How to price post-construction cleaning
Three phases builders often ask for
| Phase | When | Typical work |
|---|---|---|
| Rough clean | After major construction, before finishes | Debris and large dust removal, sweeping, emptying rooms |
| Final clean | After finishes are installed | Detailed dust removal everywhere, inside cabinets and drawers, fixtures, windows, floors |
| Touch-up | Right before handover or move-in | Last dust, fingerprints, floors, final walkthrough |
Price each phase separately, so everyone knows what's included.
Questions to ask before you quote
- Which phase, and is the site finished (no trades still working)?
- Square footage, number of rooms, bathrooms and windows; is window cleaning included?
- Is debris removal (hauling) included, or does the builder handle it?
- Are there hazards you should know about, and what protective equipment is needed on site?
- Water and power on? Where can you dispose of waste?
- Who signs off the job, and when is payment due?
Put the scope in writing
List rooms, phase, inclusions (inside cabinets, windows, fixtures) and exclusions (paint removal from finished surfaces, hauling, exterior work), plus how extra work is priced. Our estimate template has the sections you need. If you'll bring helpers, sort out employee vs contractor first: the IRS looks at behavioral control, financial control and the relationship.[1]
Other pricing guides: deep cleaning · move-out cleaning · commercial cleaning.
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Questions people ask
How do you price post-construction cleaning?
Agree the phase (rough, final or touch-up) and scope, estimate the hours from a walkthrough including multiple dust passes, then add self-employment tax on your pay, supplies, driving, overhead and a buffer.
What's included in a post-construction clean?
Usually dust and debris removal on every surface including inside cabinets and vents, removing stickers and labels, cleaning fixtures and windows, and several passes on floors. Hauling and paint removal are often excluded unless agreed.