Transparent Post-Construction Cleaning Rates for St. Louis
Post Construction Cleaning Pricing St. Louis starts at $0.50/sq ft for clinical HEPA extraction vs $0.20/sq ft janitorial that just moves dust around.
From luxury builds in Ladue to commercial projects in Clayton and mixed-use developments in Chesterfield—our transparent pricing starts with square footage assessment, debris volume calculation, HEPA equipment requirements, and COI documentation. Use our calculator to estimate your project.
Janitorial vs. Clinical Extraction
The difference between "cleaned" and safe to occupy.
Quick surface wipe-down. Looks clean in photos.
- Standard vacuums push fine dust into the air
- Silica particles settle overnight onto "clean" surfaces
- HVAC contaminated (dust recirculates for weeks)
- Buyer complains within 48 hours of move-in
Industrial extraction. Actually removes the dust.
- HEPA captures 99.97% of particles (0.3 microns)
- Silica properly extracted (lung health protection)
- HVAC vents detailed (clean air circulation)
- Passes white-glove inspection (buyer satisfied)
Why Silica Dust Matters
Silica dust (from concrete, stone, tile, drywall) causes permanent lung damage with repeated exposure. OSHA regulates silica on job sites—but standard cleaning doesn't remove it from homes. Our HEPA extraction captures silica particles invisible to the naked eye, protecting both your buyers and our crew.
Dust Surcharge Calculator
Get an estimated price range for your post-construction cleaning project
99.97% particle capture • Silica-safe • Inspection-ready
$425 – $575
Not HEPA filtered
* Estimates are approximate. Final pricing requires on-site assessment of dust levels, access, and specific project requirements.
Request Exact Quote
Our 3-Phase SOP: Where Your Money Goes
Each phase has a purpose. Skipping phases means callbacks, delays, and unhappy buyers.
During Construction
Rough Clean
Debris removal while work is ongoing. Keeps site workable for next trades.
Checklist:
- Remove large debris & construction waste
- Sweep/vacuum all surfaces (shop vac level)
- Wipe down fixtures & appliances
- Clear pathways for next trades
- Haul away trash and recyclables
Cost Allocation
Typically 30% of total project cost
After Fixtures Installed
Detail Clean
HEPA extraction of fine dust. The phase that separates janitorial from clinical.
Checklist:
- HEPA vacuum all surfaces (ceiling to floor)
- Clean all interior windows & glass
- Detail fixtures, hardware, switch plates
- Remove construction film, labels, stickers
- Wet-wipe all horizontal surfaces
- Clean inside cabinets & closets
Cost Allocation
Typically 50% of total project cost
Before Inspection/Walkthrough
Final Punch
White-glove inspection. The standard your buyer expects.
Checklist:
- Multi-angle light inspection (natural + artificial)
- Touch test all horizontal surfaces
- Touch-up any missed areas
- Final dust extraction pass
- Polish all surfaces to showroom condition
- Photo documentation for punch list sign-off
Cost Allocation
Typically 20% of total project cost
Post Construction Cleaning Pricing Factors
Common questions about our rates and what affects pricing
How much does post-construction cleaning cost per square foot?
Post-construction cleaning rates in St. Louis range from $0.20-$0.50 per square foot depending on the cleaning method. Standard janitorial at $0.20/sq ft moves dust around. Clinical HEPA extraction at $0.50/sq ft actually removes silica and drywall dust from the air. For a 3,000 sq ft home, expect $600-$1,500 depending on dust levels and phase requirements.
Why is post-construction cleaning more expensive than regular cleaning?
Post-construction cleaning requires industrial-grade HEPA equipment ($15,000+ machines vs $200 residential vacuums), specialized crews trained in construction site safety, 3-phase protocols that take 2-4x longer than standard cleaning, and proper dust containment. You're paying for equipment, expertise, and thoroughness that standard cleaners don't have.
What is silica dust and why does it matter?
Silica dust comes from cutting, grinding, or disturbing concrete, stone, tile, and drywall. It's invisible to the naked eye but causes permanent lung damage (silicosis) with repeated exposure. OSHA regulates silica exposure on job sites. Standard cleaning pushes it into the air—HEPA filtration captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns.
Is there a surcharge for heavy drywall dust?
Yes, heavy drywall dust adds approximately 20% to standard rates. Drywall dust is extremely fine and pervasive—it settles into HVAC systems, gets behind outlets, and coats every surface. Removing it requires multiple passes with HEPA equipment, wet-wiping all surfaces, and often HVAC vent cleaning.
How do you charge for post-construction cleaning?
We provide quotes based on: square footage, construction type (new build vs renovation), dust severity (light, moderate, heavy), phases required (rough, detail, final), and timeline urgency. Most projects receive a flat-rate quote after our walkthrough. Rush jobs (24-48 hour turnaround) include an expedite fee.
How to Remove Construction Dust Permanently
Standard vacuums recirculate silica—the 'Settling Error' makes dust reappear 24 hours later. Our HEPA extraction with negative air principles captures particulates permanently, not just moves them.
Negative Air Containment
We create negative pressure to pull dust toward filters, not spread it through HVAC systems. Airborne silica is captured at the source.
True HEPA Capture
99.97% filtration at 0.3 microns. Silica particles (2.5+ microns) are trapped permanently in the filter, not recirculated into the air.
Multi-Pass Protocol
We clean, wait 24 hours for suspended dust to settle, then clean again. True elimination requires patience—not just a single pass.
Industry Resources
Learn more about construction dust safety, water management, and home maintenance best practices.
Ready for a Quote?
Use the calculator above for an estimate, or contact us for a detailed quote on your specific project.