New construction cleaning is one of the most demanding cleaning specialties — and one of the most consequential. The difference between a properly cleaned new build and one that was rushed through a basic sweep is visible to every buyer, tenant, and inspector who walks through the door. Green Planet Cleaning has been providing new construction cleaning services to San Francisco developers, general contractors, and property managers since 2010.
New Construction vs. Post-Renovation: What's the Difference?
New construction cleaning and post-renovation cleaning share many characteristics but differ in scale and complexity. New construction involves a property that has never been occupied — every surface has construction residue, every fixture has protective film, and every floor has been walked on by dozens of tradespeople. Post-renovation cleaning addresses a specific area of an existing home where work was done.
New construction cleaning in San Francisco is particularly complex because of the city's building stock. Many "new construction" projects in SF involve gut renovations of Victorian and Edwardian buildings — preserving original architectural details while installing modern systems. This means cleaning teams must handle both delicate historic surfaces (original hardwood, decorative plaster, period tile) and brand-new finishes (quartz countertops, stainless appliances, engineered flooring) in the same property.
The Three Phases of New Construction Cleaning
Phase 1: Rough Clean
Timing: After framing, drywall, and mechanical rough-in
The rough clean removes the bulk of construction debris before finish work begins. This includes sweeping and vacuuming all surfaces, removing drywall dust from floors and sills, clearing debris from inside cabinets and closets, and cleaning windows of construction splatter. The rough clean is not a final clean — it's preparation for the finish trades.
- Remove all construction debris
- Vacuum drywall dust from all surfaces
- Clean window frames and sills
- Clear cabinet interiors
- Sweep and mop all floors
Phase 2: Final Clean
Timing: After all finish work is complete, before punch list
The final clean is the most thorough phase and the one that determines how the property presents to buyers, tenants, or inspectors. Every surface is cleaned to a move-in ready standard. Protective films are removed from appliances, fixtures, and windows. Grout is cleaned. Hardware is polished. Floors are cleaned and buffed.
- Remove all protective films from appliances and fixtures
- Clean all windows inside and out
- Scrub grout lines
- Polish all hardware and fixtures
- Deep clean all appliances
- Clean inside all cabinets and drawers
- Wipe all baseboards, door frames, and trim
- Final floor cleaning and buffing
Phase 3: Touch-Up Clean
Timing: After punch list work, immediately before handover
The touch-up clean addresses any areas disturbed by punch list repairs and ensures the property is in perfect condition for handover. This is typically a 2–4 hour visit that focuses on areas where work was done after the final clean.
- Re-clean areas disturbed by punch list work
- Remove any remaining dust or debris
- Final window wipe-down
- Final floor touch-up
- Confirm all surfaces are move-in ready
New Construction Cleaning Pricing in San Francisco
New construction cleaning is priced based on square footage and the scope of work required. Because construction sites have significantly more debris and residue than occupied homes, new construction cleaning takes approximately 4× longer than a standard cleaning of the same square footage. Our pricing reflects this reality.
| Property Size | Final Clean | Full Package (All 3 Phases) |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR condo/apartment | from $480 | Custom quote |
| 2BR/2BA unit | from $720 | Custom quote |
| 3BR/2BA home | from $960 | Custom quote |
| 4BR+ / multi-unit | Custom quote | Custom quote |
Why Contractors Choose Green Planet
W-2 Employees
All our cleaners are W-2 employees — not contractors. This means consistent training, accountability, and insurance coverage on every job.
$2M Liability Coverage
We carry $2M in general liability insurance. Every job is covered. We can provide certificates of insurance for your project files.
Flexible Scheduling
We work around your construction schedule. Early morning, evenings, weekends — we accommodate the timeline your project requires.
Eco-Safe Products
Our plant-based cleaning products are safe for new finishes, won't void appliance warranties, and leave no chemical residue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work directly with general contractors?
Yes. We work with GCs, developers, property managers, and individual homeowners. For multi-unit projects, we can provide volume pricing and coordinate directly with your project manager.
Can you clean occupied units in a building under construction?
Yes, with appropriate scheduling to minimize disruption. We're experienced in working in mixed-occupancy buildings where some units are occupied while others are under construction.
Do you remove construction debris?
We remove light construction debris as part of our cleaning service. For large volumes of debris, drywall scraps, or heavy materials, we recommend coordinating with a junk removal service first.
How far in advance should I schedule new construction cleaning?
We recommend booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance for single units and 3–4 weeks for multi-unit projects. Construction timelines shift, so we build flexibility into our scheduling.
Do you provide certificates of insurance?
Yes. We can provide certificates of insurance naming your company as additionally insured. Contact us with your requirements and we'll provide the documentation within 24 hours.
Ready for a Move-In Ready Property?
W-2 employees. $2M liability. 15 years of SF construction cleaning experience. Contact us for a custom quote.
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