Congratulations on completing your dream home renovation! The transformation process is exciting, but we know it also leaves a significant amount of dust, debris, and general mess.
But don’t let the cleanup dampen your enthusiasm! Post-renovation cleaning isn’t just the final step—it’s an essential part of making your new space feel welcoming and ready to enjoy.
Interestingly, recent studies show that the median renovation spend in 2023 was around $24,000, a significant increase from $15,000 in 2020. With homeowners investing between $15,000 and $25,000 on renovations annually! Given this substantial financial commitment, it’s clear why tackling the clean-up after such extensive renovations might feel overwhelming for many homeowners.
That’s where we come in! We’ve put together this blog to ease your worries. Here, we’ve curated a list of essential post-renovation cleaning tips to help you efficiently and effectively tackle the mess. Let’s transform that post-renovation chaos into a sparkling, clean sanctuary!
An Introduction to Home Renovation
A home renovation goes beyond a simple refresh or makeover. It involves substantially altering a house to improve its functionality, aesthetics, or value–involving projects, both structural and cosmetic, including:
- Structural Changes: These involve altering the core framework of a house, such as adding new rooms, removing walls to create an open floor plan, extending the house upwards or outwards, or even completely rebuilding certain sections.
- Functional Improvements: These include projects to enhance a home’s livability and efficiency. Functional improvements may involve upgrading the plumbing or electrical systems, adding insulation, or installing energy-efficient appliances and windows.
- Aesthetic Home Improvements/Changes: These focus on enhancing a home’s visual appeal. Changes or fixes that include updating kitchens and bathrooms, replacing flooring, repainting walls, or upgrading fixtures and appliances come under aesthetic improvements.
Moreover, home renovations can be driven by various motivations, including:
- Personal Preference: Tailoring a home to fit one’s lifestyle and taste.
- Increased Value: Making improvements that enhance the resale value of a property.
- Addressing Wear and Tear: Repairing or replacing damaged or outdated components.
- Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
- Safety and Accessibility: Ensuring a safe and accessible living environment for all occupants.
Whether large or small, a home renovation represents a significant investment of time, effort, and resources. It can transform a house into a personalized haven that reflects the owner’s unique needs and desires.
Now that you’ve seen the potential transformation a home renovation can bring, did you know it also offers many practical benefits beyond just aesthetics? Let’s explore some of them.
Top 5 Benefits of Home Renovation
1. Enhanced Functionality and Space Utilization
Renovating your home allows you to optimize the layout and functionality of your living spaces. You can create a more efficient and comfortable environment by reconfiguring rooms, expanding areas, or adding new ones. This might involve knocking down walls to create an open-plan living space, adding built-in storage solutions to reduce clutter, or converting unused areas like basements or attics into functional living spaces. These improvements make your daily routines more seamless and tailor your home to suit your lifestyle needs better.
2. Increased Property Value and Market Appeal
Home renovations significantly increase your property’s market value, especially in critical areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. Modernizing these areas with high-quality materials, energy-efficient appliances, and contemporary designs makes your home more attractive to potential buyers. Even if you’re not planning to sell immediately, these upgrades ensure that your home remains competitive in the real estate market, offering a solid return on investment whenever you decide to sell.
3. Improved Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
A well-planned renovation provides an excellent opportunity to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Upgrading insulation, installing double—or triple-pane windows, and replacing old HVAC systems with energy-efficient models can reduce energy consumption. These changes lower your utility bills and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing your home’s carbon footprint. Renewable energy sources, like solar panels, further boost your home’s sustainability, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run.
4. Enhanced Safety, Comfort, and Air Quality
Addressing outdated or worn-out systems during a renovation ensures your home is up-to-date with current safety standards and building codes. This could include upgrading electrical wiring, and plumbing or reinforcing structural elements. Additionally, modernizing your home can significantly improve indoor air quality. Replacing old carpets with hardwood floors, updating ventilation systems, and using low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and materials can reduce allergens and pollutants in your home. This creates a healthier living environment, which is especially important for households with children, elderly members, or those with respiratory issues.
5. Boosted Mental Well-being and Quality of Life
A home renovation can profoundly impact your mental and emotional well-being. Creating a space that reflects your style and meets your functional needs fosters a sense of pride and satisfaction. A well-designed, aesthetically pleasing home can reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance happiness. Furthermore, renovations that improve natural lighting, integrate outdoor spaces, or create calming environments, like a spa-like bathroom, can contribute to better mental health. A home that feels inviting, comfortable, and aligned with your lifestyle ultimately leads to a higher quality of life.
