Major construction projects and renovations aren’t complete until they’ve been thoroughly cleaned. Whether you’re adding a wing to your building, tearing down walls, replacing insulation, installing new flooring, etc., you can expect a mess to be made. Dust, debris, and other contaminants will fill the air during and after the project, and large materials will be scattered across the work site until they’re removed. These various elements aren’t just eyesores, either – they can become serious safety and health hazards for those within range. Therefore, post-construction clean-up is just as essential for improving and maintaining your facility as the construction project itself. And while every clean-up job is unique, those in charge of managing these tasks must adhere to the same priorities: think of it as a construction clean-up checklist.

Let’s break down the most important considerations crews make when overseeing a construction clean-up project.

Top Priorities When Managing Construction Clean-Up

Maximizing Safety During Clean-Up

The ongoing safety of all construction clean-up workers and those in close proximity should always be the first consideration made by those in charge. There are many potential hazards involved with cleaning up after a major renovation, and strong communication is crucial to keeping everyone alert at all times. Crews must be equipped with not only the right tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., gloves, protective clothing and footwear, goggles, respirators, headgear, etc.) but also the necessary training to minimize the risk of accidents. Substantial boundaries should also be put in place to cordon off the construction clean-up zone – doing so will signal to those outside the area to keep their distance while also preventing debris from falling or flying too far.

Protecting the Ongoing Health of Occupants

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the most pernicious threats to facility occupants, causing and exacerbating respiratory and skin problems, including asthma, eczema, lung cancer, and more (read our blog, “Top Hazards of Dust in the Workplace”). One of the primary purposes of thorough construction debris removal is to eliminate the presence of these harmful, hard-to-see airborne materials, many of which derive from construction materials like wood and plaster. Indeed, it often takes several days (if not weeks) to completely clean an area after construction is finished in order to allow the dust to settle for easier removal. Clean-up managers can expedite this process by increasing ventilation before, during, and after construction and initial clean-up. This way, the particles released during every stage of the process won’t linger, and crews will have far less dust and debris to worry about when the time comes to conduct the final stages of clean-up.

Staying Compliant

Compliance is key whenever conducting facility maintenance or renovation projects. Various agencies have established building codes related to construction and clean-up protocols to ensure safety and stability. Failing to meet these standards can result in significant penalties, including fines and temporary shutdowns. Knowing this, construction clean-up managers must stay up to date on any and all regulations relevant to the facility and project in question. Remaining compliant helps everyone stay safe while reducing the risk of costly liabilities, both short- and long-term.

Preserving Assets

One of the major challenges associated with any construction project is protecting any nearby assets throughout the process – the same applies to construction clean-up. Some aspects of construction clean-up involve the use of powerful machinery (e.g., abrasive blasters, power washers, high-powered vacuums), that, if not properly operated, can damage objects and surfaces within range. In most cases, insured cleaning contractors must bear the cost burden of these damages should something go wrong, so construction clean-up managers take asset preservation seriously.

Reducing Downtime

Construction projects range in duration based on a host of factors. The duration of construction clean-up jobs typically has a direct correlation with the scope of the construction project itself. It’s in everyone’s interest to complete these processes as quickly as possible without sacrificing thoroughness or quality. Construction clean-up projects render the areas in question out of use for their duration, resulting in a loss in productivity for the business. Likewise, a construction clean-up crew that rests on their laurels will miss out on other opportunities. Simply put, developing more efficient clean-up processes benefits both the business receiving the services and the clean-up contractor itself.

Maintaining a Positive Reputation

Every business cares deeply about its reputation. Without stellar sentiment from customers and employees, a business will struggle to thrive. The efficiency, quality, and safety outcomes of a construction clean-up project all contribute to this reputation. Those in charge of overseeing construction clean-up must keep in mind that their work ultimately informs their client’s reputation, which is no small responsibility. Similarly, the crew’s reputation is reflected in their quality of work. Following every construction clean-up step properly will ensure that occupants enter a clean and well-kempt area that promotes better health and safety outcomes. These positive feelings will result in better reputational scores for both the business and the clean-up contractor.

The Budd Group’s Approach to Construction Clean-Up Facility Management

Here at The Budd Group, we offer customized construction clean-up for better first impressions and long-lasting improvements to occupant health and safety. Partnering with industry experts like The Budd Group ensures proper initial, secondary, and final cleaning of all surfaces after construction. We comply with manufacturer warranties and implement best practices for longevity and asset preservation. We understand that the most critical cleaning is done during the initial care of newly built and installed surfaces.

We use the unique products, tools, equipment and processes each project demands. We’ll do whatever it takes to get things ready so you can get back to work in a safer, cleaner remodeled or newly built space.

The construction clean-up services we offer include but are not limited to:

• Interior and Exterior Window Cleaning

• Dusting and Washing All Newly Built and/or Renovated Surfaces

• Removing Stickers on New Fixtures and Appliances

• Hauling Construction Debris

• Heavy Lifting

• Ladder Work

• Interior Glass, Marble, and Tile Cleaning and Polishing

• Dusting and Washing Ceilings and Walls

• Deep Cleaning and Dust Removal

• Vacuuming, Carpet Cleaning, and Floor Care

To learn more about our services and values, give us a call today at 800-221-8158!