How to Start a Post Construction Cleaning Business

Construction cleanup service providers clear a building’s construction area. These crews make sure an area is ready for the next stage of work, while also ensuring the area’s safety. Construction cleanup companies have several duties. They clean buildings between construction stages and prepare areas to become safe work environments. Construction cleanup crews can conduct final sanitization and cleanings, making sure a remodeling project is complete.

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Start a post construction cleaning business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Post Construction Cleaning Business
  2. Form your Post Construction Cleaning Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Post Construction Cleaning Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Post Construction Cleaning Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Post Construction Cleaning Business
  7. Get Post Construction Cleaning Business Insurance
  8. Define your Post Construction Cleaning Business Brand
  9. Create your Post Construction Cleaning Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your post construction cleaning business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Post Construction Cleaning Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a post construction cleaning business?

Startup costs are relatively low—sitting around $2,000. Materials will need to be purchased. Normally, a cleanup crew needs chemical cleaners, mops, brooms, a shop vac, ladders, window cleaning materials, and similar items.

You’ll also need a wheelbarrow and other hauling materials. While you may not need a workshop, having one can certainly help. Monthly rent, for a small shop, is about $2,000. Consider spending another $1,000 on startup advertisement costs. These costs will cover detailed brochures, promotional packages, and similar items.

What are the ongoing expenses for a post construction cleaning business?

A construction cleaning crew’s expenses aren’t too high. Cleaning materials, per job, can amount to less than $100. These expenses account for used cleaners, equipment depreciation and worker time. On average, a cleaning crew operator is paid between $20 and $30 for their time. Ideally, you’ll be paying your workers more than you’ll be paying for materials.

Who is the target market?

Typical construction cleanup company clients are commercial and residential property owners. A construction crew can work on a home, a warehouse, a factory, or even an apartment complex. Because they can serve many areas, the best clients are those who communicate effectively. To make more money, a construction cleanup company may provide services to networks such as apartments, hotels, and business strips.

How does a post construction cleaning business make money?

A construction cleanup service is paid by project. Normally, a project includes sanitization. A crew must clean the area, making sure it’s safe and operable. All thresholds, too, must be cleaned. Once all dust, dirt, and other materials have been lifted, the crew will have completed its job. While a crew typically makes money for cleanup projects, they can also make money by preparing spaces for construction. Construction is a lengthy process, and a crew may be needed before, during, or after an area is tended to.

How much can you charge customers?

Prices for pre-and post-construction cleanup jobs vary. That said, the average price for a residential cleaning job is between $500 and $800. Meanwhile, commercial cleanup budgets are about $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot. Most homeowners spend between $227 and $663 per service. Specialty cleanings can be charged at around $1,000.

How much profit can a post construction cleaning business make?

A successful construction cleanup service can make about $100,000 in revenue, annually. The leader of the construction cleanup crew leader makes around $50,000. Again, most expenses are directed towards paying other employees. Because construction cleanup services are served on a client-to-client basis, a crew’s success depends on its area.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Post-construction cleanup is pretty niche. For this reason, it’s a good idea to serve commercial properties. These properties have a lot of cleanliness regulations. Also, find homeowners who are looking for minor renovations. Typically, these clients will pay more for square-foot cleaning coverage. If a client isn’t paying much for overall construction, they’ll splurge more on post-construction cleanup.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your post construction cleaning business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your post construction cleaning business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?

Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a construction cleanup service. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

For information about local licenses and permits:

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Service Contract

In businesses where services are provided on an extended basis, a services contract is often put in place outlining terms and conditions of service. Construction cleanup services should require clients to sign a services agreement before starting a new project.  This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership. Here is an example of one such service agreement from a window cleaning service.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your construction cleanup business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Post Construction Cleaning Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Post Construction Cleaning Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a post construction cleaning business

Find new leads via local hardware stores. Locations like Ace Hardware, Home Depot, and Lowe’s Home Improvement are good locations. Promote your services via brochures and past-project pictures.

How to keep customers coming back

To attract customers, become well-acquainted with local construction providers. If these providers service commercial properties, contact the properties. Express their need to meet industry standards. If you’re working alongside residential construction projects, show any homeowners your brochure. Retaining individual customers can be difficult—as construction is normally a one-time deal. That said, partnering with local businesses and construction groups can assure ongoing work.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Anyone who’s proficient in maintenance, construction or handiwork can work in a construction cleanup service. If you want to own a construction cleanup service, you’ll need to have a background in management. While no formal education is needed, these skills should be secured through experience.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a post construction cleaning business?

A construction cleanup crew services both commercial and residential construction sites. A cleanup crew is in charge of dusting, shining, and polishing appliances. They also clean furnishings and hardware. Often a construction cleanup company will clear large debris. Because they’re relied on for garbage disposal, most services tie in with local waste laws. A construction cleanup company must also reach out to construction companies. A construction cleanup company thrives in construction sites, so a deep understanding of area codes is important.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful post construction cleaning business?

Because a cleanup service is sometimes viewed as an accessory service, they often need to seek out new clients. Cleaning skills count. You should know how to remove sticker labels, vacuum window tracks, use a shop vac, remove furniture drawers, and clean sawdust. You should also understand the use of different cleaning solutions. Dusting, polishing, cleaning, and mopping are useful skills.

From an administrative standpoint, it’s important to understand local marketing. A construction cleanup business needs to search for its clients, so understanding the area’s construction needs can help. What areas are changing? Are new neighborhoods being developed? What about new shops?

What is the growth potential for a post construction cleaning business?

A lot of construction cleanup services work locally. Depending on the area, a cleanup service can expand to serve a network of providers. Often, a cleanup service will thrive alongside professional construction groups. If an area has a lot of urban development, a construction cleanup service can expect to find a lot of work. Competition can be fierce, however. Construction cleanup isn’t sought after due to its high-quality amenities. Sometimes, residents assume it’s akin to maintenance work. For this reason, a construction cleanup business needs to offer quick, affordable services to thrive in the professional world. Specialization with hardwood, marble, or other valuable materials is a plus. If a construction cleanup provider can clean unique services, they’ll offer unique value.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a post construction cleaning business?

You should visit your clients in person. Because construction cleanup services are specific to location, the job, and the construction company, clients will want to meet you. Also, have a solid promotional package to show them. All potential customers should understand the scope of your work.

How and when to build a team

You should start with a team of two to three people. While you can clean construction areas yourself, it’s advisable to expand your services from a firm foundation. More workers equal speedier services. At the start, speedy services will get you more contracts.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading