Post-Construction Cleanup for San Antonio New Builds & Remodels

What's included in Post-Construction

Have you just finished a stressful home remodel or construction project? A new build or remodel is not truly move-in ready until all the invisible construction dust is gone.

Standard vacuums simply redistribute tiny drywall particles right back into the HVAC system instead of actually capturing them.

Our post-construction service uses specialized HEPA-filter vacuums and electrostatic microfiber cloths to remove dust at the microscopic particle level. This thorough method safely wipes down delicate finishes like cabinets, trim, light fixtures, and window tracks. It also addresses stubborn paint or adhesive residue left behind by contractors.

Rough-clean vs final-clean

Post-construction cleaning involves two distinct phases that often happen on completely different schedules. Understanding the difference helps you plan your move-in date without unexpected delays.

What to Expect During a Rough-Clean

Rough-clean happens between trades. This stage typically occurs post-drywall, pre-paint, or post-paint, pre-trim. The main goal is to remove gross debris and fine dust so subsequent trades like painters and carpenters can work without contaminating their finish work.

Industrial shop vacuums handle the heavy lifting to clear out larger wood scraps and drywall chunks. We perform a much faster pass during this stage, with less detail on the final finishes.

Feature	Rough-Clean	Final-Clean
Timing	Between trades (pre-paint or trim)	After all trades finish
Focus Area	Gross debris and heavy floor dust	Microscopic dust and high surfaces
Tools Used	High-capacity shop vacuums	HEPA vacuums and microfiber
Time Required	One quick pass (4 to 6 hours)	Multiple detailed passes (1 to 2 days)

The Details of a Final-Clean

Final-clean happens after all trades are fully out of the house, right before move-in or handoff. This is the deep, multi-pass clean that makes a home truly livable.

The process includes HEPA capture of fine dust on every single surface, detailed window track cleaning, and light fixture and vent dusting. It also covers cabinet and trim wipe-downs, paint and adhesive residue removal, and floor finishing.

We typically run two to three passes spaced over a day or two so resettled dust is captured before you walk through. This multi-day approach ensures you breathe clean air from day one.

Why HEPA matters for new construction

Drywall and gypsum dust particle size sits well below one micron. These particles are small enough to pass straight through standard vacuum filters and blow back into the air through the exhaust.

A standard shop vacuum simply recirculates this dust, while a true HEPA-filter vacuum captures it permanently. The US Department of Energy requires genuine HEPA filters to capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size. Microfiber cloths then bind remaining fine particles electrostatically rather than pushing them around like regular paper towels.

The True Cost of Poor Dust Control

The respiratory risk on new construction sites is very real. Drywall dust often contains crystalline silica fragments that severely aggravate your lungs.

We strictly follow guidelines because OSHA currently sets a strict permissible exposure limit of just 50 micrograms per cubic meter for silica dust to protect indoor air quality. Cleaning with the wrong equipment simply moves the problem from the floor directly into the HVAC system.

Those hidden particles usually end up settling in your bedrooms a week after you move in. For optimal safety, experts strongly recommend installing a MERV 11 to MERV 13 air filter in your HVAC unit during the final weeks of a remodel to catch airborne particles.

See our deeper HEPA and microfiber explainer for a complete breakdown of this technology.

Surfaces commonly missed

Post-construction cleaning fails most often on the tricky surfaces located above eye level. Many standard cleaning crews rush through a job and leave behind layers of hidden PM 2.5 particulate matter.

Our trained technicians know exactly where to look for this hidden debris. Here are the most problematic areas:

• Light fixtures and ceiling fans: Drywall dust settles heavily on every horizontal surface, especially high ledges.
• Window tracks: Fine dust quickly packs into the lower track of double-hung windows and reappears the first time the window is opened.
• HVAC vents and returns: Dust pulled in during the rough construction phases recirculates for weeks if not thoroughly wiped.
• Cabinet tops and trim: Surfaces installed mid-build accumulate a thick layer of dust long before the final clean begins.
• Door frames: Standard surface cleaning frequently misses the flat top edge of doorways and baseboards.

We always work systematically from top to bottom so gravity pulls the dust onto the floors that get cleaned last. This simple technique prevents freshly cleaned areas from getting dirty again.

What is NOT included

While this service provides incredibly thorough interior detailing, certain heavy-duty tasks fall outside a standard scope. You should plan ahead for these specific items:

• Debris haul-away: Removing heavy materials requires renting a 10 to 30-yard roll-off dumpster. We coordinate our timing efficiently around your scheduled dumpster pickup.
• Drain or HVAC duct cleaning: These are strictly licensed-trade specialty services that use negative air machines.
• Trade rework: If a trade left adhesive or paint that requires solvent and carries a damage risk, our crew will flag it for the general contractor rather than attempt removal.

Pricing

Post-construction service is priced per square foot, typically ranging from $0.30 to $0.60 across the US in 2026. For a standard 2,500-square-foot American home, this investment usually translates to roughly $750 to $1,500.

Factors That Influence Your Cost

Your specific rate will vary based on several key variables:

• Number of passes required (rough vs final, or a multi-day final clean).
• Trade-residue load (handling paint over-spray, thick adhesive on glass, or hard caulk on tile).
• Site condition (fully cleared rooms vs spaces with partial debris).
• Total square footage of the property.

Our estimators always provide a firm quote after a quick on-site walk-through or by reviewing detailed project photos. For builders and GCs running multiple local sites, we offer discounted recurring-project pricing to keep budgets predictable.

Comparing Service Options

For comparison with standard deep cleaning, see post-construction vs deep cleaning and what’s included in post-construction cleaning.

All jobs feature completely background-checked staff and strictly OSHA-aligned safety training. Every crew is bonded and insured for your peace of mind.

Ready to see your new space shine? Get a project quote.