Since closing on our new place in late February, we’ve had a lot of cosmetic work done and as of today, our last major project is done. It was by far the messiest project, and there is dust **everywhere/b. Actually this is the second time we did this project as the first time around was completely unsatisfactory; even the store admitted what was installed did not look like what their display looked like. Anyway, they had to tear down the first job and start over. It took two guys eight days, of which we lived out of our bedroom and kitchen. But they’re finished, and I did some very preliminary clean-up tonight, and realized I really need to hire some sort of service to come in and do a professional cleaning. I have a bi-weekly cleaning lady, but this is just beyond her scope. We need someone who can:
Get up on ladders and clean our ceiling fans and big light fixture in the living/dining rooms (these fixtures are probably around 16’-18’ high up). We also have exposed beams and trusses up really high, and those need to be cleaned.
I need all furniture moved so hardwood floors can be cleaned underneath.
I want all soft furnishings thoroughly vacuumed.
I want anything that can be laundered to be run through the washer/dryer (I did do our bedroom linens tonight).
I need the tops of our tall kitchen cabinets wiped down.
All baseboards wiped down (including any that are behind any furniture).
Wipe down all the leaves on my plants.
Wipe down all the furniture on the balcony where they were using their wet saw.
And more… you get the picture.
Believe it or not, almost everything was covered with plastic for most of the time they were working, but dust found its way into any place it could. As soon as they’re done, we’ll change the high-efficiency air cleaner filter.
I keep thinking there has to be some sort of service out there who can come in and do a major deep cleaning, basically wiping every surface down. What am I looking for? While I certainly think it’s a disaster, I don’t think disaster restoration companies would do this kind of work. The whole thing, from the time they did the job the first time around, to now, has been a nightmare and I just want someone to come in who understands the nature of construction/mortar dust so I can be done with it.
Edited to add: I know I should probably wait a couple of weeks or so to allow some of the dust to settle down, right?
How about checking with ServPro or Service Master? Both are companies with local franchises that specialize in heavy duty cleaning. They handle task like cleaning up after floods, fires, and other nasty stuff. I would think they could handle anything you could throw at them.
Merry Maids advertises post construction cleaning.
Could your real estate person recommend a service? Maybe there is someone local builders use to do heavy duty, post construction clean up.
I wouldn’t think it would take a couple weeks for dust to settle but a few days might be a good idea.
Are you an Angie’s List member? It is cheap to join, and I thought it was a huge help for finding people like this during the time I was getting ready to move.
You should definitely wait to let the dust settle. When we had our acoustic ceiling removed it created a huge amount of dust. I hired my cleaner to come with her crew and do a special cleaning of light fixtures, baseboards, etc. right after the project was finished. The dust was still settling for weeks.
If you google “post construction cleaning”, you’ll find a bunch of companies listed. I did this after we remodeled a rental property that had suffered fire damage. In the end, though, I have a friend who flips houses and I asked him for a referral for someone who does post-construction cleanup on the houses he readies for sale. He was able to recommend someone who did a great job.
ServPro is used widely here as well…and they do a great job.
I feel your pain. I am still cleaning dust from having our hardwood floor refinished last week. Two things to add to your list – you’ll need to change the A/C filters and clean the condenser coils on the fridge. It’s amazing how much dust permeates even with the plastic sheeting.
Thanks everyone. Based on some recommendations here, I did some googling and have found a couple of places to call tomorrow. After reading @GRITS80’s post, I realized I left out a small detail which alters my plan. When they did the first fireplace job that was eventually torn down, they basically ruined our hardwood floors that we had redone right before we moved in - the company agreed that it was their crew’s fault and agreed to pay for repairs, so we have to have that done first. I did have someone from the company out who redid our hardwoods back in April and they said they can be repaired and to call them when we were ready to do so. They will only have to do light sanding - it’s mostly bigger divots they have to fill and smooth out so you can’t see them. But I’m sure it will be messy and I should wait until after that is done before scheduling the cleaning.
I do plan on replacing the filter in the HVAC system, but it had not occurred to me to have them pull out the refrigerator and clean the coils. I’m sure they’re filthy!
Clean the ductwork as well. I had it done just after buying my house, per recommendation of inspector. Then I had the construction, with dust everywhere, and will do again before the heating season.