West Des Moines New Construction Home Cleaning: Before You Move In

Congratulations on your new home in West Des Moines! Whether you've built in one of the growing neighborhoods like Prairie Trail, Ashworth Park, or Valley Junction area, you're about to discover something most new homeowners don't expect: brand new homes are surprisingly dirty.

Construction dust covers everything. Sawdust hides in corners. Window stickers and protective film cover glass. Paint overspray dots surfaces. Adhesive residue marks floors. And despite your builder's "final cleaning," you'll find yourself spending your first weeks cleaning instead of settling in—unless you invest in professional post-construction cleaning first.

At Rodan Cleaning, we've been providing specialized construction cleaning services throughout Des Moines and the metro area since 1998. Over 25 years, we've cleaned hundreds of new construction homes in West Des Moines before owners moved in. We know exactly what builders' cleaning crews miss and what professional cleaning addresses to make your new home genuinely move-in ready.

Here's everything West Des Moines new homeowners need to know about post-construction cleaning—including what builder cleaning actually covers, why professional cleaning matters, and how to ensure your new home is truly clean before you unpack a single box.

Why New Construction Homes Need Professional Cleaning

Builders provide final cleaning, but it's rarely sufficient for actual living.

Builder Cleaning vs. Move-In Ready Cleaning

What builder cleaning typically includes:

• Removing obvious construction debris
• Sweeping or vacuuming floors
• Basic window cleaning (often leaving film and stickers)
• Surface wiping of counters and fixtures
• Making the home "presentable" for final walkthrough

What builder cleaning misses:

• Construction dust in hidden areas (inside cabinets, closets, vents)
• Fine dust on walls, trim, and surfaces
• Window protection film and adhesive residue
• Detailed cleaning of bathrooms and fixtures
• Floor residue from protective coverings
• HVAC system contamination
• Baseboards, corners, and detailed areas

Builder cleaning is designed to pass inspection and show well—not to create the truly clean environment you want when moving into your West Des Moines dream home.

Construction Dust Infiltrates Everything

Home construction creates incredible amounts of dust:

Drywall dust:

• Finest, most pervasive construction dust
• Settles everywhere during sanding
• Infiltrates HVAC systems
• Coats every surface including inside cabinets

Sawdust and wood particles:

• From framing, trim installation, cabinetry
• Collects in corners and hidden areas
• Mixes with other construction debris

General construction debris:

• Paint overspray and drips
• Adhesive residue
• Protective film adhesive
• Caulk and sealant residue
• Hardware installation debris

Without professional cleaning, this contamination remains in your new home—affecting air quality and cleanliness from day one.

HVAC Systems Need Attention

During construction, your HVAC system:

• Ran while construction dust was prevalent
• Pulled contaminated air through entire system
• Distributed dust through all vents and returns
• Accumulated debris in ductwork

First-time you run heat or AC, that accumulated dust circulates throughout your new West Des Moines home. Professional cleaning addresses HVAC contamination before you move in.

Protecting Your Investment

New homes represent significant financial investment. Professional post-construction cleaning:

• Removes debris that could damage floors or finishes
• Addresses issues before furniture and belongings arrive
• Creates truly clean baseline for your occupancy
• Protects new surfaces and materials from construction residue

What Professional New Construction Cleaning Includes

Comprehensive post-construction cleaning goes far beyond builder efforts.

Detailed Interior Cleaning

Kitchen:

• Inside all cabinets and drawers (removing construction dust)
• Cabinet exterior cleaning
• Countertop cleaning and residue removal
• Appliance cleaning inside and out (including inside new oven)
• Sink and faucet polishing
• Backsplash cleaning
• Floor cleaning (removing protective film adhesive)
• Baseboard and trim cleaning

Bathrooms:

• Inside all vanity cabinets and drawers
• Shower/tub deep cleaning (removing construction residue)
• Toilet cleaning (construction dust settles in new toilets)
• Vanity and counter cleaning
• Mirror cleaning (removing protective film and stickers)
• Fixture polishing
• Tile and grout cleaning
• Floor cleaning
• Exhaust fan cleaning

Bedrooms and Living Areas:

• Inside all closets
• Closet shelving and rod cleaning
• All surfaces dusted (windowsills, ledges, shelves)
• Baseboard and trim cleaning throughout
• Door and door frame cleaning
• Light fixture and ceiling fan cleaning
• Floor cleaning (carpet vacuuming or hard floor cleaning)
• Window and window track cleaning

Throughout Home:

