Nairobi CBD - 00100
Your dream project is complete. Contractors have packed their bags, left the site and moved to their next assignment. You step into the site with joyous anticipation of the outcome. However, your excitement turns into disappointment upon seeing the fine dust covering all surfaces. Your new space looks dusty and dirty. This is the aftermath of construction or renovation work which few people warn you about.
You cannot tackle the dust with normal housekeeping practices such as sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming. Sweeping the fine dust results in dust clouds floating all over. You will also notice how quickly water turns into greyish sludge when mopping the surface. Even vacuuming does not remove the dust, as the filters tend to get blocked within minutes. Therefore, this is something that requires professionals who know how to remove post construction dust and site cleanup.
Many homeowners, tenants, landlords, small businesses, and property developers in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru make the mistake of handling post construction dust removal themselves or hiring a regular house cleaner. The result is always frustrating since the dust remains stubborn. Sometimes, the person hired for post construction cleanup claims that they can do the job yet ends up damaging the new surfaces or leaving dust in hard to reach areas which causes issues for months.
This article highlights what actual post construction dust removal and site cleanup entails, the reasons to opt for this service, and the best ways to find trusted post construction dust removal professionals.
Post construction cleaning is different from regular deep cleaning. There is a systematic procedure in place to address all the challenges presented by the dust. A professional service begins with removing all the dirt and debris accumulated during construction.
This phase entails clearing large debris such as construction materials, packaging material, nails, screws, and dried cement/mortar. Industrial brooms, shovels, and heavy duty rubbish bags help to remove these items and make the cleaning process easier.
The construction dust settles on all surfaces, including ceilings, ceiling fans, light fixtures, window frames, door headers, and high shelves. Therefore, post construction cleaners begin with extending dusters and ladders to clean these surfaces. Then, they proceed to wiping surfaces. Walls are wiped down with tools that trap dust rather than spreading it further. Windowsills, skirting boards, and picture rails are also wiped meticulously.
Post construction dust removal professionals also wipe electrical outlets, switches, and vent covers. The reason is that these areas are often overlooked despite having accumulated a significant amount of dust.
Removing post construction dust from floors is challenging due to the various surfaces involved, including tiles, concrete, wood, and vinyl. Industrial vacuums with HEPA filters help to trap the finest dust particles. Dry steam cleaners or special mops are used to absorb the dust instead of pushing it around.
In case your floor includes carpets, multiple vacuuming rounds followed by professional steam cleaning are required. The same applies to furniture which might have been in place during the construction phase.
Kitchens and bathrooms have several cabinets, shelves, and appliances that store construction dust inside. These spaces require thorough cleaning. Professional cleaners will start by opening the cabinets and drawers, vacuuming inside, and wiping all surfaces. They will also clean and sanitize sinks, taps, showers, toilets, ovens, cooktops, exhaust fans, and all surfaces covered in protective plastic or stickers.
Construction dust tends to stick to glass and window frames, resulting in a gritty surface. Post construction cleaners will wash both sides of the windows if they are accessible. Tracks, sills, and frames are also wiped clean. Sliding door tracks require thorough vacuuming and scrubbing.
Once the primary post construction dust removal process is complete, cleaners perform a final round of cleaning to attend to small details. This includes the interior surfaces of closets, behind doors, corners, and underneath built-in furniture. Finally, the cleaner does an inspection round with you to confirm that everything is satisfactory.
Dust collected during construction is different from the household dust. It comprises fine particles from drywall, wood, concrete, insulation, adhesives, and silica. Breathing these particles leads to lung irritation and respiratory illnesses such as asthma or allergies. For young kids, the elderly, or anyone who suffers from respiratory disorders, settling into a dusty construction site can lead to severe complications.
Additionally, post construction dust harms your property. The abrasiveness of dust particles scratches the glass, polished stone, and wooden floors. It also clogs the filters of your air conditioner, fans, and electronics, reducing their efficiency and longevity. Moreover, if construction dust settles inside cabinets and wardrobes, it continues affecting your clothes and dishes for months to come.
Therefore, post construction dust removal ensures you have preserved your investment. The money spent on expensive finishing touches goes in vain if abrasive dust ruins your new surfaces before you move in.
The following scenarios necessitate professional post construction dust removal:
After building a new house After renovations in kitchens and bathrooms After installing new flooring or ceiling works Commercial construction and office fit-outs
A family living in Thika recently completed renovations of their living room and two bedrooms. The contractor promised that all they needed to do was "sweep and mop" to make the dust disappear. The family spent their entire weekend cleaning the house. However, every time they opened the door, dust fell from the top of the frame. Whenever they switched on ceiling fans, dust dispersed throughout the room. Finally, their regular vacuum broke down due to dust accumulation. Only professional post construction cleaners could manage to thoroughly clean their house in six hours. The family admitted that they wasted their weekend trying to save a couple of dollars.
