The contractor says the house is done. The countertops are in, the paint is dry, and you can almost picture the holiday table in the new dining room. Then you run a finger across a windowsill and it comes back gray.
That’s construction dust, and it’s everywhere. Here’s how construction clean up works in Jacksonville, phase by phase, so you know what to book and when.
Quick Answer: Construction clean up in Jacksonville usually happens in three phases. The rough clean removes debris after major work. The final clean removes fine dust from every surface before the walk-through. The touch-up clean happens right before move-in or closing. Builders and homeowners who want to close before the holidays should book the final clean two to three weeks ahead.
What are the phases of construction cleaning?
There are three, and each one has a different job.
| Phase | When it happens | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Rough clean | After framing, drywall and major trades | Debris, scraps, packaging, sweeping, first dust pass |
| Final clean | After all trades finish, before the walk-through | Fine dust on every surface, inside cabinets, fixtures, glass, floors |
| Touch-up clean | Right before move-in, closing or a listing photo shoot | Dust that settled after the final clean, fingerprints, floors |
Not every project needs all three. A kitchen remodel in San Marco might only need a final clean. A new build in Nocatee or SilverLeaf usually needs the final and a touch-up.
What does a final construction cleaning include?
A final construction cleaning removes fine dust from every surface in the home, top to bottom. That includes:
- Ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents
- Inside and outside of every cabinet and drawer
- Countertops, sinks and new appliances, including stickers and residue
- Windows, sills, tracks and interior glass
- Bathrooms: tubs, showers, toilets, mirrors and grout haze
- Baseboards, door frames and trim
- Floors: vacuumed with HEPA filtration, then damp-mopped
This is the phase builders in Jacksonville search for most, because it’s the one that makes a home ready for the owner or the inspector. Our post-construction cleaning service page lists the full scope.
Why is construction dust so hard to clean?
Because it’s very fine and it keeps falling. Drywall and sanding dust float in the air for hours, then settle on surfaces you already cleaned. That’s why a good final clean works top to bottom and uses HEPA vacuums, not just brooms.
It also gets into the HVAC system. Ask your builder to change the air filter after the final clean, or the system will blow dust back into the house for weeks.
If your home was built before 1978 and the remodel disturbed old paint, follow the EPA’s lead-safe guidance. Lead dust needs certified handling, not regular cleaning.
How do I time construction clean up to close before the holidays?
Work backward from your closing or move-in date. A simple plan:
- 3 weeks before: Book the final clean with your cleaning company
- 1 to 2 weeks before: Final clean after the last trade leaves
- 1 to 3 days before: Touch-up clean, plus an HVAC filter change
November and December are busy for builders across Duval and St. Johns County, because many buyers want to close and move in before the end of the year. Booking early protects your date.
Do you handle commercial construction cleaning too?
Yes. Offices, retail spaces and medical suites go through the same phases. Commercial final cleans often add high dusting, storefront glass and restroom fixtures. Our guide to post-construction cleaning in Nocatee and St. Johns County covers more examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a final construction clean take?
It depends on square footage and how much dust is left. A typical new home often takes one full day with a team.
Do I need a rough clean if my contractor removes debris?
Maybe not. If the site is already broom-clean, you can go straight to the final clean.
Do you work with builders and general contractors?
Yes. We clean for builders, contractors, remodelers and homeowners across Jacksonville, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, St. Johns County and St. Augustine.
Can you remove paint splatter and sticker residue?
We remove light residue and labels from new fixtures and glass. Heavy paint or adhesive problems may need the trade that caused them.
Make your new space move-in ready
The build is done. Let’s make it feel finished. Fabby Cleaning Services is a licensed and insured local team based at 13990 Bartram Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32258. Call (904) 720-2202 or request a free quote with your square footage and target date.
