Niche & specialty

Post-construction cleaning in Edmonton: what's actually included

Post-construction cleaning isn't the same as deep cleaning. The two-pass method, the drywall-dust problem, and why this is the one service we still quote on inspection in Edmonton.

By Ukrainian Elite Cleaning

TL;DR

Post-construction cleaning in Edmonton uses a two-pass method — a rough pass to remove debris and the worst dust, then a fine pass 24+ hours later once airborne dust has settled. Scope is too variable for a fixed tier, so we quote on inspection. A two-person crew clears 1,500 sq ft of new finish in 8–12 hours; typical Edmonton projects land between $230 and $570.

Post-construction is the most-misunderstood service category. Homeowners assume it's like a deep clean. It isn't — the dust is finer, more pervasive, and re-settles for days after the obvious mess is gone. That's why we quote post-construction cleaning on inspection rather than against a fixed tier.

Why the two-pass method

Drywall dust is 1–10 microns and behaves like a gas. The first pass removes visible debris — sticker residue, paint flecks, foam pieces, packaging — but the air still contains suspended dust. Vacuuming and wiping while this is suspended is wasted effort; the dust will resettle within 24 hours and you'll see it again. The fine pass after the air settles is what produces actual cleanliness.

What's included in the two passes

  1. Pass one: Remove all packaging, foam, drop-cloths, paint flecks, sticker residue, paint splatter from windows. HEPA vacuum every surface from ceiling down. Wet-wipe major surfaces.
  2. Pass one: Clean inside cabinets and drawers (factory dust). Wipe inside oven, fridge, microwave (transit residue). Clean appliance exteriors.
  3. Pass two (24+ hours later): HEPA vacuum every surface again, including ceiling fans, vents and high ledges. Wet-wipe all horizontal surfaces. Polish every faucet and hardware.
  4. Pass two: Clean inside all light fixtures. Squeegee all windows inside (and outside if accessible). Wipe baseboards every linear foot. Polish all hard floors.

Edmonton-specific notes

Winter renovations are harder to clean because windows stay closed. Plan more passes if completion is December–March. Summer renovations let dust escape outside, so two passes typically suffice.

Frequently asked

More on this topic

Why isn't the quoted price cheap?
Post-construction work requires HEPA-grade equipment, two trips, and physically harder labour. Typical Edmonton projects land between $230 and $570 depending on scope, finish, and how the trades left the site. We walk the space (or review video) before quoting — the number is fixed before we start.
Can my contractor's clean-up count?
Sometimes. Most contractors do a 'broom-clean' final — that's pass-zero, not pass-one. A real post-construction service is the next step.
How long after construction should I wait?
At least 48 hours after final paint or final dust-producing work. Earlier and you'll just be cleaning again.
Do you do small renovations like a bathroom?
Yes — a single-bathroom renovation cleanup is 4–6 hours total and uses the same two-pass method.

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