What should I check after the post-construction cleaners finish at my new Ottawa home?

After the post-construction cleaners finish at your new Ottawa home, a thorough walkthrough inspection is essential before signing off on the job. Do this walkthrough while the crew is still on site, because any missed areas can be addressed immediately rather than requiring a costly return visit. Schedule the walkthrough during daylight hours if at all possible, as natural light reveals dust, streaks, and residue far more effectively than artificial lighting.

Your Post-Cleaning Inspection Checklist

Start from the top and work your way down, just as the cleaning crew should have done. Look up at ceiling fixtures, pot lights, and ceiling fan blades for dust residue. Construction dust is very fine and settles on horizontal surfaces, so the tops of these fixtures should be clean. Check the tops of door frames, window casings, and crown moulding by running a finger along them. In Ottawa homes built or renovated during winter, when indoor air is dry, drywall dust can spread widely, so pay extra attention to elevated surfaces where it accumulates.

Inspect every window carefully. Look at the glass from multiple angles, particularly with light shining through, to spot streaks, paint overspray, or adhesive residue from protective film. Check the window tracks and sills, which are notorious dust traps in new builds. Open and close each window to verify the tracks are clean and functional. New glass is especially vulnerable to scratching from construction debris particles, so look closely for any fine scratches that may have been caused during cleaning with contaminated cloths.

Open every cabinet, drawer, and closet door. These interior spaces are frequently overlooked during post-construction cleaning but accumulate significant dust during construction. Check inside kitchen cabinets above and below, bathroom vanity interiors, linen closets, and bedroom closet shelves. Run your hand along the shelving to feel for dust that is hard to see. Inspect HVAC vent covers to confirm they have been removed, cleaned, and replaced. If duct cleaning was part of the scope, ask whether the company can show you before and after photos.

Check all flooring carefully. Get down at floor level and look across hardwood, tile, or vinyl surfaces at a low angle where light reveals any remaining film, residue, or scratches. New hardwood is particularly susceptible to scratching from grit particles, so inspect high-traffic areas and anywhere equipment may have been placed. Examine grout lines in tile areas for grout haze, a cloudy film that should have been removed with a grout haze remover during cleaning. Test all plumbing fixtures by running water briefly and checking that faucets, showerheads, and drains are clean and free of construction debris.

Finally, check the exterior if it was included in the scope. Look for mortar splashes on foundation walls, paint drips on walkways, and debris around the perimeter. If you find areas that need attention, point them out to the crew lead immediately. Before you hire, ask whether the company will fix missed spots at no extra charge and get that in writing. If you are still choosing a cleaning company, the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com is a good starting point for comparing your options.

---

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

• Luxe Painting and Renovations
• JC Carpentry
• Vanguard Environmental
• Titley Construction
• Maid On Call Cleaning service