Cleaning up a mess after a renovation isn’t for the faint of heart; however, with a thorough step-wise guide, we believe you can do it. So, let’s get started.
A Stepwise Guide for Deep Cleaning for Homeowners: Post-Renovation Tips
Step 1: Pre-Cleaning Preparation
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to prepare properly:
- Use Protective Gear: Wear gloves, masks, and eye protection to shield yourself from dust and cleaning chemicals. This is particularly important if you have any allergies or sensitivities, as renovation dust can be a potent irritant.
- Gather Necessary Supplies: Collect all necessary cleaning tools and supplies, including vacuums with HEPA filters, mops, brooms, microfiber cloths, cleaning agents for different surfaces (e.g., wood cleaner, glass cleaner, all-purpose cleaner), and trash bags. Having everything on hand before you start will make the process smoother and more efficient.
- Ventilate the Space: Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and using fans to help disperse any lingering dust or fumes. Set up a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the room or house. Good air circulation will help clear out dust and odors faster.
Step 2: Cleaning in Stages
Breaking down the cleaning process into manageable stages can make the task less overwhelming:
1st Stage- Debris Removal
- Clear Large Debris: Start by removing any large debris, leftover materials, or construction waste. Use a broom or a large dustpan to collect this debris and dispose of it in heavy-duty trash bags. If the renovation involves hazardous materials (e.g., old paint, asbestos), consult with professionals on how to dispose of these safely.
- Vacuum with a HEPA Filter: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to thoroughly vacuum all surfaces. HEPA filters capture tiny particles that regular vacuums might miss, effectively removing dust and allergens. Pay special attention to corners, baseboards, and other areas where dust accumulates.
- Dust All Surfaces: Dust all surfaces, including walls, ceilings, light fixtures, and furniture, using a microfiber cloth. Microfiber is ideal because it traps dust rather than just pushing it around. For higher areas, use an extendable duster or ladder to reach every spot.
2nd Stage- Deep Cleaning
- Clean Windows and Mirrors: Clean windows and mirrors with a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth or newspaper. Remove dust or smudges that obscure the view or reflect light poorly.
- Mop Floors: Mop all hard floors with a cleaner appropriate for the flooring material. Use a cleaner specifically designed for wood to avoid damage to hardwood floors. A neutral pH cleaner will help remove grime without harming the surface of the tile or laminate.
- Scrub Bathrooms and Kitchens: These areas often see the most use during renovations, especially if they were part of the project—clean all surfaces, including sinks, bathtubs, showers, countertops, and appliances. Use a strong but non-abrasive cleaner to remove construction residue or grout haze. Pay attention to grout lines, where dust and debris can quickly accumulate.
- Clean Air Vents and Filters: Dust can settle in air vents and HVAC filters, spreading throughout the house. Remove vent covers and clean them thoroughly. Replace or clean HVAC filters to ensure your system is not circulating dusty air.
3rd Stage- Detail Cleaning
- Polish Surfaces and Fixtures: Use a polish appropriate for the material (e.g., metal polish for faucets, wood polish for wooden surfaces) to give surfaces and fixtures a clean, shiny finish. Polishing also adds a layer of protection, keeping surfaces looking new for longer.
- Clean Upholstery and Carpets: Even if covered during renovations, upholstery and carpets may still gather dust. Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment for fabric surfaces, and consider steam-cleaning carpets to remove any embedded dust or dirt.
- Wipe Down Baseboards, Trim, and Door Handles: These often-overlooked areas can harbor dust and dirt. Wipe them down with a damp cloth, cleaning any intricate details or corners where dust can accumulate.
Step 3: Post-Cleaning Touch Ups
Keeping your newly cleaned home in top shape requires regular maintenance:
- Regular Dusting: Regularly dust surfaces to prevent dust buildup. Use a microfiber cloth to capture dust rather than just moving it around.
- Power Vacuuming: A HEPA filter frees floors and carpets from dust and allergens. Regular vacuuming will prevent dust from settling and accumulating.
- Have a Cleaning Schedule: Establish a cleaning routine that includes weekly, monthly, and seasonal tasks to maintain your home’s cleanliness over time. For example, dusting and vacuuming should be done weekly, while deep cleaning tasks like washing windows can be scheduled monthly or seasonally.
Bonus Tips:
- Clean from Top to Bottom: Always start cleaning from the highest points (e.g., ceilings, shelves) and work your way down. This way, any dust or debris that falls during cleaning will be picked up as you move lower.
