How Much Does Post-Construction Cleaning Cost in 2024?

Post-Construction Cleanup Cost Factors

Many factors contribute to the final cost of any post-construction cleanup job, including:

• Size of the home or project: Larger projects command a higher overall price, but usually at a lower per-square-foot rate.

• Supplies and equipment needed: If you’re tackling cleanup yourself, you’ll need to supply all the cleaning tools and equipment for dumping. Otherwise, pros provide the necessary equipment as part of their price. For example, renting a dumpster costs $380 on average.

• Overall condition and accessibility of the property: Expect a hard-to-access 10th-floor apartment cleanup to cost more than an easily accessed home.

• Local competition: If you live in a competitive area with several construction cleanup contractors available, you’re likely to pay closer to the low end.

Post-Construction Cleaning Prices

Post-construction cleaning prices for a new residential home cost anywhere from $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot. This specialized deep cleaning comes after the general contractor has removed debris and done a general cleaning during the construction phase.

Cleaning out the remaining dust and dirt in cracks, on surfaces, and on windows is the final step before moving into your remodel or addition. New construction requires this cleaning too, but also follows several other cleaning steps discussed below.

Cost per Service Type

Post-Construction Cleaning Price per Square Foot

Post-construction cleanup costs $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot. At those rates, the average 2,500-square-foot house costs $250 to $1,250. Services such as window cleaning, debris removal, or landscaping may have additional costs on top of the base rate.

Post-Construction Cleaning Price per Hour

Construction cleaning rates average $30 to $50 per hour for one worker. For the typical cleanup job, anticipate about one hour for every 100 to 200 square feet. At the $30 hourly rate for a 2,500-square-foot house, construction cleanup pricing can range from $375 to $750. If your cleanup crew charges $50 an hour for the same house size, costs increase to $625 to $1,250.

Post-Construction Window Cleaning Prices

Cleaning windows—interior and exterior—costs anywhere from $4 to $11 per windowpane, with the average dual-pane window costing between $10 to $15 to clean. This add-on service has wide price ranges because of both window size and accessibility. Expect to pay extra for any exterior work done above the first floor that requires greater effort to access.

New Construction Cleaning Prices

New construction cleaning prices run anywhere from $0.10 to $1.50 per square foot. You'll need to know about this phased work if you’re acting as your own general contractor. Otherwise, your general contractor completes most of the work during the project, usually subcontracting out the work to specialized cleaning companies. The price of this cleaning rolls into the price of the home, so most homeowners won’t need to worry about cleanup on new construction.

Rough Interior Construction Cleanup Costs

Rough interior cleaning costs $0.10 to $0.30 per square foot. This type of construction site cleaning job typically happens before adding the final element and usually includes:

• Sweeping and prepping floor underlayment for carpet, tile, etc.

• Washing interior windows

• Dusting surfaces

• Removing debris

Interior Construction Final Cleaning Cost

A final interior scrubbing costs anywhere from $0.15 to $0.50 per square foot. A final interior cleanup always includes a few key tasks, including:

• Walls, including removing dust, dirt, scuff marks, and smudges

• Ceilings, light fixtures, and fans

• All trim, including all baseboards and door and window frames

• Faces, sides, and tops of doors

• Floors, including buffing/waxing hardwood or vacuuming carpet

• Ducts, vents, and baseboard heating exchanges

• Windows, including tracks and frames

• Removing trash, plastic coverings, and stickers

Touch-Up Cleaning Costs

The cost of touch-up cleaning post-construction averages about $0.20 per square foot but can range from $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot. A touch-up isn’t always necessary, but companies often recommend this service as one last sweep through the home before you move back in. The cost of a touch-up clean is generally reflected in the depth of cleaning required.

A thorough touch-up cleaning may include:

• Floors

• Vents

• Window sills

• Countertops

• Paint touch-ups

• Recaulking

Exterior Construction Cleanup Pricing

Exterior cleaning and junk removal costs range from $200 to $1,000. Your general contractor typically covers some of these tasks but may not offer comprehensive cleanup. If other tasks fall to you, hire a local junk and waste removal service for large debris and a local cleaning service for smaller jobs.

This project stage includes:

• Removing trash from the property, including lumber and debris

• Washing exterior windows and doors

• Sweeping and dusting any entry doorways

• Sweeping and/or power washing the driveway

• Power washing siding, fencing, patios, decks, and other structures

• Roof cleaning

Ongoing Costs

Many homeowners opt for ongoing services to keep their homes pristine. You might also find that a housekeeping company does move-in cleaning, which might cover post-construction work. 

Some services to consider include:

• House cleaning services cost $50–$90 per hour

• Deep cleaning a house costs $200–$400

• Commercial cleaning rates run $150–$300

• Hiring a maid costs $125–$250 per visit

Construction Cleanup Pricing Near You

Where you live can also impact overall construction cleanup pricing. The table below compares construction cleaning rates in various cities in the U.S.

Steps to Cleaning a Construction Site

When you’re working with a local construction cleanup company, these are the common steps for post-construction site cleanup:

1. Remove debris: Before cleaning, contractors remove debris accumulated during construction. Depending on the size of the project, removal might require renting a dumpster.

2. Remove spots, stains, and stickers: Paint, caulk, grout, or other construction materials can leave stains behind during construction. Contractors can scrub away residue, including stickers and adhesive on appliances and windows.

3. Deep clean: This can be a time-consuming step. Depending on the scope of the construction, it may involve wiping down cabinets, countertops, windows, doors, and baseboards as well as deep cleaning other areas.

4. Clean the floors: Cleaning floors, which involves vacuuming, mopping, carpet shampooing, and other tasks, is typically saved for a final step since they’re likely to get dirty again otherwise. Dust will continue to fly throughout the home and settle on the floor and shoes track in dirt during surfaces and wall cleaning, necessitating another thorough floor cleaning. 

5. Do a final touch-up cleaning: A final pass of the post-construction site ensures no messes have been left behind before move-in.

Budgeting for Post-Construction Cleaning

There are several ways to reduce the overall expense of post-construction cleaning. Try these budgeting strategies:

• Establish a clear budget: Setting a clear budget helps prevent overextending and keeps you on track.

• Prioritize essentials: Focus on the jobs with bigger logistics, equipment, and accessibility challenges, such as cleaning the roof or washing exterior windows.

• Compare quotes: Obtain quotes from several post-construction cleaning companies and compare their rates and services to find the option with the best value for your needs.

• Prep your home: Cover furniture or other belongings with tarps to avoid dust accumulation during construction. Clear away remaining debris or clutter to improve accessibility for cleaners.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.