Post-construction cleaning proposal template
A post-construction cleaning proposal is priced by phase. Quote a rough clean, a final clean and a touch-up clean as separate lines, list exactly what each phase covers, and write down what is excluded (usually large debris haul-off, exterior windows above reach and anything that needs a lift). The general contractor can then pick the phases they need.
The three phases
| Phase | When | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Rough clean | While trades are finishing | Sweep and remove small debris, wipe dust off surfaces, clear packaging and labels from fixtures. |
| Final clean | Before handover | Detail every surface: cabinets inside and out, fixtures, windows and frames within reach, vents, baseboards, floors cleaned for their type, restrooms and kitchens fully cleaned. |
| Touch-up clean | Right before the owner walk or move-in | Remove dust that settled after the final clean, spot-clean glass and floors, and fix anything on the punch list. |
What to include
- Project address, total square feet and the phases you are quoting.
- A scope checklist for each phase (see above).
- Exclusions: large debris and dumpster haul-off, paint or adhesive removal beyond spot cleaning, high work that needs a lift.
- Access, schedule and who provides water and power.
- Price for each phase, and payment terms (often due at completion of each phase).
How to price each phase
Use labor hours, not a guess. For each phase, divide the square feet by how many square feet your crew cleans in an hour on that phase, multiply by your true cost per hour, and divide by (1 minus margin). A final clean takes far longer per square foot than a rough clean. The post-construction rates page walks through an example.
Common questions
What are the phases of post-construction cleaning?
Most crews quote three phases: a rough clean (debris and dust removal while trades are still working), a final clean (detailed cleaning before handover), and a touch-up clean (a last pass right before the owner walks or moves in).
How do you price post-construction cleaning?
Price each phase by labor hours: square feet divided by your production rate for that phase, times your true cost per hour, plus margin. Dust level, window count, ceiling height and debris haul-off change the hours. See post-construction cleaning rates.
Is debris removal included in post-construction cleaning?
Only if you say so. Large debris and dumpster haul-off are often the general contractor's job. State in the proposal what you remove and what you leave for the GC.