In Quebec, residential post-construction cleaning usually runs $0.15 to $0.50 per square foot, or $40 to $60 per hour per cleaner. Most residential projects land between $300 and $1,000, while large commercial jobsites often exceed $5,000. Price depends mostly on the amount of dust and the phase (rough, final or touch-up). These are market ranges, before tax — only a free quote gives the exact price.
Just wrapped up a renovation or handed over a jobsite, and a fine white dust covers absolutely everything? That's normal. Post-construction cleaning is its own stage of the project — and most people underestimate the time and equipment it takes. This guide explains what drives the 2026 price, the three phases of a jobsite clean, and a checklist to compare quotes.
Whether you're a homeowner after a reno or a general contractor budgeting the handover, you'll know what to expect — no surprises.
Why post-construction cleaning isn't ordinary cleaning
It comes down to one thing: dust. Drywall dust is extremely fine. It settles into window tracks, HVAC vents, the tops of cabinets and every little crack — then it keeps resurfacing for days if it isn't captured properly. A quick sweep just sends it back into the air to settle somewhere else.
On top of the dust come jobsite residues: paint, glue and joint-compound marks, stickers on windows and appliances, and debris stuck in corners. And all of it sits on brand-new, fragile materials: quartz counters, freshly finished wood, faucets, newly laid floors. The wrong product or pad, and you scratch a finish that just cost a fortune.
That's why the work uses a HEPA-filter vacuum (which traps fine particles instead of blowing them back out) and products chosen for each surface — and why we clean top to bottom: ceilings and light fixtures first, floors last.
What are the 3 phases of a jobsite clean?
Post-construction cleaning rarely happens in a single pass. There are usually three phases, and they don't serve quite the same need.
| Phase | When | What's done | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rough clean | During or just after the major work | Debris removal, sweeping, heavy dust, clearing access | Keeping the site safe and usable for the trades |
| Final clean | Once finishes are installed | Top to bottom, fully detailed: windows, floors, cabinets, bathrooms, kitchen, fixtures | Making the space move-in or handover ready |
| Touch-up | Before handover or inspection | Last pass: fingerprints, re-settled dust, missed details | A spotless delivery on the day |
On a small residential project, the final and touch-up often combine. On a large jobsite — a multi-residential build or an institution — all three phases are common and spread across several visits.
How much does post-construction cleaning cost in 2026?
Prices vary by region, but here are the market ranges published for Canada and Montreal. Remember: these are reference points, before tax — not Chrono prices.
| Type of cleaning | Range (before tax) | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Residential — per square foot | $0.15 – $0.50 / sq ft | Canada, 2026 (HomeStars) |
| Residential — hourly | $40 – $60 / h per cleaner (teams of 2–3) | Canada, 2026 (HomeStars) |
| Typical residential project | $300 – $1,000 | Canada, 2026 (HomeStars) |
| Commercial / post-construction | $0.30 – $0.70 / sq ft | Canada, 2026 (HomeStars) |
| Montreal — deep / post-construction | $30 – $60 / h | Montreal, 2026 (HomeStars) |
A quick illustration: a 900 sq ft condo at $0.30 per square foot would be about $270. A larger unit with lots of dust, windows everywhere and floors to wax can easily double. That's an illustration — not a Chrono rate. The only way to get the real figure is a free quote based on your space.
How much for your jobsite? Get an exact price, no obligation.
What makes the price go up (or down)?
Two jobsites of the same size can cost twice as much one over the other. Here's what weighs most in a quote:
- Square footage and number of rooms — obvious, but mostly when combined with the rest.
- Amount of dust and residue — a kitchen reno makes far more mess than a simple refresh.
- Ceiling height — more high surfaces to dust, more ladders or scaffolding.
- Windows and glass — many, high, or exterior: every pane adds time.
- Floors — a floor to wax or strip costs more than a plain wash.
- Access — walk-up floors, far parking, a tight window of time on site.
- Timeline — an evening or weekend rush mobilizes a team outside normal hours. With us, that's possible: we work 24/7.
- Debris to haul — large demolition debris or dumpsters are often quoted separately.
What should be included in your quote?
A good post-construction cleaning quote is detailed, not a single lump sum. Use this checklist to compare offers — room by room:
- Kitchen: inside and outside of cabinets and drawers, counters, backsplash, sink, appliances (inside and on top).
- Bathrooms: tub, shower, tile, grout, fixtures, mirrors, vanity.
- Floors: HEPA vacuum then wash; waxing or stripping if planned.
- Windows and frames: interior, accessible exterior, screens, tracks and sticker residue.
- Baseboards and door casings: dusted and wiped.
- Light fixtures and fans: dusted; bulbs and diffusers.
- Outlets, switches and thermostats: wiped (fingerprints and dust).
- Vents and visible ducts: dusted.
- Doors, handles and closets: inside of closets included.
Want to see the result? Have a look at our project gallery, including before/after shots.
General contractors: why outsource the final clean?
For a contractor, the final clean isn't just a chore — it's the last impression you leave with the client. Handing it to a specialized team brings concrete wins:
- A faster handover: your construction crew stays on billable work instead of pushing a mop.
- A smooth inspection: a detailed space passes the handover with no callbacks or last-minute touch-ups.
- A happy end client: a "move-in ready" space is worth a thousand promises.
- Schedule flexibility: evenings, nights, weekends — we fit your calendar.
Chrono Nettoyage has delivered multi-residential buildings, schools, libraries and retail since 2018, with over 15 years of experience in the cleaning industry. We also handle commercial and institutional upkeep and offer specialized services (pressure washing, floor waxing, window cleaning). We serve Greater Montreal, including the West Island, and across Quebec.
Doing the cleaning yourself: is it a good idea?
Honestly: for one small room, it's doable. With a HEPA vacuum, microfibre cloths, patience and several top-to-bottom passes, a motivated DIYer can manage. Budget more time than you think — drywall dust comes back.
For a full renovation or a jobsite handover, the pro is the way to go: the right equipment, experience with fragile surfaces and a team that finishes on time make a real difference. And if something goes wrong, an insured and bonded company protects you.
Torn between an hourly cleaner and a company? Read our comparison: independent cleaner vs. cleaning company.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a post-renovation cleaning take?
A single room takes a few hours. A full renovation or a jobsite handover takes one to several days depending on the square footage, the amount of dust and how many cleaners are on site. A quote gives the exact estimate for your project.
When should you call the cleaning team?
Ideally as soon as the major work is done and before the finishing touches or the inspection. A rough clean can also happen during the project to keep the site usable. Book ahead for a tight window, especially before a handover.
Is drywall dust dangerous?
Drywall dust is very fine and irritating to the eyes and airways. It should not be dry-swept (that sends it back into the air); a HEPA-filter vacuum and microfibre cloths are recommended. We use the right equipment to capture it instead of moving it around.
Do you clean exterior windows?
Yes, we clean interior and exterior windows, including accessible higher surfaces. Tell us the number of floors and the access; window washing will be clearly listed in your quote.
Are you available at night or on weekends?
Yes. Chrono Nettoyage works 24/7 and adapts to your construction schedule — evenings, nights and weekends — so we never delay your handover.
Sources
- HomeStars — Post-Construction Clean-Up Cost (2026)
- HomeStars — Commercial / Office Cleaning Cost (2026)
- HomeStars — Cleaning companies in Montreal — rates