Post-Construction Cleaning
in Ann Arbor, MI

New construction and remodels leave behind an ultra-fine film of drywall, silica, and sanding dust that settles into every corner, cavity, and horizontal surface, and standard vacuums simply recirculate it back into the air. We HEPA-vacuum all surfaces, wall-to-ceiling corners, ledges, and framing cavities so the particles are captured rather than kicked up. Because this dust is a respiratory irritant and abrasive to new finishes, thorough extraction is the single most important step in making a jobsite genuinely move-in ready.

Airborne construction dust does not settle all at once; it keeps drifting down onto cleaned surfaces for 24 to 48 hours after the trades leave. We work strictly top-to-bottom and return for multiple dust passes across ceilings, wall ledges, shelving, and floors so particles that resettle after the first pass are captured on the next. This staged approach is what separates a real post-construction clean from a single wipe-down that looks clean until the dust falls again.

Painters and drywall crews inevitably leave splatter, dried joint-compound spots, and mud smears on floors, trim, fixtures, and glass. We scrape and dissolve these deposits using plastic razor blades and appropriate solvents chosen for the underlying surface, so hardwood, tile, and finished trim are cleared without scratching or dulling. Removing these spots restores the crisp, finished look a new build is supposed to have and prevents hardened compound from becoming permanent.

Windows, appliances, tubs, sinks, and cabinets ship with protective films, factory stickers, and barcode labels that installers leave in place to avoid damage during the build. We peel every film and label from these surfaces and follow up on any adhesive residue left behind. Left too long, this film bakes onto glass and stainless, and the adhesive becomes far harder to remove, so clearing it now protects both the finish and the warranty-fresh appearance.

Beyond peel-off films, construction leaves stubborn caulk overspill, dried construction adhesive, and gummy sticker residue bonded to glass, mirrors, and hard surfaces. We soften these deposits with citrus-based adhesive removers and lift them with plastic razors and microfiber so the underlying surface is not scratched. This detail work clears the hazy, sticky patches that catch light and instantly signal an unfinished job.

Freshly installed tile floors and backsplashes carry a cloudy grout haze and a thin film of thinset that ordinary mopping will never lift. We buff new tile and stone with the correct haze remover and dedicated pads to cut the mineral film without damaging grout lines or sealer. Clearing this haze is what makes new tile read as glossy and finished rather than dull and chalky, and doing it early avoids a haze that cures on permanently.

Fine construction dust settles inside every cabinet box, drawer, and closet long before anyone puts dishes or clothes away. We wipe the interiors and exteriors of all cabinetry, drawers, shelving, and closet systems with damp microfiber to clear settled drywall dust and sawdust. Because these are the spaces you will load first at move-in, cleaning them now means your belongings never go straight onto a gritty, dusty surface.

New-construction windows are coated in dust, paint flecks, and stickers, and the tracks and sills collect a surprising amount of debris, insulation bits, and screws. We clean glass inside and out to a streak-free finish and vacuum then wipe the tracks, sills, and frames so nothing binds the sashes. Clear windows dramatically brighten a finished space and let in the light that showcases new finishes, while clean tracks keep the windows operating smoothly.

Doors, door frames, baseboards, crown molding, and window trim collect a heavy dust load and frequent scuff and hand marks during the build, and switch and outlet plates are often smeared with primer and fingerprints. We hand-wipe every linear foot of trim and each faceplate with microfiber to remove grime and construction marks. This restores the clean, crisp lines that define a finished interior and removes the fingerprints that make brand-new work look already worn.

Light fixtures, ceiling fan blades, exhaust vents, and HVAC register covers gather dust and overspray during construction and are easy to overlook. We detail each fixture and fan blade and wipe or vacuum every vent and register cover so they are clean before the system runs and circulates that dust through the home. Clean fixtures throw clean light, and clearing registers now prevents the HVAC from redistributing leftover drywall dust the moment it turns on.

Newly installed sinks, faucets, tubs, toilets, showers, and hardware carry plumbing residue, fingerprints, and fine dust from the install, even though they have never been used. We clean and sanitize every new fixture and polish the hardware and chrome to a spot-free shine. This gives kitchens and baths their first proper cleaning so the surfaces are hygienic and the fixtures gleam the way new hardware should on day one.

Sawdust, nails, drywall scraps, and packaging debris collect in HVAC registers, closets, mechanical rooms, and utility spaces that finish crews rarely tidy. We vacuum and clear these overlooked cavities so no loose debris remains to shed dust or foul the HVAC system. Handling these hidden spaces is what makes the whole home feel genuinely complete rather than clean only where it is visible.

Every floor type in a new build needs its own finishing treatment: hardwood, tile, luxury vinyl plank, and new carpet each carry construction grit that scratches if it is not lifted first. We vacuum thoroughly, then scrub and mop hard floors and polish or buff them as appropriate, and vacuum new carpet to raise the pile and pull embedded dust. Because loose grit is what dulls and scratches brand-new flooring, this careful final treatment protects the finish while making the floors shine for handover.

Even a meticulous clean can miss a resettled ledge or a smudge that appears only in the right light. We walk the entire space for a final inspection, checking sightlines, glass, and high-touch surfaces, and run a touch-up pass on anything that has resettled before handover. This verification step is what guarantees the property is truly move-in or showing ready the moment we leave, with no leftover film waiting to reappear.