Clean up of a renovation project...


Many people enjoy tackling their own home renovation projects and not only for the cost savings DIY can generate. Seeing the results of a major project you've planned and carried out yourself can bring a rewarding feeling of accomplishment and pride in a job well done.

But does anyone really enjoy all the cleaning up afterwards? It can seem to go on for what feels like eternity, especially if the job has created a lot of construction dust.

Construction dust hangs in the air, finds its way under skirting and in between floorboards, where it can lurk and seep out gradually for weeks. Even the best domestic suction cleaner can't get rid of it all.

Then there are the unavoidable scuffs, stains, tiny and unavoidable paint splatters and remains of sticky label adhesive on glass. It can all add up to weeks of after-build cleaning. Search the web and you'll find any number of tips and comments on after-build cleaning of which the following are just a small selection.

All surfaces, including ceilings and walls, have to be cleaned a few times a week.

Don't sweep your floors with a broom immediately after construction. Vacuum them instead, even if you have hardwood and tile floors. Try vacuuming every day and mopping the floors every other day. Dry dust or sweep all walls and follow up with a wet wipe of the entire area. It's necessary in order to remove the harmful drywall or sawdust left clinging to surfaces after construction.

Remove paint, splotches and spills from windows, trim, carpet and hard floors with cleaning solution and towels. A razor blade or other scraping tool can be used for windows and trim if needed as well.

Apply rubbing alcohol to labels on appliances and windows in order to remove them completely without damaging the finish. Clean out all garbage, scraps and putty from inside cabinet, corners, tubs and other areas completely.

Add 1 cup of vinegar to a pail of warm water. Mop the floor thoroughly and allow it to dry. Inspect the floor for plaster dust or an overall dull-looking appearance. Mop the floor again, if necessary.

While all this may be both valuable and necessary, really life's too short!!!

For the householder who has spent weeks juggling family and job with a major home renovation project all this work afterwards can add weeks of time before the job feels completely done and take the edge off the pleasure of enjoying both the renovation work itself and the enhancement to the home that was the point of it all.

There is a solution and that is to get in a specialist after-build cleaning company to do a thorough and in depth job. They will have the specialist, more powerful tools and equipment to do the job properly and completely in much less time. Offering an after-build domestic clean could also provide a new business opportunity for companies specialising in this field.

While most after-build cleaning work tends to target either new-build or extensions on big construction projects such as offices, hospitals, schools and public buildings, offering a smaller, affordable package for home owners could be a valuable extra income and service to add to the business.

For a DIY enthusiast tackling and completing a major home renovation brings a rewarding feeling of accomplishment and can save money. But how many people enjoy the seemingly endless battle with after-build construction dust? A professional after-build clean may be a worthwhile investment. It also offers an additional income stream for a specialist company.