Rough Cleaning Checklist

This is the working checklist our crews use during the rough cleaning phase of post-construction projects. It covers every area of a typical residential or commercial build. Use this as a quality control tool to ensure nothing is missed.

General Site — All Areas

• ☐ Pick up and dispose of all loose debris: lumber scraps, drywall cutoffs, pipe/wire cutoffs
• ☐ Collect and dispose of all fasteners: nails, screws, staples, brad nails (use magnetic sweeper on floors)
• ☐ Remove all packaging materials: cardboard, plastic wrap, foam, styrofoam, banding
• ☐ Remove all food containers, drink containers, and personal trash left by trades
• ☐ Sweep all floors with industrial push broom
• ☐ HEPA-vacuum all floors after sweeping (critical for fine drywall dust)
• ☐ Scrape drywall mud/compound drips from all floor surfaces
• ☐ Scrape drywall mud from window sills and door frames
• ☐ Wipe down all window sills and ledges
• ☐ Remove window stickers, labels, and manufacturer tags
• ☐ Check for and remove any protruding nails or screws from framing

HVAC System

• ☐ Clear all debris from HVAC register openings
• ☐ Cover all register openings with cardboard or approved covers to prevent further contamination
• ☐ Verify return air openings are sealed or covered
• ☐ Remove any visible drywall dust from exposed ductwork
• ☐ Ensure HVAC system is NOT running during drywall dust removal (prevents duct contamination)
• ☐ If system has been running during construction, note for final clean team (filters will need replacement)

Kitchen Area

• ☐ Remove all packing materials from cabinets (if installed at this stage)
• ☐ Sweep and vacuum cabinet interiors
• ☐ Remove drywall dust from countertop areas (if installed)
• ☐ Clear sink area of debris and plumbing waste
• ☐ Sweep and vacuum all floor areas including under work tables and sawhorses
• ☐ Wipe down windowsills
• ☐ Remove any adhesive residue from countertops

Bathrooms

• ☐ Remove all plumbing waste: pipe cutoffs, solder drips, flux residue, Teflon tape scraps
• ☐ Remove drywall dust and mud from tub/shower fixtures (if installed)
• ☐ Clean out tub/shower basins of debris (do NOT use tub as a dump — if trades have, clean thoroughly)
• ☐ Sweep and vacuum floors
• ☐ Wipe down vanity areas
• ☐ Clear drain openings of any debris or construction waste
• ☐ Remove protective coverings from fixtures if they're dirty or falling off (replace with fresh protection)

Bedrooms & Living Areas

• ☐ Remove all debris from floors, closets, and window areas
• ☐ Sweep and HEPA-vacuum all floors
• ☐ Scrape drywall mud from windowsills, door frames, and floors
• ☐ Wipe down all windowsills and ledges
• ☐ Remove window stickers and labels
• ☐ Wipe down closet shelving if installed
• ☐ Clear closet floors of debris

Stairways & Hallways

• ☐ Remove all debris from stairs, landings, and railings
• ☐ Sweep stair treads (careful not to damage if finished treads are installed)
• ☐ Vacuum stair treads and risers
• ☐ Wipe down handrails and balusters if installed
• ☐ Ensure adequate lighting for safety (replace burned-out work lights)
• ☐ Remove trip hazards: cords, debris, tools left by trades

Garage & Utility Areas

• ☐ Remove all bulk construction waste: lumber, drywall sheets, insulation rolls, packaging
• ☐ Sweep and shovel garage floor clean
• ☐ Organize or remove any remaining building materials
• ☐ Clear water heater area of debris
• ☐ Clear electrical panel area (maintain 36" clearance per NEC code)
• ☐ Clean up around furnace/air handler area
• ☐ Remove trash from dumpster area, organize dumpster staging

Exterior (If Applicable)

• ☐ Pick up debris around building perimeter: cutoffs, packaging, fasteners
• ☐ Clear entryways of tripping hazards
• ☐ Sweep porches, stoops, and covered entries
• ☐ Remove window stickers from exterior glass (if accessible from ground)
• ☐ Organize material staging areas
• ☐ Clear access paths for remaining trades

Waste Disposal

• ☐ Separate hazardous materials: adhesives, solvents, paint cans, caulk tubes
• ☐ Separate recyclable materials: clean cardboard, metal scraps, plastic packaging
• ☐ Load general construction waste into dumpster
• ☐ Do NOT mix drywall waste with general waste (some jurisdictions require separate disposal)
• ☐ Document any hazardous materials found (asbestos in renovation projects, lead paint)
• ☐ Verify dumpster is not overfilled (material should not extend above dumpster walls)

Quality Check Before Leaving

• ☐ Walk entire site with flashlight — check corners, closets, behind doors
• ☐ Run hand across several surfaces — if white dust appears, re-vacuum those areas
• ☐ Verify HVAC registers are covered and sealed
• ☐ Verify all floor surfaces are clean enough for next trade (painting, flooring, etc.)
• ☐ Photograph completed work for documentation
• ☐ Notify GC/superintendent that rough clean is complete and site is ready