• Removing all window protection film and stickers
• Cleaning adhesive residue from windows and glass
• Detailed baseboard cleaning
• Corner and edge cleaning where dust accumulates
• Light switch and outlet cover cleaning
• Door hardware and handle cleaning
• Vent and return register cleaning
• Removing all labels, stickers, and protective materials

Floor-Specific Attention

New floors require specialized cleaning:

Hardwood or laminate:

• Removing protective film or coverings
• Cleaning adhesive residue
• Deep cleaning to remove construction dust
• Appropriate cleaning products for specific materials
• Polishing or protecting as needed

Tile:

• Cleaning grout lines
• Removing haze from new tile
• Polishing to proper shine
• Cleaning and sealing if needed

Carpet:

• Professional carpet cleaning to remove construction dust
• Deep extraction beyond surface vacuuming
• Stain treatment for any construction marks
• Allowing proper drying before move-in

HVAC System Cleaning

Addressing construction contamination:

• Vent and return register cleaning
• Filter replacement before occupancy
• Coordination with HVAC contractor for duct cleaning if needed
• Running system to identify any dust circulation issues

Windows Throughout Home

New home windows need thorough attention:

• Removing all window protection film
• Cleaning adhesive residue completely
• Interior and exterior glass cleaning
• Window sill and track cleaning
• Screen cleaning or removal for cleaning

Garage and Storage

Even non-living spaces need cleaning:

• Sweeping and cleaning garage floors
• Removing construction debris
• Cleaning storage areas
• Preparing spaces for your use

Timing Your New Construction Cleaning

Strategic timing ensures best results.

Ideal Timing: After Builder, Before Move-In

Optimal schedule:

1. Builder completes final cleaning and walkthrough
2. You complete final inspection and close on home
3. Professional cleaning happens before furniture arrives
4. You move in to genuinely clean home

Why this timing works:

• Access to entire home without furniture obstacles
• Addressing issues before they're hidden by belongings
• Moving into truly clean environment
• Peace of mind from day one

How Much Time to Allow

Professional cleaning timeframe:

• 2,000-2,500 sq ft home: 1-2 days
• 3,000-3,500 sq ft home: 2-3 days
• 4,000+ sq ft home: 3-4 days

Additional time for:

• Carpet cleaning and drying: Add 1-2 days
• HVAC duct cleaning: Schedule separately with HVAC contractor
• Window cleaning (if extensive): May add time

Recommended schedule:Close on home Friday, schedule cleaning Monday-Wednesday, move in Thursday/Friday. This provides time buffer and ensures home is ready.

DIY vs. Professional New Construction Cleaning

Many West Des Moines homeowners wonder if they can clean themselves.

Challenges of DIY Post-Construction Cleaning

Time investment:Average DIY cleaning of new construction home:

• 2,000 sq ft: 20-40 hours
• 3,000 sq ft: 30-60 hours
• 4,000 sq ft: 40-80 hours

This assumes you have proper equipment and products and know what to do.

Equipment requirements:

• Commercial vacuum for construction dust
• Proper cleaning products for different surfaces
• Window cleaning supplies and tools
• Floor cleaning equipment
• Ladder for high areas
• HVAC filter replacements

Knowledge requirements:

• Which products safe for different materials
• How to remove adhesive without damaging surfaces
• Proper window film removal techniques
• Floor cleaning appropriate to flooring type
• Identifying what needs attention vs. what's acceptable

When Professional Cleaning Makes Sense

Choose professional cleaning if:

• You value your time more than cleaning cost
• You want to start enjoying your home immediately
• You lack proper equipment or products
• You want guarantee of thorough cleaning
• You're concerned about damaging new surfaces
• You're closing and moving quickly

Investment analysis:Professional new construction cleaning: $500-1,500 depending on home sizeYour time saved: 30-60 hoursCost per hour to hire professionals: $8-25/hour

For most West Des Moines professionals, this represents significant value considering time saved and quality results.

Common New Construction Cleaning Issues

Understanding common problems helps set expectations.

Window Film and Adhesive Residue

Protective window film leaves stubborn residue:

The problem:

• Film protects windows during construction
• Adhesive remains after film removal
• Wrong products or techniques damage glass
• Rushing creates smearing and streaking

Professional solution:

• Proper removal products
• Techniques that don't scratch glass
• Complete adhesive removal
• Streak-free final result

Construction Dust in Hidden Areas

Dust settles where you don't look:

Problem locations:

• Inside kitchen cabinets (even with doors closed)
• Inside bathroom vanities
• Inside closets and on shelving
• In HVAC vents and returns
• Behind appliances
• In garage corners

Why it matters:You don't want to unpack dishes into dusty cabinets or hang clothes in dusty closets. Starting clean prevents ongoing frustration.

