Construction Cleaning Checklist for Des Moines General Contractors: From Drywall Dust to Move-In Ready

You're three days from final inspection on a commercial build in Des Moines. The electrical is done, HVAC is commissioned, flooring is laid, and paint is dry. Everything's on schedule.

Then you walk the site and realize the place looks like a construction zone. Drywall dust covers every surface. Window labels are still on. There's debris in corners. Adhesive residue on floors. Fingerprints on glass. Sawdust in light fixtures.

Your client is expecting move-in ready. You're looking at what would take your crew two full days to address—and you don't have two days. Plus, your guys are tradesman, not cleaning specialists. They can rough-clean a jobsite, but making it truly client-ready is a different skill set.

This scenario plays out constantly in Des Moines construction. General contractors who manage complex builds flawlessly somehow get caught off-guard by post-construction cleaning. Not because they don't know it needs to happen, but because they underestimate what's actually required to go from "construction complete" to "move-in ready."

If you're a general contractor, construction manager, or project superintendent working in the Des Moines area, this is your comprehensive guide to post-construction cleaning. We'll cover what's required at each phase, what move-in ready actually means, how to avoid the last-minute scramble, and why the cleaning contractor you choose matters as much as any other trade on the project.

Why Post-Construction Cleaning Is Different (And Why Your Regular Crew Can't Do It)

Let's start by acknowledging something most contractors learn through painful experience: post-construction cleaning is not the same as regular commercial cleaning or jobsite cleanup.

The Scope Is Fundamentally Different

During construction, you're doing progressive cleanup: removing obvious debris, keeping pathways clear, disposing of materials, and maintaining a reasonably safe and navigable site. That's important work, and your crews probably handle it fine.

Post-construction cleaning is about achieving a level of cleanliness that allows a client to move in immediately without seeing any evidence that construction just happened. Every surface needs to be clean. Every window needs to be spotless. Every corner needs to be free of debris. Every fixture needs to be polished.

It's the difference between "construction clean" and "white-glove ready." Your in-house crew can do the former. The latter requires specialized equipment, products, techniques, and—most importantly—experience knowing what move-in ready actually looks like.

The Timeline Pressure Is Intense

Post-construction cleaning happens in the compressed window between substantial completion and client handover. You're coordinating with other trades finishing punch-list items. You're working around inspections. You're dealing with scheduling pressure from the client who wants their building yesterday.

This isn't a "we'll get to it when we get to it" situation. It's mission-critical work that has to be done right, done completely, and done on schedule. One delay in cleaning can cascade into delays for final walkthrough, punch-list completion, and ultimately project handover.

Professional construction cleaning contractors understand this timeline pressure. They're set up to mobilize quickly, work flexible hours (including nights and weekends), and adapt to the inevitable changes that happen as projects reach completion.

The Standards Are Non-Negotiable

Your client isn't going to accept "pretty clean" or "we'll come back and touch it up later." They're expecting a facility that's ready for immediate occupancy. If they're moving office furniture in on Monday, the space needs to look like it's never been a construction site.

That means:

• Zero visible dust on any surface
• All windows and glass perfectly clean inside and out
• All fixtures free of labels, adhesive, and construction residue
• All floors cleaned appropriate to the material (sealed concrete needs different treatment than VCT, which needs different treatment than carpet)
• All HVAC vents and returns cleaned of construction dust
• All light fixtures free of debris and fingerprints
• All restrooms absolutely spotless

Meeting these standards consistently requires experience, proper equipment, and knowledge of what products and techniques work for different materials and situations.

The Three Phases of Construction Cleaning

Professional post-construction cleaning typically happens in three distinct phases. Understanding these phases helps you plan scheduling and budget appropriately.

Phase 1: Rough Clean (During Construction)

When it happens: After drywall/plaster work, before painting and finish work begins

What it involves:

• Removing all construction debris and materials
• Sweeping or vacuuming all floors to remove drywall dust and debris
• Wiping down horizontal surfaces to remove heavy dust accumulation
• Cleaning windows of major debris and residue (not final clean)
• Removing labels, stickers, and protective coverings where appropriate
• Ensuring all areas are accessible for finish trades

Why it matters: Rough cleaning protects your finish work. You don't want painters working in a space full of drywall dust that will settle on fresh paint. You don't want finish carpenters walking through debris that might scratch your new flooring.

This phase is often handled by your construction crew or a cleaning contractor working progressively throughout the build. The goal isn't final cleanliness—it's creating a clean enough environment for finish work to proceed without contamination.

