The Real Post-Construction Cleaning Cost NYC (2025 Rates)
You’ve just completed a renovation, and now you’re faced with the final hurdle: the cleanup. The first question on every developer and homeowner’s mind is, “What’s the real post-construction cleaning cost NYC?”
While some companies might throw out a flat number, the honest answer is: it depends entirely on the level of mess left behind.
To say a project will cost $500 or $2,000 without seeing it is just a guess. The true cost is determined by the condition of the worksite. As you noted, a project where builders were required to be neat will have a significantly different post-construction cleaning cost than one where dust and debris were unmanaged.
In this transparent guide, we will break down the real factors that determine post-construction cleaning rates in NYC, give you realistic price ranges to expect, and show you what a professional quote should always include.
NYC Post-Construction Cleaning Prices: The Bottom Line
There are two primary ways a professional company will price a job: per square foot or per hour. Here are the typical ranges you can expect in the NYC market for 2025.
Pricing Model
Per Square Foot
Typical NYC Rate.
$0.40 – $0.80+
Best For.
Standard projects with a clear scope.
Per Hour
$50 – $75 per cleaner
Complex jobs or smaller, specific tasks.
The Real Post-Construction Cleaning Cost in NYC:
How To Price Post-Construction Cleaning.
Typical Project Example:
For a standard “final clean” on a moderately dusty apartment between 500-1000 sq. ft., you can generally expect a flat rate in the $350 – $700 range. However, this can change based on the factors below.
Real-World NYC Pricing Example: Multi-Unit Apartment Building
To give you a concrete example, we recently quoted a final clean for a new 5-level apartment building in Brooklyn.
- Scope: 3 individual apartment units.
- Size: Each unit was approximately 958 ft² (2 beds, 2 baths).
- Total Area: ~2,874 ft²
- Estimated Time: 2 full days for a specialized crew.
- Final Quote: $2,290.00
This breaks down to approximately $0.79 per square foot. This price is on the higher end of the typical range because multi-unit projects require significant logistical coordination, moving equipment between floors, and ensuring a consistent, move-in-ready finish for every single unit.
What Factors Increase the Cost?
The price moves within those ranges based on these key variables.
1. The Level of Dust & Debris
This is the single biggest factor. A simple renovation with good dust management is straightforward. A full gut renovation that created significant drywall dust will require more time, more specialized equipment (like HEPA-filter air scrubbers), and therefore, a higher cost.
2. The Types of Surfaces
Cleaning brand-new, delicate surfaces requires more care and specialized techniques. Restoring original hardwood floors, polishing new stone countertops, or cleaning custom glass fixtures will be priced higher than cleaning standard ceramic tile and laminate.
3. The Scope of Work (The “Phases” of Cleaning)
A full post-construction project often involves two phases, and the price will depend on which you need:
- Rough Clean: A basic pass to remove large debris, stickers, and prepare for final trades like painters and floor installers.
- Final Clean: The meticulous, top-to-bottom “move-in ready” clean that removes all fine dust from every surface, nook, and cranny. This is the more detailed and costly phase.
4. The Level of Detail Required
It’s often the small, tedious tasks that add up and separate a professional job from a basic one. For example, removing paint splatter from window knobs and hardware might seem minor. But if a project has ten floors of windows, and each knob takes time and care to clean without scratching the new hardware, that detail work can add hundreds of dollars to the final quote. This is a perfect example of why a detailed on-site walkthrough is essential for an accurate price.
5. Specialized Detail Work (The Hidden Costs)
A perfect illustration of a hidden cost is removing the protective plastic film from new windows. If this plastic is left on high-reach windows, it immediately requires specialized equipment like a heavy lift, adding a significant rental cost to the project.
Furthermore, if a building sits for a while, the sun can bake this plastic onto the glass. Removing it without scratching the new window is a delicate process that requires expert methods—we’ve had to use tools like heat guns in extreme cases. For this reason, it’s often more cost-effective to have the contractor’s team remove the plastic as part of their process. If not, this necessary detail work will be factored into the final cleaning quote.
6. Property Size & Accessibility
A larger square footage will naturally cost more. Additionally, factors like limited parking for equipment, difficult access in a high-rise building, or lack of running water/power can increase the time and labor required, which will be reflected in the quote.
Construction Cleanup Prices.
A Note on Timing: Trust the Process
It’s completely understandable that homeowners and developers are impatient to see their finished, sparkling space. However, one of the most common issues we encounter is the desire to start the final clean before all construction work is 100% complete.
Even after the main work is done, other trades like electricians, plumbers, or painters often need to return for final touch-ups. Every time they drill a hole, sand a patch, or walk through the site, new dust is created. If the final clean is performed too early, this new dust will settle on your pristine surfaces, leading to frustration and the feeling that the job was incomplete.
This is why we emphasize “trusting the process.” Our professional consultation helps establish the correct time to begin the final, move-in ready clean—which is always after the last contractor has left the site for good. This ensures that the clean you pay for is truly the final step.
Post Construction Cleaning Rates.
What Should Be Included in a Good Quote?
A professional quote is more than just a number. It’s a detailed plan that protects you and ensures you get the results you expect. It should always include:
- Proof of Insurance: Confirmation that the company carries General Liability and Worker’s Compensation insurance.
- A Detailed Scope of Work: A checklist of exactly what will be cleaned (e.g., “wipe inside all cabinets,” “remove paint from window tracks,” “steam clean all bathroom tile”).
- Clear, All-Inclusive Pricing: The quote should state the final price with no hidden fees for supplies or equipment.
- Exclusions: It should also clearly state what is not included (e.g., exterior power washing, carpet shampooing) to avoid any surprises.
The Red Flag: Why a Cheap Quote Can Cost You More
In post-construction cleaning, an unusually low quote is a major red flag. “Cheap” services often cut corners, which can lead to costly problems:
- Damage to New Surfaces: Untrained cleaners can easily scratch new glass with incorrect razor blade use or damage delicate stone with the wrong chemicals.
- Lingering Dust: Improper cleaning that doesn’t use HEPA-filter vacuums will leave fine dust in your air vents, leading to poor indoor air quality and potential HVAC system damage down the line.
- Project Delays: A poorly done job that requires a re-clean will delay your handover to the client or your own move-in date.
A professional quote isn’t just for a “cleaning”; it’s for the peace of mind that the final, critical step of your project will be handled correctly the first time.
Ready for a Transparent, No-Obligation Quote?
While these are the average rates in NYC, your project is unique. The only way to get an exact, firm price is with a free, on-site assessment.
Contact our post-construction specialists today for a detailed quote tailored to your property.