Should I hire a separate crew for rough cleaning or use my general contractor's team?

The answer depends on the scale of your project and how your general contractor operates. For major new builds and full-gut renovations, a dedicated post-construction cleaning crew can be worth considering, because cleaning is their whole job. For smaller renovation projects, your GC's team can often handle the rough clean as part of their normal workflow.

Here is why a dedicated cleaning crew can have the advantage on larger projects. Cleaning companies that focus on post-construction work often bring equipment that general labourers may not have on hand — HEPA-filtered vacuums, floor scrubbers, air scrubbers for airborne dust, and cleaning products suited to new surfaces. A general crew may rely on push brooms, a basic shop vacuum that can blow fine dust back into the air, and collecting debris by hand. The difference in dust control can be noticeable, especially in Ottawa's dry winter months when fine dust hangs in the air of a closed-up house.

A dedicated crew should also understand the cleaning sequence — working top to bottom, back to front — and know which products are safe on new surfaces. Using the wrong product near fresh grout, unsealed wood or new windows can cause damage. New glass can scratch from grit trapped in cloths, acidic cleaners can harm fresh grout, and abrasive products can mark new fixtures. Your GC's labourers are skilled tradespeople, but cleaning is not their primary trade.

From a cost perspective, some general contractors include a basic rough clean in their contract as part of site maintenance. Check your contract carefully — if rough cleaning is already included, you may be paying for it whether you use their team or not. If it is not included, or if the included cleanup is minimal, quotes for a separate rough clean of a home in Ottawa can run roughly $300 to $1,200 depending on its size, so ask for itemized written quotes. A properly prepared space helps the finishing trades do cleaner work and can mean fewer deficiencies on your final walkthrough.

There is also an insurance question to settle. If you hire a separate cleaning company, ask for proof of liability insurance and what it covers, and ask whether they have WSIB coverage or a clearance certificate. If your GC's labourers are doing the cleaning, ask your GC to confirm in writing that the cleanup is covered under their own arrangements. You do not want a situation where a worker is injured during cleanup and nobody is sure whose coverage applies. For larger builds where the rough clean is a substantial job, a dedicated crew is often worth the cost. The Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com can help you find and compare cleaning contractors in your area.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Cleanstruction
• JC Carpentry
• Humble Homes - property maintenance
• The Fixer
• Prism Services