Phase 2: Final Clean (After Substantial Completion)

When it happens: After all construction work is complete but before final walkthrough

What it involves:

• Detailed cleaning of all surfaces (walls, ceilings, fixtures, baseboards)
• Complete window and glass cleaning (interior and exterior)
• Floor cleaning appropriate to material type
• Fixture cleaning and polishing
• HVAC vent and return cleaning
• Light fixture cleaning
• Restroom deep cleaning and sanitization
• Removal of all remaining labels, stickers, and adhesive residue
• Debris removal from all spaces including closets, mechanical rooms, and storage areas

Why it matters: This is where construction dirt transforms into move-in ready. Final clean addresses everything the rough clean left behind plus all the accumulated dust, debris, and residue from finish work.

This phase requires specialized knowledge because you're working with finished surfaces that can be damaged by wrong products or techniques. The window cleaner that works great on construction-dirty glass might leave streaks on coated glass. The floor cleaner that removes adhesive from VCT might damage certain sealed concrete finishes.

Professional construction cleaning contractors know these nuances. Your regular crew probably doesn't.

Phase 3: Touch-Up Clean (After Punch-List)

When it happens: After punch-list work is complete, immediately before client handover

What it involves:

• Re-cleaning areas affected by punch-list work
• Final window and glass touch-up
• Final floor touch-up where trades have been working
• Final fixture polishing
• Final inspection walk-through

Why it matters: You did a beautiful final clean... then three trades came back to address punch-list items and left fingerprints, dust, and debris in their wake. Touch-up cleaning addresses those impacts so the client sees only perfection at final walkthrough.

Many contractors skip or underestimate this phase, which is why clients often notice issues that weren't there at the pre-punch-list inspection. Professional construction cleaning includes touch-up as part of the scope so you're confident everything is perfect at handover.

The Detailed Construction Cleaning Checklist

Here's what comprehensive post-construction cleaning actually involves. Use this checklist to evaluate whether a cleaning contractor understands construction cleaning requirements.

Windows and Glass

• Remove all labels, stickers, and manufacturer markings
• Remove tape residue, adhesive, and glue
• Clean interior glass surfaces until streak-free
• Clean exterior glass surfaces until streak-free
• Clean window frames and tracks
• Clean window sills
• Polish all glass doors
• Clean all mirrors and glass partitions

Common issues: Window cleaning looks easy until you're dealing with construction adhesive, paint overspray, or specific coatings that require particular products. Cheap cleaning contractors use the wrong products and leave residue, streaks, or even damage to specialized glass.

Walls and Ceilings

• Remove all dust from walls (drywall dust clings stubbornly)
• Spot-clean any marks, smudges, or construction residue
• Remove painter's tape residue if present
• Clean all baseboards and trim
• Clean ceiling surfaces where accessible
• Clean all vents, diffusers, and returns
• Ensure all light switches and outlets are clean

Common issues: Drywall dust is insidious. It settles everywhere and requires HEPA vacuuming or damp-wiping to actually remove. Regular vacuums just redistribute it.

Floors (Material-Specific)

For VCT/Vinyl Flooring:

• Remove all construction debris and dust
• Strip any protective coatings if necessary
• Remove adhesive residue, paint drips, and marks
• Deep clean with appropriate floor cleaner
• Apply finish coats per specification
• Buff to proper sheen

For Sealed Concrete:

• Remove all dust and debris
• Remove any adhesive, paint, or residue without damaging sealant
• Clean with pH-appropriate products
• Ensure consistent appearance across entire floor

For Carpet:

• Vacuum thoroughly with HEPA filtration
• Spot-clean any construction stains or marks
• Professional extraction cleaning if budget allows
• Ensure pile direction is consistent

For Tile:

• Remove all grout haze
• Clean and polish tile surfaces
• Clean grout lines
• Remove any adhesive or construction residue

Common issues: Using the wrong product or technique can damage finished floors. Construction adhesive remover that's great for one surface might harm another. This is where experience matters.

Fixtures and Hardware

• Clean and polish all door hardware
• Clean all light fixtures and remove debris
• Polish all plumbing fixtures
• Clean all cabinet hardware
• Remove protective coverings from fixtures where appropriate
• Ensure all fixtures are free of fingerprints and smudges

Common issues: Fingerprints reappear constantly during construction. Professional cleaning includes final polishing after all other work is complete.

