There are thousands of co-op buildings in NYC that house millions of tenants. The shareholder style of ownership has popularized co-op living and reportedly cheaper housing prices, and investors are continuously renovating whole buildings and remodeling existing units to meet the demand. One reason co-op living is less expensive, though, is that the buildings are typically older, making a post-renovation deep cleaning especially necessary to give buyers the blank space they expect.
Deep Clean NYC is Brooklyn’s best cleaning service. We know there are as many ways to approach renovation cleaning as there are companies to choose from. We want you to feel confident about trusting the cleanliness of your co-op building with our team of industry professionals and know our experience will save you time, money, and stress. To share these valuable cleaning tactics with you, here are our general tips for efficient post-renovation cleaning and our specific advice for co-op buildings.
General Strategies for Post-Renovation Cleaning
Transitioning from new construction or renovation to a fresh and functional living space is especially important in co-op situations since tenants share common areas and amenities. Our first step is to come to the site for a free estimate and discuss the project with you. Once it’s scheduled, we prepare the space for the deep cleaning process, as it can be a large undertaking, depending on the scope of the project. Once the renovation is complete, all construction debris and leftover scraps must be removed. While we’re happy to do this to the fullest necessary extent, first make sure that the contractors have complied with any cleanup they agreed to in the contract.
The next step is to open up the doors and windows and let some fresh air in to ventilate the space and eliminate lingering post-renovation odors. The most efficient way to proceed from here is to clean from top to bottom and from the furthest point away to the entrance of each area. Moving dust and dirt in this pattern reduces repeated cleaning over the same area. We recommend using microfiber cloths and dusters as you proceed across ceilings, fans, crown molding, window ledges and frames, light fixtures, shelving units, and down the walls to the baseboards.
Remove the dust as you go, preferably with a vacuum and HEPA filter, for the most effective cleanup. Keep the vacuum handy because the floors come next. Sweep, vacuum, and mop the floors according to their surface using appropriate cleaners.
Deep Clean NYC uses high-quality equipment and products that disinfect surfaces and purify the air, but sometimes there is a substantial amount of dust after renovations. If so, consider hiring a professional HVAC company to clean out the air ducts. This will keep you from clogging up the system and ensure a fresh start for the new tenant.
Continue the deep cleaning process with the mirrors and windows, using glass cleaner and lint-free cloths. You can either work room by room or task by task. The room method is excellent, of course, if the post-renovation cleanup is confined to a single room or smaller space, but it demands that you move a lot of different tools and products as you go, which loses efficiency with bigger projects. Task-based cleaning is preferred for larger spaces because it streamlines the process, requiring less physical and mental effort.
For complete renovations, if you choose to clean room by room, start with the toughest room first and work your way to the easiest spaces. Usually, the kitchen is the hardest room to clean since it has many features to consider. Clean the appliances inside and out, and pay attention to the grimy spots like the oven, stovetop, and intricate refrigerator areas. The bathrooms should be next, making sure to scrub and disinfect countertops and surfaces with the appropriate tools and products. Wipe down and sanitize the toilets, sinks, faucets, tubs, showers, and backsplashes. Then, move on to the living room, dining room, laundry area, and end with the bedrooms. Dust and clean every closet, shelf, cabinet, nook, and cranny.
Specific Considerations for Co-op Buildings
Preparation is the first step here, too. Come up with a timeline and coordinate with any necessary residents, property managers, or board members affected. Communication is key. All involved parties should be notified before the cleaning schedule and any specific instructions to follow, such as storing personal property during the cleanup or ventilating the space by opening windows. Provide everyone with the construction cleanup schedule, even if every unit is not involved. Co-op residents and board members will appreciate the transparency and the opportunity to express concerns.
During the post-renovation cleanup, focus on the common areas in the co-op building that were affected by construction. This includes the hallways, lobbies, elevators, staircases, shared amenity spaces, and high-touch surfaces like buttons, handrails, and doorknobs. Thoroughly clean and disinfect these spots using eco-friendly products to align with sustainability efforts and minimize the environmental impact on tenants. Freshen the shared furniture by properly cleaning the upholstery, cushions, and pillows.
When the project is finished, arrange for proper trash disposal according to the established guidelines. Take the time to clean and sanitize the trash and recycling bins to remove the last traces of renovation dust. It’s also a good idea to conduct a final walkthrough when the cleaning is complete and invite the residents, managers, or board members along to gather their feedback about the post-renovation cleanup and remind them of their role in the ongoing process of maintaining a deep cleaned space. You might even outline a regular maintenance schedule for tenants to follow to prevent the need for frequent deep cleanings.
Hire Deep Clean NYC to Help
To get the most out of your post-renovation cleaning, consider the dynamics of the co-op building beforehand. Co-op living is a way of life where the tenants are motivated to take great care of their individual and shared spaces. Some renovated co-op buildings hold historical value, and Deep Clean NYC recognizes that each project will have unique features and considerations. To transition successfully from post-renovation chaos to a clean and cozy living space, take the time to plan out this time- and labor-intensive process. With careful scheduling, coordination, and attention to detail, these strategies will be energy- and cost-effective for owners and future residents. If you have a renovated co-op building in Brooklyn to clean, contact Deep Clean NYC now for your post-construction needs!