An office in Nairobi's Westlands renovated its reception area and hoped that employees would tidy up the premises over the weekend. The manager wanted to welcome clients on Monday. However, employees were unaware of the procedures required to remove construction dust from computers, keyboards, and office machinery. The office remained dusty until Tuesday, which made clients believe that the company lacked professionalism. The manager finally hired post construction cleaners who completed the job overnight. The office looked brand new again, but the damage to the company's image was already done.
A landlord owning a newly constructed apartment block requires post construction cleaning before new tenants move in. Tenants will be disappointed if they notice dust on window tracks, inside cabinets, and under the sink. Professional post construction cleaning makes a great first impression and justifies the rent.
Most people underestimate the complexity of post construction dust removal. Therefore, they hire regular house cleaners who claim they can tackle it. They arrive at the site with a standard mop and bucket as well as a regular vacuum cleaner. In an hour, the cleaner notices that the vacuum is clogged and smoking. Furthermore, the mop spreads grey sludge across the floor. The cleaner eventually abandons the job or does poorly and leaves you dissatisfied.
Some unverified "cleaners" claim to specialize in post construction dust removal and site cleanup but lack experience. They fail to remove dust from critical areas such as light fixtures, behind kitchen cabinets, or air conditioning vents. Moreover, they use the wrong cleaning products on new granite or wooden surfaces. This leads to etching and discoloration of these surfaces. Additionally, they damage sensitive finishes such as polished chrome or glass with abrasive tools.
Finally, unverified cleaners might have no intention of completing the job. They quote a low price, accept a deposit, and never show up. Alternatively, they turn up late, rush the task, and request extra payment for the remaining work. With no reliable platform to verify the cleaner's background, you have nowhere else to turn to.
This is why architects, contractors, and smart homeowners refer their clients to trustworthy platforms such as The Real Plug when asked to recommend post construction dust removal services.
The Real Plug was specifically developed to help you find local professionals in Kenya. You do not need to search through social media pages or randomly dial phone numbers to find a cleaner. Instead, you can locate trusted post construction dust removal and site cleanup specialists who have undergone verification.
Using The Real Plug means browsing the profiles of local service providers in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and other major cities. Each profile contains information about their experience, offered services, and in some cases, previous clients' testimonials. You can select the most suitable options based on your budget and timeline.
The Real Plug benefits contractors and property developers by providing reliable sources of professional cleaners who understand their requirements and work effectively according to the tight schedule.
Finally, homeowners and small businesses appreciate the accountability factor associated with hiring via a trustworthy platform. Providers listed on The Real Plug know that their reputations are on the line. Therefore, they are more likely to give you an excellent job.
A professional post construction cleaner will begin by inspecting the site and asking for information regarding delicate surfaces and other considerations. Then, they will provide you with the list of equipment required to remove post construction dust. This list typically includes industrial vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, microfiber cloths in different colors to prevent cross-contamination, specialized cleaning agents for different surfaces, extenders, and protective clothing.
The cleaner will follow a systematic procedure, beginning with the highest point. They will remove all the dust from walls, floors, ceilings, and cabinets. Then, they will conduct the final cleaning process which involves wiping down all surfaces with proper cleaning products. Some cleaners offer supplementary services, such as carpet steam cleaning or upholstery cleaning in case the furniture was present during construction.
At the end of the session, they will do another inspection together with you. This means checking high corners, inside cabinets, window tracks, behind doors, and under the sinks. A good post construction cleaner will welcome your inspection since they wish to please you.
The cost of professional post construction dust removal and site cleanup depends on the scale of the property, the quantity of dust and debris, and the number of additional services provided. Most people discover that this expense is negligible compared to the frustration and damage that would occur if the job were not done properly.
After all the effort and resources invested in building or renovating your property, do not allow the last step to spoil your experience. Post construction dust removal and site cleanup will turn the dusty construction site into a clean, healthy, and beautiful space to live in. It will protect your health, preserve your surfaces, and save you days of tiring cleaning efforts.
The difficulty lies in finding professionals with the necessary skills and expertise to do the job properly. Fortunately, this issue has been solved by The Real Plug. This platform connects you with vetted local professionals who will leave your new space looking brand new.
Do not fight the dust on your own. Let the experts handle it while you settle in your new space.
Hire a professional post construction dust remover via The Real Plug.
If you are a cleaning professional who specializes in post construction cleanup and you wish to work with homeowners, contractors, and businesses in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, or Nakuru, sign up for The Real Plug.