Restrooms

• Deep clean all toilets, urinals, and fixtures
• Clean and polish all sinks and faucets
• Clean all mirrors and glass
• Clean and disinfect all surfaces
• Clean tile walls and floors
• Clean partitions inside and out
• Polish all hardware
• Ensure all dispensers are clean and installed properly
• Remove any construction residue or adhesive

Common issues: Clients notice restroom cleanliness immediately. This area needs to be absolutely spotless at handover.

Kitchen/Break Room Areas

• Clean all appliances inside and out
• Remove manufacturer stickers and labels
• Clean and polish all countertops
• Clean all cabinets inside and out
• Clean all sinks and faucets
• Clean backsplashes
• Remove any adhesive or construction residue

Common issues: Appliances often have protective films or adhesive that needs careful removal without damaging finishes.

Specialty Areas

Mechanical Rooms:

• Remove all debris and leftover materials
• Clean floors
• Organize and clean any shelving
• Ensure area meets inspection standards

Stairwells:

• Clean all steps and risers
• Clean handrails and polish
• Remove any construction residue
• Ensure no debris in corners or under stairs

Exterior Entry Areas:

• Clean all entrance doors and glass
• Polish hardware
• Sweep or clean entry areas
• Ensure area makes excellent first impression

Common Construction Cleaning Mistakes That Cost Time and Money

Even experienced contractors make these mistakes when handling post-construction cleaning:

Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Start Final Cleaning

Many contractors wait until every single punch-list item is complete before starting final cleaning. This creates timeline crunches because cleaning takes longer than expected and you discover issues that need addressing.

Better approach: Start final cleaning as soon as substantial completion is reached. Handle touch-up cleaning after punch-list work. This spreads the work across a longer timeline and ensures you're not rushing at the end.

Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Equipment

Your construction crew has shop vacs and brooms. Professional cleaning contractors have HEPA-filtered vacuums, specialized floor equipment, appropriate chemicals for different surfaces, and tools designed specifically for post-construction cleaning.

The equipment difference matters. A shop vac redistributes drywall dust into the air where it settles back on surfaces you just cleaned. A HEPA vacuum actually captures it.

Better approach: Hire specialized construction cleaning contractors with proper equipment instead of asking your crew to make do with construction tools.

Mistake #3: Not Budgeting Enough Time

Contractors consistently underestimate how long post-construction cleaning takes. A 10,000 square foot office build might need 40-60 hours of cleaning labor spread across multiple phases.

When you don't budget enough time, you either delay handover or deliver a facility that's not truly move-in ready. Both options are expensive.

Better approach: Discuss timeline expectations with your cleaning contractor early. Build adequate cleaning time into your project schedule from the start.

Mistake #4: Choosing Based Solely on Price

Construction cleaning isn't a commodity service. The difference between a contractor who knows construction cleaning and one who's just trying to win the bid is substantial.

The cheap option will miss things, use wrong products, take longer than quoted, and potentially damage finished surfaces. You'll spend more fixing their mistakes than you saved on their low bid.

Better approach: Choose construction cleaning contractors based on experience with similar projects, references from other GCs, and understanding of what move-in ready actually requires.

Mistake #5: No Clear Specification of Expectations

"Clean the building" means different things to different people. Without clear specifications, you get arguments at the end about what was supposed to be included.

Better approach: Use a detailed checklist (like the one in this article) to specify exactly what's expected. Walk the facility with your cleaning contractor before they quote so everyone understands the scope.

How to Choose the Right Construction Cleaning Contractor

Not all cleaning companies do construction cleaning well. Here's what to look for when evaluating contractors for your Des Moines projects:

Questions to Ask:

1. "How many years of construction cleaning experience do you have?" Look for contractors with multi-year experience specifically in post-construction cleaning. General commercial cleaning experience doesn't automatically translate to construction expertise.

2. "Can you provide references from other general contractors?" Ask to speak with GCs who've used their services on similar projects. Were they reliable? Did they meet timelines? Were there quality issues?

3. "What's your approach to the three phases of construction cleaning?" They should be able to explain rough clean, final clean, and touch-up clean without prompting. If they're not familiar with phased approaches, they're not construction specialists.

4. "How do you handle scheduling flexibility?" Construction timelines change constantly. You need a contractor who can adapt to compressed schedules, work nights and weekends if needed, and coordinate with other trades.

5. "What happens if punch-list work creates cleaning issues?" Touch-up cleaning should be part of their standard scope. If it's not, you'll pay extra or do it yourself.

