Remodeling your home creates a considerable mess when all is said and done. Even if your
contractor or crew of renovators go about the work neatly, there’s still waste, dust and dirt to
take care of when the project is complete. To help, here are a few tips for homeowners on
minimizing waste and performing a comprehensive post-construction cleanup after your final
walkthrough.
First, let’s talk about waste. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency,
home remodeling accounts for 22% of all construction and demolition generated waste.
Although much of that waste is from natural materials, some of it could be hazardous to your
health, such as brick and drywall dust. Handling these materials should be done with care and
may require specific cleaning equipment.
If taking care of post-construction waste removal yourself, be sure to wear personal protection
equipment. A respirator or face mask is necessary to reduce the chances of hazardous dust
from getting inside your lungs. Hiring a professional post-construction cleaning company could
also go a long way in protecting your health and everyone else who resides in the house post-
renovation. These services are equipped to handle all kinds of projects, making sure to clean
the home efficiently and dispose of waste safely.
Speaking of disposal, while you’ll probably want to rent a dumpster to remove debris as soon as
possible, you should consider which items could be potentially reused or recycled. With a little
planning ahead of construction, you could coordinate with the contractor to keep waste
separated on-site as the project moves along. That way, it’s easier to recycle the waste and to
donate any materials that are still in functional condition for reuse. A mixed-waste dumpster is
equally viable for keeping items sorted and processed correctly when the time comes.
After these larger materials have been removed, take a walk through the property to evaluate
the supplies you’ll need for cleanup. For instance, spackling paste and spilled paint may call for
special cleaning solutions for complete removal. Along the same lines is gathering the proper
tools for the job. A high-powered vacuum cleaner, or shop vac, may be required to eliminate all
that dust and dirt throughout the renovated area. A wet/dry vacuum is another useful tool to
invest in as it helps streamline serious cleaning projects such as this.
Going through important points such as these and others like them is a great way to set
yourself up for success. Also, opt for professional services to come in and take over the
pressure of cleaning up construction mess. Want to learn more about post-renovation
inspection, cleanup and more? Check out the accompanying resource for further information.
Resources
https://www.hennepin.us/choose-to-reuse/tips/home-remodeling-reduce-waste
https://prohousekeepers.com/blog/the-best-post-construction-cleaning-guide/
Infographic created by NowRush, Residential Dumpster Rental for Handling Your Waste Removal Needs
