Post-construction cleaning: an essential step after your building work

Whether you have just renovated an apartment, built a new house, extended your offices or converted a commercial space, post-construction cleaning is the final step before the handover. Plaster dust, cement residues, paint traces, tile fragments, protective films, wood shavings — building work inevitably leaves behind a substantial cleaning job that requires professional expertise and equipment.

At SOS Nettoyage, we are the specialist in post-construction cleaning in Western Switzerland. We intervene after all types of building projects — new builds, full renovations, partial conversions, kitchen or bathroom installations — to deliver premises that are impeccably clean and ready to be lived in or used. Obtain your free, no-obligation quote by contacting us.

What does post-construction cleaning involve?

Post-construction cleaning is not a simple sweep. It is a methodical and exhaustive intervention covering all surfaces and elements of a building or apartment after works. The aim is to eliminate all traces left by the various trades (masons, painters, plasterers, tilers, joiners, electricians, plumbers) and to restore the premises to an impeccable state of cleanliness.

What we clean

Floors: vacuuming and washing all floor types (tiles, hardwood, polished concrete, vinyl, natural stone, carpet). Removal of glue, cement, grout and paint residues.
Walls and ceilings: dusting, cleaning paint splashes, plaster and render marks.
Windows and glazing: full cleaning of glass (interior and exterior where accessible), frames, sills and opening mechanisms. Removal of labels, protective films and silicone residues.
Bathrooms: cleaning and disinfection of toilets, washbasins, bathtubs, showers and taps. Removal of silicone grout, cement and limescale residues.
Kitchen: interior and exterior cleaning of all units, appliances, worktop, splashback and extractor hood. Removal of protective films from new appliances.
Joinery and woodwork: cleaning of doors, door frames, skirting boards, built-in wardrobes and cupboards.
Sockets and switches: dusting and cleaning of all exposed electrical fittings.
Radiators and ventilation grilles: vacuuming and cleaning.
Stairs, cellars, garages: if included in the scope of work.
Exterior areas: cleaning of balconies, terraces and entrances (if agreed in the quote).

The three phases of post-construction cleaning

Phase 1: Rough cleaning (shell work)

This first phase involves clearing construction waste and the heaviest soiling:

Collection and removal of rubble, offcuts, packaging and protective films.
Sweeping and vacuuming of coarse dust and debris.
Scraping of cement, glue and plaster residues from floors and hard surfaces.
First pass of floor cleaning.

This phase is often needed immediately after the workers have left, even before finishing touches. It makes the site safe and prepares for the next stage.

Phase 2: Fine cleaning

Fine cleaning is the longest and most meticulous stage:

Thorough cleaning of all surfaces described above.
Multiple-pass floor washing with products suited to each material.
Window and window frame cleaning.
Interior cleaning of cupboards, wardrobes and kitchen units.
Stain removal of paint, silicone and grout residues.
Bathroom and tap cleaning.
Dusting of all fittings (sockets, switches, skirting boards, radiators).

It is during this phase that our teams make the difference: a professional eye spots dirt that is not visible at first glance — dust on top of doors, marks in window tracks, residues in tile grout.

Phase 3: Ultra-fine cleaning (optional)

Ultra-fine cleaning is a final inspection and finishing pass, typically requested for high-end projects, commercial premises or buildings open to the public:

Verification and remediation of all points from Phase 2.
Polishing of shiny surfaces (stainless steel, chrome, glass).
Detail cleaning (hinges, handles, switches, air vents).
Final check using raking light to detect the last imperfections.

At SOS Nettoyage, we systematically recommend at least Phases 1 and 2. Phase 3 is offered as an option for projects requiring a premium result.

The specific challenges of post-construction cleaning

Construction dust: enemy number one

Plaster, cement and sanding dust is extremely fine (particles of 1 to 10 microns) and infiltrates everywhere: into the smallest corners, inside electrical sockets, into ventilation ducts, behind skirting boards. It continually resettles after the first clean, which is why a single pass is never enough.

Our teams use industrial HEPA-filtered vacuums (High Efficiency Particulate Air) that capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger. We systematically carry out multiple passes of vacuuming and washing to guarantee the complete elimination of construction dust.

Cement and grout residues

Cement, tile adhesive and grout residues harden quickly and become very difficult to remove once dry. We use specific acid-based strippers (suited to the surface type) and professional scraping tools to eliminate these residues without damaging tiles or natural stone.

Important: acid-based strippers must never be used on marble, limestone or acid-sensitive natural stones. Our technicians know the compatibility requirements and systematically adapt products to the substrate.