6. "What equipment and products do you use for different surfaces?" They should be able to explain why certain products are appropriate for sealed concrete vs. VCT vs. tile. If they use the same cleaner for everything, that's a red flag.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• No construction-specific experience – General cleaning companies often bid construction work they're not equipped to handle
• Unrealistically low pricing – Quality construction cleaning has costs; extremely low bids mean corners will be cut
• Vague scope definition – If they can't clearly explain what's included, you'll have disputes later
• No references from construction clients – Residential or commercial office cleaning is different from construction
• Inflexible scheduling – Construction requires adaptability; rigid schedules don't work

Why Des Moines Contractors Choose Rodan Cleaning for Construction Projects

Rodan Cleaning has been working with Des Moines area contractors since 1998, including projects with major construction companies like Turner Construction.

What makes them a reliable construction cleaning partner:

Experience with Complex Commercial Projects They've handled everything from office buildings to medical facilities to financial institutions. They understand that different project types have different cleanliness standards and know how to meet them.

Flexible Scheduling That Adapts to Construction Reality Need cleaning to happen overnight so other trades can work during the day? They can do that. Need weekend work to stay on schedule? Not a problem. Need to push the cleaning schedule because punch-list items are taking longer than expected? They'll adapt.

Owner Accountability When you're working with Rodan, you have owner Zach Vander Ploeg's direct contact. If something needs to be addressed or scheduling needs to change, you're talking to someone who can make decisions immediately, not navigating layers of management.

Training and Quality Systems Every Rodan cleaner goes through their Cleaning University program covering protocols, materials, and standards. For construction cleaning, that training includes understanding construction timelines, coordinating with other trades, and achieving move-in-ready standards.

Deep Des Moines Market Knowledge They've worked on projects throughout Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Johnston, and Urbandale. They know local contractors, understand local inspection standards, and have relationships in the commercial construction community.

Proven Track Record With 26+ years in business and long-term client relationships, they're not a fly-by-night operation that might disappear mid-project. They're an established business with a reputation to protect.

Integrating Construction Cleaning Into Your Project Plan

Here's how to handle construction cleaning strategically instead of reactively:

During Pre-Construction:

• Budget for professional cleaning – Include construction cleaning as a line item from the start
• Identify your cleaning contractor early – Don't wait until you need them to start looking
• Discuss timeline expectations – Make sure they understand your project schedule and can accommodate it

During Construction:

• Schedule rough clean at appropriate phase – After drywall but before finish work
• Protect finished work – Coordinate with your cleaning contractor to ensure finish work isn't damaged during cleaning
• Communicate schedule changes – Keep your cleaning contractor informed as timelines shift

Approaching Substantial Completion:

• Schedule final clean – Book this well in advance; good contractors get busy
• Do a walkthrough – Review expectations before cleaning starts so everyone's aligned
• Plan for touch-up – Make sure touch-up cleaning is scheduled after punch-list work

At Project Handover:

• Do final walkthrough with your cleaning contractor present – Address any issues immediately
• Get client sign-off – Ensure the client is satisfied with cleanliness before they move in
• Request feedback – Learn what worked well and what could improve for your next project

The ROI of Professional Construction Cleaning

Professional construction cleaning isn't an expense—it's an investment that pays for itself through:

Faster Project Completion Professional cleaners work faster and more efficiently than your construction crew doing cleaning as a side task. The time savings alone often justifies the cost.

Better Client Satisfaction Clients who walk into a spotlessly clean facility at handover are impressed. That impression leads to positive reviews, referrals, and future business.

Reduced Punch-List Callbacks When cleaning is done right the first time, you don't have callbacks for "the windows still have residue" or "there's dust everywhere." Those callbacks cost time and money.

Protection of Your Reputation General contractors are known by their last few projects. Delivering facilities that are truly move-in ready builds your reputation for quality and attention to detail.

Fewer Warranty Issues Proper post-construction cleaning can actually prevent some warranty issues by removing debris that might damage finishes or affect systems performance.

Ready to Ensure Your Next Project Delivers Move-In Ready?

If you're a general contractor, construction manager, or project superintendent working in the Des Moines area, don't leave post-construction cleaning to chance.

Schedule a site walkthrough with Rodan Cleaning to discuss your project requirements, timeline, and expectations. Whether it's a small tenant improvement or a ground-up commercial build, having the right cleaning contractor as part of your team makes the difference between scrambling at the end and confidently delivering a facility that impresses your client.

Contact Rodan Cleaning at (515) 276-1618 or request a construction cleaning quote for your next Des Moines area project.

Rodan Cleaning provides specialized construction cleaning services for general contractors throughout Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Johnston, and Urbandale. Also offering commercial cleaning, office cleaning, and medical facility cleaning. Family-owned and trusted since 1998.