So here you are, the construction contractors have moved out, and it’s time to clean. Dust, dirt, chunks of drywall and dirty window seals mount a mighty offensive against your team of cleaners. What can help you take down this task in a safe, professional and efficient way? Here are three tips for post construction cleaning services to help make your project a success!
1. Safety First
Post construction cleanings are different from other types of cleaning in many ways. One of the biggest differences is they can have hazards not found at a typical client site. For example, power tools, carts, ladders, and lifts may be found on site. You may even have active construction nearby. It’s not hard to imagine how some of these can become a hazard to an unsuspecting cleaner. Thus, just like the construction project, the cleaning job must be completed in a safe manner.
It’s vital to become acquainted with the site before you bring in the entire cleaning crew. Inform your cleaning team about objects and equipment that may have been left behind. Instruct how to deal with them. Feel free to talk to any other contractors you may run into on-site. Chances are they can tell you about specifics you need to look out for.
Also, ensure you comply with the personal protection gear requirements of the construction site. Protective eyewear, hard hats, foot protection and the like may be required. In addition, ensure that your cleaning team wears appropriate company labeled uniforms. This can greatly benefit nighttime security and rapid identification.
Finally, your company must have a written safety manual in place. In addition, train your employees to it. The safety manual should offer direct guidance on construction sites, construction cleaning, and how to remain safe at all times.
2. Supplies and Equipment
Do you have standard vacuums you use at typical office cleaning settings? Well, don’t bring them here! Post construction cleanings can be taxing on equipment. If you bring your office vacuum to a construction cleaning site, it may become hundreds of dollars worth of broken parts and plastic. It’s important to invest in industrial-grade equipment. Large and powerful shop vacs handle chunks of drywall and obnoxious amounts of dust much better than standard equipment. Furthermore, utilize an auto-scrub machine for large floor areas. It can greatly increase productivity.
You also will want to ensure the project has an abundance of well-planned cleaning supplies. Everything from rags to your choice of cleaning agents should be well stocked. Don’t underestimate how quickly a post construction site can deplete cleaning supplies. Having to travel back and forth to supply vendors can be costly and frustrating to cleaning staff that is poised to deliver.
Finally, ensure you maintain a strick inventory of your supplies and equipment. Construction sites are notorious for other onsite contractors to borrow neighbor supplies and not return them. This can quickly turn into reduced margins, lost productivity, and reduced quality of construction cleaning service delivery. Having an approved area in the building where your supplies and equipment can be staged and locked is highly recommended.
3. Use a Phased Approach
In our tips for post construction cleaning discussion – let’s dig into the details of a phased approach. When it comes to phased approach cleaning – what does this really mean? A phased approach is a method of cleaning that takes larger tasks and breaks them down into smaller manageable chunks. Furthermore, no matter how well you clean during the first phases at a construction site, dust will settle, and this dust must be removed for the space to be business-ready. Thus, the only option is to allow time to pass to allow this dust to settle and then be cleaned between phases.
