asking subcontractors to each sweep up daily saves you disposal costs. Discuss reasonable DIY tasks with cleaners.

Negotiate Rates and Packages

Companies may offer bundled packages or lower rates to secure large construction site contracts, especially during their slow season.

See if additional future cleaning jobs can serve as a bargaining chip. Offering more work often equates to discounts.

Hiring a Post-Construction Cleaning Company

Follow these tips when selecting cleaners:

Research Company Reputation

Verify licenses, permits, insurance coverage and bonding. Check reviews and safety ratings. Ask for past client references to contact.

Choose only experienced commercial cleaners for larger construction projects, not residential maid services.

Final Words

The condition of the new space once construction crews leave the site depends greatly on the quality of post-project clean-up. Understanding typical costs in your region helps set realistic budgets to hire specialty professional cleaners. With attention to square footage, cleaning levels needed, debris amounts, and specialty tasks required, you can plan appropriately and keep your project on budget.

Answers to Common Questions

How much does post construction cleaning cost Toronto?

In the Toronto area, post-construction cleaning costs approximately CAD $0.20 to $0.50 per square foot. The average 2,000 sq. ft. Toronto home costs CAD $400 to $1000 while a commercial building starts around CAD $2000 and can exceed CAD $5000. High-end condos may pay over CAD $100 per hour.

What does post clean up mean?

Post clean up refers to detailed cleaning services performed after finishing construction and renovation projects in order to remove all debris, dust, chemicals, and waste. Thorough cleaning prepares the space for occupancy by having surfaces cleaned, floors scrubbed, windows polished, and HVAC systems sanitized.

When should I clean my post renovation?
Ideally, post-renovation cleaning should occur in the final week after all trades have completed work but before insulation, drywall, paint, and other finishes are complete. Scheduling cleaners too early risks damage to finishes but waiting until the end allows dust and debris to accumulate, making cleaning more difficult and expensive.