5 Common Mistakes Builders Make When Hiring a Post-Construction Cleaning Company

Avoid costly mistakes when hiring a post-construction cleaning company. Learn what to look for with our essential checklist. Contact Autopilot Building Services today!

Andrew Wilson

9/3/20243 min read

When your construction project is nearing the finish line, one of the final—and most critical—steps is ensuring the property is clean and ready for the new occupants. Hiring a post-construction cleaning company seems like an easy choice, but many builders make mistakes that can lead to subpar results, delays, or additional costs.

To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve outlined the 5 common mistakes builders make when hiring a post-construction cleaning company, and how you can choose the right one to ensure a spotless, move-in ready property.

1. Choosing Based on Price Alone

It’s tempting to choose the cleaning company that offers the lowest bid, especially if you’re looking to cut costs after a long construction project. However, in post-construction cleaning, you often get what you pay for. A company that offers a suspiciously low price may not have the necessary equipment, trained staff, or attention to detail needed to get the job done right. They may cut corners, skip critical tasks, or leave the property less than move-in ready, which can ultimately reflect poorly on your project.

Solution: Instead of choosing the cheapest option, focus on getting a fair, competitive price from a company with the necessary experience and reputation. Look for a provider that offers transparent pricing without sacrificing quality.

2. Not Verifying Experience with Post-Construction Cleaning

Post-construction cleaning isn’t the same as standard cleaning. It requires a specific set of skills, tools, and processes to effectively remove construction dust, debris, and leftover materials. Builders sometimes make the mistake of hiring a general cleaning company without verifying their experience in post-construction cleaning.

Solution: Always ask for proof of experience in post-construction cleaning. Ensure the company you hire has worked on projects similar to yours and can provide references or case studies that demonstrate their expertise in this specialized field.

3. Overlooking Insurance and Certifications

Cleaning a construction site comes with its own set of risks, from handling potentially hazardous materials to working around sharp debris or heavy equipment. If the cleaning company you hire isn’t fully insured or certified, you could be left responsible for accidents, injuries, or property damage that occur during the cleaning process.

Solution: Before hiring any post-construction cleaning company, verify that they are fully insured and licensed. This protects you from liability and ensures that the company follows proper safety and industry standards. Additionally, certifications from professional organizations can be a sign that the company takes their training and safety protocols seriously.

4. Failing to Check for a Detailed Cleaning Checklist

A common mistake builders make is assuming that all cleaning companies offer the same services. Not all post-construction cleaning companies provide a comprehensive checklist, and some may overlook important areas like windows, ceilings, vents, or light fixtures.

Solution: Request a detailed cleaning checklist before hiring any company. A professional post-construction cleaning service should provide a thorough, itemized list of tasks they’ll perform, ensuring every part of the property will be cleaned to the highest standards. Make sure the checklist covers areas such as debris removal, detailed floor cleaning, surface sanitization, and window washing.

5. Neglecting the Satisfaction Guarantee

No one wants to deal with the hassle of a poorly cleaned site, especially when you’re on a tight deadline to deliver a finished project. However, some builders fail to check if the cleaning company offers a satisfaction guarantee, which can leave them with little recourse if the cleaning job isn’t up to standard.

Solution: Choose a company that stands by their work. A satisfaction guarantee ensures that if the property isn’t cleaned to your expectations, the company will return to make it right—at no extra cost. This peace of mind can save you time, money, and potential frustration in the long run.

Why Choose Autopilot Building Services?

At Autopilot Building Services, we specialize in post-construction cleaning and are dedicated to helping builders in Cincinnati deliver spotless, move-in ready properties. With over 40 years of experience, we provide comprehensive cleaning services that meet the highest standards.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Expertise in Post-Construction Cleaning: Our team is specially trained to handle the unique demands of post-construction cleaning, ensuring every surface is pristine.

  • Licensed and Insured: We are fully licensed and insured, giving you peace of mind that your project is in safe hands.

  • Comprehensive Cleaning Checklist: From floor-to-ceiling cleaning to debris removal, we ensure no detail is overlooked.

  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you're not happy with the result, we'll come back and make it right—at no additional cost.

Autopilot Can Help!

Hiring the right post-construction cleaning company is essential to ensuring your project is completed on time and to the highest standards. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can partner with a cleaning service that will help you deliver a polished, move-in-ready property.

Contact Autopilot Building Services today at 513-615-0788 or visit www.autopilotbuildingservices.com/request-a-quote to schedule a consultation. Let us handle the final step in making your project more-in ready!