- Protect Surfaces: Use coasters, mats, and other protective measures to keep your newly cleaned surfaces looking pristine. This is especially important for high-traffic areas or surfaces prone to spills.
- Consider Air Purifiers: If your renovation involves a lot of dust, consider using an air purifier to help remove any remaining airborne particles. This can be particularly beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
- Create a Maintenance Checklist: After the initial deep clean, create a checklist of tasks that must be done regularly to keep your home in top shape. This will help you stay on top of cleaning and ensure all areas are addressed.
- Keep a Post-Renovation Cleaning Checklist: A comprehensive checklist will help you manage your time better while ensuring you haven’t left a spot.
Here are some additional tips to tackle stubborn stains and specific surfaces:
- Stubborn Stains: To remove tough stains on tiles or countertops, create a paste using baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing. This natural cleaner is effective on many surfaces and safe in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Hardwood Floors: Avoid excessive water on hardwood floors as it can cause warping. Instead, use a damp mop with a mild wood cleaner. After mopping, dry the floor immediately with a clean cloth to prevent water damage.
- Granite Countertops: Granite is sensitive to acidic cleaners, so avoid using vinegar or lemon juice. Instead, use a granite-specific cleaner to maintain the stone’s natural shine and prevent etching.
- Natural Alternatives: If you prefer eco-friendly cleaning solutions, consider using vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda. Vinegar mixed with water is an excellent all-purpose cleaner, while lemon juice can help dissolve grease and leave surfaces smelling fresh.
Finally, after learning about the various techniques you should employ for post-renovation cleaning, let’s examine how you can maintain a fresh look at your newly renovated home.
5 Tips for Maintaining a Fresh Home After Renovation
1. Maintain Regular Cleaning and Upkeep
After a renovation, it’s crucial to establish a regular cleaning routine to maintain the new finishes and materials. Dust, vacuum, and mop floors regularly, especially in high-traffic areas, to prevent dirt from settling into new surfaces. Pay attention to cleaning newly installed features, such as countertops, cabinets, and fixtures, using the recommended products to preserve their appearance and durability.
2. Get Routine Inspections and Preventive Maintenance
Inspect key areas like plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC units to ensure everything functions properly. Catching minor issues early, such as small leaks or wear and tear, can prevent them from escalating into costly repairs. Regularly check the integrity of seals around windows and doors, inspect roofing for any signs of damage, and clean gutters to prevent water damage.
3. Protect Your Investment with Proper Care
Protect newly renovated spaces using appropriate furniture pads, coasters, and area rugs to prevent scratches and stains on floors and countertops. In kitchens and bathrooms, use vent fans to minimize moisture buildup, which can cause damage over time. For exterior renovations, consider applying sealants for waterproofing treatments to protect surfaces from the elements.
4. Stay on Top of Seasonal Maintenance
Seasonal changes can affect your home differently, so it’s essential to perform maintenance tasks accordingly. For instance, in the fall, clean gutters and downspouts to prepare for winter, and in the spring, inspect for any winter-related damage, like cracks in the foundation or exterior walls. Regularly service your heating and cooling systems before peak seasons to ensure they operate efficiently.
5. Preserve the Aesthetic Appeal
Keep your home fresh by touching up paint, resealing grout, and refinishing wood surfaces. This maintains the aesthetic appeal of your renovation and helps protect surfaces from wear. For exterior elements like decks or patios, consider power washing annually and resealing wood or applying fresh paint to protect against weathering.
Post-renovation cleaning is vital in the renovation process, ensuring your home is beautiful, healthy, and safe. Following these tips and considering professional cleaning after renovation, you can fully enjoy your newly renovated space. If you have a vision for your home renovation but haven’t found the right partner, look no further than Jackson Carter Design Build.
Let Jackson Carter Design Build Turn Your Vision into Reality!
At Jackson Carter Design Build, we believe in turning dream homes into reality. We listen to your ideas, embrace your vision, and ensure your house becomes a home that reflects your values. Our team is built on trust and long-standing relationships, with many leaders having collaborated for over a decade, some even for 20+ years. This strong bond translates into a seamless and enjoyable design-build process from start to finish.
Whether your vision includes a bathroom expansion, a finished basement, or a larger living room to accommodate more guests, our experienced team is ready to assist you. Each member possesses extensive experience in their craft, ensuring they understand your unique vision and deliver exceptional results.
Here’s what we offer:
- General Contracting
- Customized Home Builds
- Home Additions
- Kitchen Renovations
- Basement Finishing
- Bathroom Remodeling & more
So, why wait to bring your dream home to life? Book your discovery call with us today!