Paint traces

Paint splashes and drips on windows, frames, floors and bathrooms are very common after painting work. Depending on whether the paint is water-based (acrylic, vinyl) or solvent-based (glycerol, alkyd), the treatment differs. We use professional scrapers, gentle solvents and dabbing techniques to remove these traces without scratching surfaces.

Silicone and expanding foam residues

Silicone and polyurethane foam are used extensively in renovation work (bathtub seals, window caulking). Excess and smears are removed mechanically (cutter, scraper) then chemically (silicone solvent). This is meticulous work that our teams handle expertly.

Protective films and stickers

New appliances (ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers), windows and certain surfaces are protected by plastic films and labels. Their removal often leaves stubborn adhesive residues. We use non-aggressive adhesive removers to eliminate these marks without damaging surfaces.

Professional equipment required

Post-construction cleaning requires equipment not found in consumer stores:

Industrial HEPA-filtered vacuums: essential for fine construction dust.
Single-disc machines and scrubber dryers: for mechanical cleaning of large floor areas.
High-pressure cleaners: for exterior surfaces and garages.
Industrial steam cleaners: for disinfecting bathrooms and kitchens.
Platforms and telescopic poles: for high windows and tall ceilings.
Professional scrapers and squeegees: for stubborn residues on hard surfaces.
Complete cleaning trolleys: with wringer buckets, flat microfibre mops and cloths.
Specialist products: cement haze removers, silicone dissolvers, professional degreasers, glass cleaning products, disinfectants.

SOS Nettoyage continually invests in the most effective equipment to guarantee an impeccable result on every project.

Safety on site

Post-construction cleaning involves specific risks that our teams are trained to manage:

Chemical risks: handling acid or alkaline strippers, solvents. Our employees wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE): gloves, goggles, respiratory masks.
Fall risks: working at height for cleaning windows, ceilings and mezzanines. Use of scaffolding and platforms compliant with SUVA standards.
Cut risks: presence of sharp objects (broken glass, nails, metal shavings). Our teams wear safety footwear and appropriate gloves.
Inhalation risks: fine cement, plaster and silica dust. Use of FFP2 or FFP3 masks as appropriate.

We strictly comply with SUVA (Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund) directives on workplace safety. All our employees are insured and trained in safety procedures.

Post-construction cleaning: for which types of projects?

New builds

A new building — villa, residential block, commercial property — generates a considerable amount of dust and construction residues. Cleaning is essential before handing over the keys to buyers or tenants. In Switzerland, the handover of a building generally requires that the premises are clean and ready for use.

Full renovations

The renovation of an apartment or house (kitchen, bathroom, floors, painting, electrics) is one of our most common interventions. Demolition dust adds to construction dust, making the cleaning even more complex.

Commercial property conversions

The fit-out or conversion of offices, shops, restaurants or medical practices requires rigorous post-construction cleaning before opening to the public. We adapt our protocol to the specific requirements of each sector (HACCP hygiene standards for catering, health standards for medical settings).

Partial works

Even limited building work — replacing a bathroom, laying a new floor, installing a kitchen — generates dust and dirt that spreads throughout the home. SOS Nettoyage also handles smaller-scale projects.

Post-construction cleaning rates in Western Switzerland

Prices depend on the floor area, the type of work carried out, the degree of soiling and the level of finish required. Here are our indicative ranges:

Price per square metre

Type of cleaning	Indicative price
Standard post-construction cleaning	5 – 10 CHF/m²
Thorough post-construction cleaning	10 – 15 CHF/m²
Ultra-fine cleaning (premium)	15 – 20 CHF/m²

Indicative fixed prices

Property type	Approx. area	Indicative price
Studio / 1 room	25 – 35 m²	300 – 500 CHF
2-3 room apartment	50 – 70 m²	500 – 900 CHF
4-5 room apartment	80 – 120 m²	900 – 1’500 CHF
Detached house	150 – 250 m²	1’500 – 3’000 CHF
Large house / complex project	250+ m²	3’000 CHF and above
Commercial premises / offices	Variable	On request
New building (communal areas)	Variable	On request

What influences the price

Nature of the work: a new build generates more dust and residues than a simple repaint.
Condition of the site: whether the workers left the premises in a reasonable or very dirty state.
Type of surfaces: natural stone floors require more care than standard tiles.
Ceiling height: tall ceilings (lofts, commercial premises) increase the intervention time.
Glazing: large picture windows and conservatories add a significant task.
Access and logistics: floor without a lift, distant parking, time constraints.

We provide a free, no-obligation quote following a site visit or based on detailed photographs and a description of the work carried out.

The right time to plan your post-construction cleaning

When to contact us?

We recommend contacting us 2 to 3 weeks before the expected completion of works to reserve an intervention date. Post-construction cleans are in high demand in Western Switzerland, particularly in spring and autumn (periods for new property handovers).

