How to Start a Post Construction Cleaning Business

Part 1 - How to start a Post Construction Cleaning business - Background

Construction cleanup service providers clear a building’s construction area. These crews make sure an area is ready for the next stage of work, while also ensuring the area’s safety. Construction cleanup companies have several duties. They clean buildings between construction stages and prepare areas to become safe work environments. Construction cleanup crews can conduct final sanitization and cleanings, making sure a remodeling project is complete.

Our guide is in 3 parts:

• Part 1 - How to start a Construction Clean Up business - Background
• Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
• Part 3 - Action plan to get started

What are the costs involved in opening a post construction cleaning business?

Startup costs are relatively low—sitting around $2,000. Materials will need to be purchased. Normally, a cleanup crew needs chemical cleaners, mops, brooms, a shop vac, ladders, window cleaning materials, and similar items.

You’ll also need a wheelbarrow and other hauling materials. While you may not need a workshop, having one can certainly help. Monthly rent, for a small shop, is about $2,000. Consider spending another $1,000 on startup advertisement costs. These costs will cover detailed brochures, promotional packages, and similar items.

What are the ongoing expenses for a post construction cleaning business?

A construction cleaning crew’s expenses aren’t too high. Cleaning materials, per job, can amount to less than $100. These expenses account for used cleaners, equipment depreciation and worker time. On average, a cleaning crew operator is paid between $20 and $30 for their time. Ideally, you’ll be paying your workers more than you’ll be paying for materials.

Who is the target market?

Typical construction cleanup company clients are commercial and residential property owners. A construction crew can work on a home, a warehouse, a factory, or even an apartment complex. Because they can serve many areas, the best clients are those who communicate effectively. To make more money, a construction cleanup company may provide services to networks such as apartments, hotels, and business strips.

How does a post construction cleaning business make money?

A construction cleanup service is paid by project. Normally, a project includes sanitization. A crew must clean the area, making sure it’s safe and operable. All thresholds, too, must be cleaned. Once all dust, dirt, and other materials have been lifted, the crew will have completed its job. While a crew typically makes money for cleanup projects, they can also make money by preparing spaces for construction. Construction is a lengthy process, and a crew may be needed before, during, or after an area is tended to.

How much can you charge customers?

Prices for pre-and post-construction cleanup jobs vary. That said, the average price for a residential cleaning job is between $500 and $800. Meanwhile, commercial cleanup budgets are about $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot. Most homeowners spend between $227 and $663 per service. Specialty cleanings can be charged at around $1,000.

How much profit can a post construction cleaning business make?

A successful construction cleanup service can make about $100,000 in revenue, annually. The leader of the construction cleanup crew leader makes around $50,000. Again, most expenses are directed towards paying other employees. Because construction cleanup services are served on a client-to-client basis, a crew’s success depends on its area.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Post-construction cleanup is pretty niche. For this reason, it’s a good idea to serve commercial properties. These properties have a lot of cleanliness regulations. Also, find homeowners who are looking for minor renovations. Typically, these clients will pay more for square-foot cleaning coverage. If a client isn’t paying much for overall construction, they’ll splurge more on post-construction cleanup.

Day-to-Day and Growth

What happens during a typical day at a post construction cleaning business?

A construction cleanup crew services both commercial and residential construction sites. A cleanup crew is in charge of dusting, shining, and polishing appliances. They also clean furnishings and hardware. Often a construction cleanup company will clear large debris. Because they’re relied on for garbage disposal, most services tie in with local waste laws. A construction cleanup company must also reach out to construction companies. A construction cleanup company thrives in construction sites, so a deep understanding of area codes is important.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful post construction cleaning business?

Because a cleanup service is sometimes viewed as an accessory service, they often need to seek out new clients. Cleaning skills count. You should know how to remove sticker labels, vacuum window tracks, use a shop vac, remove furniture drawers, and clean sawdust. You should also understand the use of different cleaning solutions. Dusting, polishing, cleaning, and mopping are useful skills.

From an administrative standpoint, it’s important to understand local marketing. A construction cleanup business needs to search for its clients, so understanding the area’s construction needs can help. What areas are changing? Are new neighborhoods being developed? What about new shops?

What is the growth potential for a post construction cleaning business?

A lot of construction cleanup services work locally. Depending on the area, a cleanup service can expand to serve a network of providers. Often, a cleanup service will thrive alongside professional construction groups. If an area has a lot of urban development, a construction cleanup service can expect to find a lot of work. Competition can be fierce, however. Construction cleanup isn’t sought after due to its high-quality amenities. Sometimes, residents assume it’s akin to maintenance work. For this reason, a construction cleanup business needs to offer quick, affordable services to thrive in the professional world. Specialization with hardwood, marble, or other valuable materials is a plus. If a construction cleanup provider can clean unique services, they’ll offer unique value.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a post construction cleaning business?

You should visit your clients in person. Because construction cleanup services are specific to location, the job, and the construction company, clients will want to meet you. Also, have a solid promotional package to show them. All potential customers should understand the scope of your work.

How and when to build a team

You should start with a team of two to three people. While you can clean construction areas yourself, it’s advisable to expand your services from a firm foundation. More workers equal speedier services. At the start, speedy services will get you more contracts.

Part 2 - Is a Post Construction Cleaning business the right fit for you?

Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Post Construction Cleaning business in 90 days