Why This Isn't a Regular Cleaning Checklist
Drywall dust gets into places a regular cleaning checklist never accounts for — inside cabinets that were closed during work, on top of door frames, inside light fixtures, settled into carpet fibers. A post-construction clean needs its own checklist, room by room, built around where construction dust and residue actually end up.
Whole-House, First Pass
- Remove all protective film from windows, counters, and fixtures
- Remove painter's tape and any stickers/labels left on fixtures or appliances
- Dust all surfaces top to bottom — ceiling fans, light fixtures, crown molding, before working down to counters and floors
- Wipe down all walls, baseboards, and door frames
Kitchen
- Detail clean inside and outside every cabinet and drawer (construction dust settles inside even closed cabinets)
- Wipe down all appliances, inside and out
- Clean countertops and backsplash, checking for paint overspray or adhesive residue
- Clean sink and fixtures
- Sweep/vacuum then mop flooring
Bathrooms
- Remove any protective film from tub, shower, and fixtures
- Scrub tile, grout, tub, and shower to remove construction dust and residue
- Clean toilet, sink, and all fixtures
- Wipe down mirrors and glass
- Mop flooring
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Dust all surfaces, including inside closets
- Vacuum carpet thoroughly (construction dust settles deep into fibers — a single vacuum pass often isn't enough)
- Clean hard flooring (sweep/vacuum, then mop)
- Clean windows inside, removing any construction dust or film residue
- Wipe down all light switches, outlets, and door handles
Windows and Glass
- Remove protective film and any adhesive residue
- Clean paint overspray from glass — this often requires a razor blade technique, not just glass cleaner
- Clean window tracks and sills, where dust and debris collect heavily
HVAC and Vents
- Wipe down all visible vent covers and returns
- Note: a full HVAC duct cleaning is usually a separate service (not included in standard post-construction cleanup) — strongly recommended after any drywall work before running the system
Final Walkthrough
- Check every room for remaining dust on high surfaces (tops of door frames, ceiling fan blades, shelving)
- Check inside all cabinets and closets, not just visible surfaces
- Confirm no leftover stickers, tape, or protective film anywhere
- Check corners and under any fixed furniture for swept-but-not-removed debris
What's an Add-On, Not Standard
Three things commonly get treated as separate add-ons rather than included by default — confirm these with your cleaner upfront:
- Window cleaning (paint overspray/construction film removal): $60–$90
- Debris haul-away (leftover materials, not dust/residue): $120–$200
- HVAC vent/duct dust removal: $45–$70
Get a free post-construction cleaning estimate for your exact home size and renovation scope.