When to intervene?

Post-construction cleaning should be carried out after all trades have left the site. No workers should return after our visit. The ideal sequence is:

Completion of all construction and finishing work.
Removal of site protections (films, tarpaulins, cardboard).
SOS Nettoyage intervention (Phases 1 to 3).
Handover inspection / key handover.

If touch-ups are needed after our visit (painting, grouting), we can return for a one-off finishing clean.

Service area in Western Switzerland

SOS Nettoyage provides post-construction cleaning throughout Western Switzerland:

Canton de Genève: Genève, Carouge, Lancy, Meyrin, Vernier, Onex, Grand-Saconnex, Plan-les-Ouates and all municipalities in the canton.
Canton de Vaud: Lausanne, Montreux, Vevey, Nyon, Morges, Yverdon-les-Bains, Renens, Pully, Lutry, Ecublens, Prilly and the entire canton.
Canton de Fribourg: Fribourg, Bulle, Villars-sur-Glâne, Granges-Paccot and surrounding area.
Canton de Neuchâtel: Neuchâtel, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Locle and the Neuchâtel lakeside.
Canton du Valais: Sion, Sierre, Martigny, Monthey, Fully and French-speaking Valais.
Canton du Jura: Delémont, Porrentruy and municipalities across the canton.

We operate in urban, suburban and rural settings, on projects of all sizes.

Post-construction cleaning vs. end-of-lease cleaning

Do not confuse post-construction cleaning with post-move cleaning. The former deals with the removal of construction residues; the latter concerns restoring a lived-in property to a clean state for the move-out inspection. The techniques, products and intervention times are very different.

However, if you are renovating a property before moving in, the two services can be combined. Contact us for a bespoke package.

Also discover our carpet and rug cleaning services if your new textile flooring needs initial protection, or our industrial cleaning for large-scale projects.

Our quality commitment

At SOS Nettoyage, every post-construction clean is subject to a systematic quality control:

Preliminary visit or photo/video analysis to establish the scope of work.
Detailed quote listing all services included.
Intervention by a trained and equipped team.
Final inspection by the team leader using a verification checklist.
Sign-off with the client before departure.
Remedial guarantee: if any point is not up to standard, we return free of charge within 48 hours.

Why choose SOS Nettoyage for your post-construction cleaning?

Recognised specialist in Western Switzerland for many years.
Teams trained in the specific requirements of post-construction cleaning.
Industrial equipment suited to every type of project.
Professional products adapted to each surface (stone, wood, glass, metal, PVC).
Deadline commitment: we guarantee a delivery date.
Liability insurance covering every intervention.
Free, no-obligation quote: contact us today.

FAQ — Post-construction cleaning

How long does post-construction cleaning take?

The duration depends on the floor area and the complexity of the project. On average, allow 1 day for an 80 m² apartment, 2 to 3 days for a 200 m² house and several days for a new building or commercial premises. We plan the intervention to meet your handover deadlines.

Do the works need to be fully completed before your intervention?

Yes, ideally. Any worker activity after our clean generates new dirt. If minor touch-ups are unavoidable, we can arrange a supplementary finishing pass. Let us discuss the optimal schedule together.

Do you remove construction waste?

We remove light waste related to the clean (dust, plastic films, small packaging). For rubble, building materials and bulky waste, removal is the responsibility of the construction company. However, we can arrange a skip on request (at additional cost).

Is post-construction cleaning included in the builder’s quote?

It depends on the contract. Some main contractors include cleaning in their service, others do not. In practice, many site managers and project owners prefer to entrust the clean to an independent specialist like SOS Nettoyage to guarantee an impeccable and impartial result.

Can you work at weekends or outside normal hours?

Yes. We understand that building projects often have tight deadlines. We can work on Saturdays, evenings or even Sundays in urgent cases (surcharge applicable). Contact us to discuss your scheduling constraints.

How is the price of a post-construction clean calculated?

The price is calculated based on the floor area in m², the type and complexity of the work, the number of windows, the number of bathrooms and the level of finish required. We prepare a quote following a visit or analysis of detailed photographs. The price is fixed and guaranteed — no unpleasant surprises.

Do you offer post-construction cleaning for private individuals?

Absolutely. We work with professionals (main contractors, architects, developers, letting agencies) as well as private individuals who have had work done in their home. Whether you have renovated a bathroom or built an entire house, SOS Nettoyage is at your service.

What guarantee do you offer on the result?

We offer a satisfaction guarantee. After our intervention, if you find any points not in line with the agreed scope of work, we return free of charge within 48 hours to carry out the necessary remedial work. This guarantee is valid provided no other activity (building work, moving) has taken place between our clean and your notification.

Post-Construction Cleaning in Western Switzerland