Post Construction Cleaning Cost Factors

Post Construction Cleaning Rate Factors: Square Footage, Scope and More

If you’re wondering what determines the cost of cleaning after construction, you’re not alone. Many clients ask, “How much does post-construction cleaning cost per square foot?” or “What’s included in the service?”

Whether you’re a general contractor, property manager, or developer, understanding post-construction cleaning rates helps you plan budgets, meet deadlines, and ensure a clean handoff. In this guide, we’ll break down what goes into post-construction cleaning pricing, including square footage, project scope, and additional factors that impact your final cost.

What Is Included in Post-Construction Cleaning

Before discussing rates, it’s important to understand what post-construction cleaning actually includes. This service goes far beyond routine janitorial work—it’s a deep and detailed process designed to make a new or renovated building safe, clean, and presentable.

A standard post-construction cleaning service typically includes:

Rough interior cleaning (removal of trash, debris, dust, and leftover materials)
Deep cleaning of fixtures, baseboards, windows, doors, walls, and floors
Touch-up cleaning to eliminate smudges, fingerprints, and fine dust
Exterior cleaning such as sweeping entryways, removing debris, or cleaning windows if needed

Each step is essential to ensure the building looks its best for the final walkthrough or tenant move-in. When comparing quotes from post-construction cleaning companies, review the service list carefully. Some providers include exterior cleaning or carpet care as part of their services, while others treat these as add-ons. Understanding what’s included helps you make an accurate comparison.

Post Construction Cleaning Cost per Square Foot

One of the most common methods for estimating post-construction cleaning rates is by square footage. On average, commercial cleaning after construction typically costs between $0.15 and $0.75 per square foot, depending on the level of detail required.

For example:

A basic cleanup for a smaller office might fall on the lower end of the range.
A detailed cleaning for a large, multi-room facility with glass walls and high ceilings will cost more per square foot.

Factors that affect cost per square foot include:

Total size of the building and layout complexity
Type of flooring and number of surfaces to clean
Ceiling height and accessibility
Level of dust and debris remaining after construction
Timeline or urgency for project completion

A 20,000-square-foot office, for instance, may require a larger cleaning team and more time than a smaller retail space, increasing overall labor costs.

How to Calculate Square Footage for Commercial Cleaning

Knowing your building’s exact square footage is essential for estimating costs accurately. The calculation is straightforward:

Length × Width = Square Footage

However, not all space in a building requires cleaning. When pricing a job, most contractors consider only the serviceable area, which excludes mechanical rooms, unfinished basements, and other inaccessible spaces.

Example:
If your property measures 25,000 square feet but only 18,000 square feet requires cleaning, pricing will be based on that 18,000.

ServiceMaster Clean can assist with this process during an initial walkthrough, helping you measure total cleanable square footage and create a realistic quote tailored to your needs.

Scope of Work and Its Impact on Post-Construction Cleaning Cost

The scope of work plays a major role in determining your total post-construction cleaning cost. Some projects require a light surface clean, while others need intensive detailing or multiple cleaning phases.

Pricing generally increases based on:

Size of the cleaning team required to meet deadlines
Project timeline (rush jobs often cost more)
Type of facility (office, retail, warehouse, healthcare, or education)
Extent of detail required (standard cleaning vs. deep sanitization)

For example, a warehouse may have less surface detailing but require more square footage coverage, while a medical office or retail store demands fine attention to every surface and fixture. The more complex the construction project, the higher the labor and supply costs. Always provide as much detail as possible when requesting a quote so the estimate reflects the true effort involved.

Additional Cost Factors to Consider

Every construction site is unique, and certain features can affect your total price. Beyond standard cleaning tasks, there are specialty services that may be needed for a complete turnover.

Common add-ons include:

Post-renovation carpet cleaning
High window or light fixture cleaning
Sanitizing restrooms, kitchens, and break areas
Removing caulk, paint splatter, and adhesive residue
Pressure washing exterior walkways or entryways
Optional ongoing janitorial maintenance after turnover

While these may increase upfront costs, they can save time and money long-term by ensuring the property is spotless and ready for occupancy.

When comparing quotes from post construction cleaning companies, be sure to clarify whether specialty services are included or itemized separately.

How Much Is Commercial Cleaning Per Square Foot

To understand post construction cleaning rates, it helps to compare them to ongoing commercial cleaning prices. Standard janitorial services for offices or retail spaces typically cost less per square foot because they focus on maintenance—emptying trash, vacuuming, and surface cleaning. Post construction cleaning, however, is more labor-intensive. It involves deep cleaning, dust removal, and debris disposal—tasks that require more time, supplies, and precision.

General comparison:

Routine janitorial cleaning: $0.10 – $0.30 per square foot
Post construction cleaning: $0.15 – $0.75 per square foot

If your project involves delicate finishes, glass-heavy designs, or high ceilings, costs may fall at the upper end of that range.

Why Hire a Professional for Post-Construction Cleaning

While some construction crews or property managers attempt to handle cleanup internally, hiring a professional cleaning company ensures the job is completed efficiently, safely, and with exceptional results.

Experience and Efficiency
Professional teams know how to remove construction debris and residue without damaging surfaces. They work methodically to prepare every area for inspections, tenants, or clients.

Consistent Quality
Post-construction cleaning professionals follow a structured process, ensuring each phase—rough clean, light clean, and final touch-up—is handled correctly. This results in a polished, move-in-ready space.

Reduced Liability
A professional cleaning team is trained, insured, and equipped to work in post-construction environments, minimizing risk for property owners and developers.

A clean, dust-free environment makes a powerful first impression and adds value to your project. Partnering with a trusted provider like ServiceMaster Clean ensures your post-construction cleaning is handled with precision and care from start to finish.

Get an Accurate Estimate for Your Project

The cost of post-construction cleaning varies based on square footage, project scope, building type, and level of detail required. Understanding these factors helps you budget confidently and avoid surprises. From debris removal to detailed surface cleaning, every aspect of the process contributes to a safe, polished final result.

If you’re preparing to turn over a newly built or renovated space, don’t leave the final impression to chance. Schedule a site walkthrough with ServiceMaster Clean to receive a customized quote for your commercial project. Contact ServiceMaster Clean today to learn more about our post construction cleaning services and get a detailed estimate based on your space and needs.