PRACTICAL CONSTRUCTION GUIDANCE
Clean construction handover: a checklist after final cleaning
After final cleaning, a joint visual check helps compare the result with the agreed job. It gives site management, the cleaning team and the client a shared understanding. This checklist concerns cleaning only; it does not replace technical inspection, acceptance of the building or assessment of other trades.
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Section 01
1. Prepare the inspection using the agreed scope
Bring the current scope of work, room list and agreed changes. Name one contact able to make decisions for the client and one for the cleaning team. On a phased project, clearly mark the areas that have actually been cleaned so untouched areas are not assessed against the wrong scope.
Where possible, arrange the walkthrough before new deliveries or further trade work. Provide agreed access and sufficient light for the surfaces being checked. If an area is inaccessible, record that limitation rather than confirming its cleanliness without seeing it.
Section 02
2. Check rooms and surfaces systematically
Work room by room and check the agreed tasks, such as floors, accessible surfaces, glazing, frames or sanitary fittings. A consistent order helps prevent small ancillary rooms from being overlooked or the same area being assessed repeatedly without a clear record.
Describe any issue by its room, surface and visible residue. “Not clean” is less helpful than a precise location and observation. Reassess sensitive surfaces and unknown residues with the responsible team; do not request unagreed cleaning experiments or material tests during the walkthrough.
Section 03
3. Separate outstanding cleaning from damage and new dirt
An outstanding item may be an agreed cleaning task that still needs attention. A scratch, damaged component or unfinished fitting requires separate clarification. Compare observations with recorded pre-existing damage and avoid assigning responsibility before the cause and circumstances have been established.
If drilling, deliveries or other work took place after cleaning, record that sequence separately. Discuss any repeat clean in light of the circumstances and agreed scope. Photos may help identify the area, but should not show people, confidential documents or access information.
Section 04
4. Record the result and next steps together
A short record of the area, observation, responsible contact and agreed follow-up date is often enough. Separate completed items from uninspected or outstanding ones. Both sides should receive the same version so later questions can be answered using a shared record.
Finally, agree who takes responsibility for access to and protection of the cleaned areas. If more trades are due, arrange any later check or repeat clean separately. Completion of cleaning does not mean that every construction or contractual issue on the project has been resolved.
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