ᐅ What cleaning products are recommended for final construction cleaning, including windows and tiles?

Created on: 18 Sep 2020 16:01
K
kati1337
Hello everyone!

We are three days away from the final inspection, and my mind is a bit chaotic.
The house is almost finished; next week, the HVAC system, vinyl flooring, doors, and final sealing work will be installed. Just a few tile edges left in the hallway. That’s about it.
Right now, I’m trying to get organized mentally. There are a few defects—nothing major—I’ve written down everything I’ve noticed so far.
Now I’m wondering if I’m allowed to start cleaning already. I think my site manager probably has no issue with that—he didn’t mind us starting some of our own work (painting, washbasins) before handover, so why would he have a problem with a bit of cleaning?

I once read somewhere online that you shouldn’t use a cloth to clean the windows the first time because of the risk of scratches. But I can’t find that advice anymore. Can someone provide more details on this?

What should I bring with me or possibly buy?
Do I need a cement residue remover, or can I clean the tiles just fine with an all-purpose cleaner?
Tomorrow, I plan to bring the pressure washer to remove the worst dirt from the floors now that most of the tradespeople are done.
Unfortunately, they still keep coming back for small things. A toilet paper holder couldn’t be fixed because the apprentice threw away a part of the bracket, so now they have to come back specifically for that. It wouldn’t bother me so much, but they always come in with their big, dirty boots, tracking tons of sand and soil into the house.
The windows are mostly just dirty. In some places, they have some plaster or paint on them. The paint used by the painter is water-based and comes off easily with warm water. I haven’t dared to try cleaning the dry plaster yet. I read that dry plaster can be removed with a ceramic hob scraper. Can that damage the windows?

I’ve also been thinking about buying another roll of painter’s underlay (that black material that looks like patchwork carpet) and taping it over the vinyl floor walkways with painter’s tape until the move is done. Is that paranoid? Will the floor be able to handle everyday use, or is it best to do this?

Sorry if this post sounds a bit jumbled. I’m quite nervous about the final inspection.
Especially since some things are already “finished,” but as long as tradespeople are still coming and going, things can get damaged. I’ve already found one or two marks on the freshly painted wallpaper. :/ My painter said he will come back and do touch-ups once the last tradesperson has left the house.
Tarnari19 Sep 2020 18:43
kati1337 schrieb:

How did you handle this? If I don’t get involved, I won’t see any scratches during the final inspection anyway, but the windows and window sills are completely dirty.
Are they usually cleaned during the inspection in the presence of the construction company?

To be honest, we still need to clarify that as well.
There are still quite a few issues to resolve with the window specialist. In our case, they are supposed to clean the windows before the final inspection.
kati133719 Sep 2020 18:43
haydee schrieb:

The windows could not be accepted because they were dirty. That is what was recorded in our report. However, we had built a ready-to-move-in house. The plastering company appointed by the general contractor then went through all the windows with us and showed us what they had noticed.

We are building a turnkey house—is that the same as ready-to-move-in? I guess not.
Cleaning is not included in our scope of work. I know from acquaintances that the construction company offers a final cleaning if you attend a house inspection afterward. However, this was not offered to us. Either our house looks too unattractive, or the timing is too tight.
H
haydee
19 Sep 2020 19:47
We hadn’t done anything, no painting or similar work. Really just moving the furniture truck in.
I think the expert said the general contractor has to ensure that a final inspection can take place. I’m not entirely sure anymore.
kati133719 Sep 2020 20:07
haydee schrieb:

We hadn’t done anything, no painting or similar work. Just really moving in with the furniture truck.
I think the expert said that the general contractor has to ensure that a formal acceptance inspection can take place. I’m not completely sure anymore.

I think I’ll write an email to our expert on Monday and ask about it. Especially regarding the windows, that’s not a simple matter. Best regards
A
Alessandro
21 Sep 2020 08:56
Never use any chemical cleaners like Cilit Bang or similar! They damage the surface coating, making the tiles and grout dull and more susceptible to dirt and bacteria. Always ALWAYS clean tiles with just water and natural cleaners! This way, they will stay beautiful for a long time.
B
Ben-man
21 Sep 2020 14:11
kati1337 schrieb:

We are three days away from the final inspection, and my mind is all over the place.
How did it go?