Most renovation and construction contracts end at “broom clean.” Homeowners and tenants expect something closer to move-in ready. The gap between the two is a full day or more of work, and it’s the single most common surprise at handover. This post construction cleaning checklist explains what each standard cover, what a proper final clean includes room by room, and when to book it.
What Broom Clean Means
Broom clean usually means large debris removed, floors swept, tools and leftover materials cleared, and trash hauled off site. That’s what most contracts require, and most contractors deliver it. It does not include:
- Fine drywall dust on surfaces, ledges, vents and inside cabinets
- Adhesive, tape residue and manufacturer labels
- Grout haze on new tile
- Paint specks, caulk smears and joint compound
- Cleaning glass, fixtures or appliances
If your contract says broom clean and nothing more, budget for a separate final clean.
Final Clean Checklist
Throughout
- Dust removed top down: ceiling fans, light fixtures, crown molding, tops of doors and frames
- Vents and return grilles vacuumed and wiped
- Walls spot-cleaned for scuffs and fingerprints
- Switch plates and outlet covers wiped, paint specks removed
- Window glass, frames, sills and tracks cleaned, stickers removed
- Doors, door hardware and baseboards wiped
- Closet shelves, rods and floors cleaned
- Floors vacuumed and mopped or cleaned to suit the finish, not just swept
Kitchen
- Inside every cabinet and drawer, where drywall dust settles
- Countertops and backsplash, with grout haze and adhesive removed
- Appliances inside and out, protective film and labels removed
- Range hood and filter, sink and faucet
Bathrooms
- Grout haze and thin set film removed from new tile
- Shower glass cleaned of residue and labels
- Toilet, vanity, fixtures and mirrors cleaned and polished
- Exhaust fan cover dusted
Outdoors (if in scope)
- Balcony or lanai floor swept and washed
- Sliding door tracks vacuumed, which hold sand and construction grit
When to Book the Final Clean
- After every trade has left. One electrician or carpenter returning for a punch list item can undo a full clean.
- After the HVAC filter is changed and the system has run for a day. Renovation dust sits in the ductwork and blows out onto finished surfaces the first time the air handler runs.
- Before furniture is delivered. Cleaning around furniture means dust ends up behind and underneath it.
Larger projects and new builds are often cleaned in phases: a rough clean once drywall and paint are done, a final clean when the trades leave, and a touch-up before the walkthrough or closing.
Special Surfaces
Terrazzo and natural stone need neutral pH products, and acidic grout haze removers can etch them. Original wood floors in older South Florida homes need minimal moisture. Tell your cleaning company what’s in the house before they quote.
Condos and High-Rises
In a condo building, the association’s rules decide the schedule: a certificate of insurance naming the association, vendor registration, set working hours and a booked service elevator. Sort these out before the clean is booked. See what condo associations require from cleaning vendors.
What Gets Missed Most Often
- Dust on top of door frames, cabinets and the refrigerator
- Inside cabinet and drawer boxes, especially the corners
- Return air grilles, which keep pushing dust out until they’re cleaned
- Labels on the inside of shower glass and on window frames
- Grout haze that only shows once the floor dries in daylight
Post-Construction Cleaning: Common Questions
Who pays for the final clean, the owner or the contractor?
Whoever the contract says. If it only requires broom clean, the final clean is the owner’s cost. If you want it included, write “final clean, move-in ready” into the contract scope before work starts.
Can the final clean happen while trades are still working?
It can, but you’ll likely pay for a second clean. Book a rough clean while work continues if the dust is a problem, and the final clean once everyone has left.
Is a deep clean the same thing?
No. A deep clean doesn’t include adhesive and label removal, grout haze or dust inside vents and cabinets, which are most of the work after construction.
Booking a Final Clean
We quote every project flat after a site visit and schedule to your handover date. See post-construction cleaning in South Florida or the local pages for Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie and Stuart. Call 855-833-7665, or see all our cleaning guides.