Post-Construction Cleaning Costs: What to Budget in 2026
Post-construction cleaning costs $200–$1,032 for most homes depending on size and scope, with a typical 1,500–2,000 sq ft home running $344–$605. Learn what's included and how scope affects your price.
Post-Construction Cleaning Cost Overview
Post-construction cleaning (also called "construction cleanup" or "final clean") is specialized work — it's not just vacuuming. Construction debris, drywall dust, paint overspray, adhesive residue, and protective film removal require different skills and equipment than regular cleaning.
Pricing scales with two things: the size of the space and the scope of work — a light touch-up after painting costs meaningfully less than cleanup after a full gut renovation or new build, even at the same square footage.
| Home Size | Light Touch-Up | Moderate Renovation | Full/New Construction |
|---|
| Under 1,000 sq ft | $200–$270 | $212–$319 | $225–$351 |
| 1,000–1,500 sq ft | $266–$357 | $287–$421 | $306–$464 |
| 1,500–2,000 sq ft (most common) | $344–$465 | $372–$549 | $396–$605 |
| 2,000–2,500 sq ft | $425–$576 | $459–$680 | $489–$749 |
| 2,500–3,000 sq ft | $497–$663 | $537–$782 | $572–$862 |
| Over 3,000 sq ft | $593–$794 | $640–$937 | $682–$1,032 |
For the most common home size (1,500–2,000 sq ft), expect
$344–$465 for a light touch-up and
$396–$605 for a full new-construction or gut-renovation cleanup — with a moderate, multi-room renovation landing in between.
Light, Moderate, or Full — Which Scope Do You Need?
- Light touch-up — painting, flooring, or one or two rooms updated. The least dust and debris.
- Moderate renovation — a multi-room project, like a kitchen and bathroom remodel together. Runs about 8–18% more than a light touch-up.
- Full / new construction — a whole-home build or gut renovation. Runs about 15–30% more than a light touch-up, since dust and debris have settled into every room, not just one or two.
What's Included in a Post-Construction Clean
A full post-construction clean covers:
- Remove protective film from windows, appliances, and fixtures
- Clean all windows inside and out
- Remove paint overspray and construction film/stickers from hardware and glass
- Detail clean all cabinets, drawers, and shelving
- Clean all light fixtures
- Scrub all flooring (vacuum, mop, or both depending on material)
- Wipe down all surfaces including walls, baseboards, and door frames
- Clean all bathrooms and kitchen to move-in standard
Window cleaning, debris haul-away, and HVAC vent/duct dust removal are usually priced as add-ons rather than included by default — ask upfront if you need them, since these three items account for most of the variation between quotes at the same home size.
What Sets Good Post-Construction Cleaners Apart
Not all cleaning companies handle construction work. You want a company that:
- Has experience with post-construction specifically (the skills are different from residential cleaning)
- Has commercial-grade vacuums with HEPA filtration (drywall dust is extremely fine and will clog standard vacuums)
- Uses the right products for paint and adhesive removal without damaging surfaces
- Can handle large square footage quickly (multi-person crews)
Drywall Dust: The Hidden Problem
Drywall dust is the most persistent issue in new construction. It's so fine it floats in the air for hours and settles on every surface — including inside HVAC ducts. After a new construction or major renovation, strongly consider:
- Having HVAC ducts cleaned before running the system
- Replacing HVAC filters after construction cleanup
- Running the system on "fan only" with fresh filters to pull out remaining airborne dust
Get a post-construction cleaning quote →