My Mop - Renovated Services

Construction and renovations are messy. Projects often include both demolition and installation, leave behind unused scraps and materials, and present a much different end result than what you might have envisioned. There's a vital step between the end of a renovation and the handing over of the key: a post-construction cleaning.

As you prepare for a major renovation, you will be focused on finding a great general contractor. Other items on the list include selecting materials and figuring out costs. With this long to-do list, it’s easy to overlook plans for site prep and protection. My Mop breaks down how it can have a big effect on your home during and after the renovation. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure deposits—for free.

Unless you explicitly build it into your contract, extensive cleaning is typically not part of your contractor’s job. The industry standard is “broom-swept,” which usually involves vacuuming up larger bits of debris and then running a broom across the floor. Anything beyond this (including cleaning up common spaces such as hallways and elevators) will need to be specifically arranged, and will most likely incur additional costs that you’ll bear as the homeowner.

Post-Renovated cleaning isn't just a matter of dust, either. It requires knowing how to properly dispose of hazardous materials, how to clean and polish brand-new flooring and walls, and addressing safety issues like loose wires or leaks. Think of post-construction cleaning like proofreading a book: it might be the final step, but it's crucial for ensuring the final product is exactly what it should be.

Whether you moved out or stayed put in your home during the renovation process, you’ll need to arrange for a deep post-construction clean up once that last drawer pull is attached and the final coat of paint applied. Homeowners can undertake the deep clean themselves or outsource it to one of the many companies that focus on this service.

If you’re deciding whether to clean up after a renovation yourself or to outsource it, ask yourself these questions:

• - Do you have the energy and time?

• - How long will it take you?

• - Do you have any money left in the renovation budget you could put toward the clean? (Or better yet, build it in now if you haven’t started).

Different circumstances will determine who does the job, but a thorough clean is crucial. All kinds of particles are released into the air during renovations, including various toxins, mold spores, silicates, and ultrafine dust that can damage your lungs. Freshly applied paints, lacquers, and primers also give off fumes. The hefty price tag for a proper clean may well be worth it.