Floor Protection Residue

Protective coverings leave marks:

The issue:

• Adhesive from protective plastic or paper
• Tire marks from equipment
• Paint overspray or drips
• Scuff marks from construction traffic

Professional approach:

• Appropriate cleaning products for flooring type
• Techniques that remove residue without damage
• Ensuring floors are truly clean and protected

New Appliance Preparation

Brand new appliances aren't necessarily clean:

Common issues:

• Ovens with manufacturing residue
• Refrigerators with packaging debris
• Dishwashers needing cleaning cycle
• Protective films and stickers

Proper preparation:

• Running cleaning cycles before use
• Interior cleaning of refrigerators
• Removing all protective materials
• Ensuring appliances are ready for cooking

Cost Considerations for West Des Moines New Construction Cleaning

Understanding investment helps budget appropriately.

Typical Professional Cleaning Costs

Pricing factors:

• Home square footage
• Number of bathrooms
• Current condition (heavy vs. light construction dust)
• Specific services requested
• Geographic location

Typical ranges for West Des Moines new homes:

• 2,000-2,500 sq ft: $500-800
• 3,000-3,500 sq ft: $800-1,200
• 4,000-5,000 sq ft: $1,200-1,800
• 5,000+ sq ft: $1,800-2,500+

Additional services:

• Professional carpet cleaning: $200-500 depending on square footage
• HVAC duct cleaning: $300-600 (coordinate with HVAC company)
• Exterior window cleaning: $150-300

Value vs. Cost Analysis

Consider:

• Your hourly rate: $30-100+/hour professional time
• Time saved: 30-60 hours for DIY
• Opportunity cost: Time you could spend working, with family, or resting
• Quality: Professional results vs. learning as you go
• Peace of mind: Moving into truly clean home

For most West Des Moines professionals, professional cleaning provides significant value beyond dollar cost.

Why West Des Moines Homeowners Choose Rodan Cleaning

New construction cleaning requires specific expertise and reliability.

25+ Years Construction Cleaning Experience

We've been handling post-construction cleaning since 1998:

• Hundreds of new homes cleaned in West Des Moines
• Understanding what builder cleaning misses
• Knowledge of proper products and techniques
• Experience with all construction types and finishes

We Know What New Homeowners Need

Over 25 years, we've learned:

• Homeowners want truly clean homes, not "good enough"
• Details matter when you're paying for new construction
• Getting it right before move-in prevents ongoing frustration
• Professional results create the fresh start homeowners expect

Professional Equipment and Products

New homes require appropriate tools:

• Commercial vacuums for fine construction dust
• Products safe for new finishes and materials
• Proper adhesive removers that don't damage
• Equipment reaching high ceilings and detailed areas
• Tools for window cleaning and film removal

Reliable, Professional Service

Every team member has been with us 2+ years:

• Experienced cleaners who know what they're doing
• Reliable service on your closing schedule
• Professional conduct in your new home
• Attention to detail that shows in results

Direct Owner Communication

New homeowners get Zach's direct number: (515) 276-1618. Closing date changed? Specific concerns about your home? Questions about timing? One call to someone who makes decisions and solves problems immediately.

Family-Owned, Locally Trusted

Rodan Cleaning was founded by Dan Vander Ploeg in 1998 and is now run by his son Zach. We've been serving West Des Moines families for over 25 years.

We treat every new home like we'd want our own family's home treated—with care, respect, and attention to detail.

Beyond New Construction: Ongoing House Cleaning

After move-in, many West Des Moines homeowners schedule:

• Regular house cleaning: Weekly or bi-weekly maintenance
• Deep cleaning: Seasonal comprehensive cleaning
• Carpet cleaning: Professional carpet maintenance
• Move-out cleaning: If selling your previous home

We provide comprehensive residential cleaning services beyond new construction.

Ready to Move Into a Truly Clean New Home?

If you're closing on new construction in West Des Moines and want to move into a home that's genuinely clean—not just builder-clean—professional post-construction cleaning ensures the fresh start your new home deserves.

Rodan Cleaning has been preparing new West Des Moines homes for move-in since 1998. We know what builder cleaning misses and deliver the thorough, detailed cleaning that creates the truly clean environment new homeowners expect.

Schedule your new construction home cleaning today.

Call or text Zach directly at (515) 276-1618 or email info@rodancleaning.com

We'll coordinate with your closing timeline, understand your new home's specific needs, and schedule cleaning that completes before move-in day.

Your new West Des Moines home deserves to be truly clean from day one. Let us show you what professional post-construction cleaning looks like.

‍