Why post-construction cleaning isn't a deep clean
Anyone thinking "it's just dust, I'll handle it myself" underestimates a documented fact: fine dust from plaster, concrete and tiles contains respirable crystalline silica (RCS), classified IARC Group 1 (known human carcinogen). Suva is clear in its information sheets: you need a class M or H certified vacuum + FFP3 mask + forced ventilation.
In short
- Construction dust contains respirable crystalline silica (IARC Group 1 carcinogen).
- Standard procedure: 3 phases (rough construction โ fine construction โ fine finish).
- 2026 Lugano cost: CHF 6-12/mยฒ (example: 80 mยฒ fully renovated = CHF 500-1,000).
- Mandatory PPE: FFP3, gloves, eye protection. Class M/H vacuum, NOT a household one.
- Forced ventilation 48-72 h before re-occupancy.
The 3 post-construction cleaning phases
Phase 1 โ Rough construction cleaning (during and at end of works)
Normally done by the construction firm at end of day or end of weekly works. Includes:
- Removal of debris, cement bags, scrap material
- Rough floor sweeping (broom, collection)
- Coarse dust vacuuming with industrial extractors
- Protection of already-finished surfaces (plastic film, cardboard)
Cost: typically in the construction firm's quote, not a separate service.
Phase 2 โ End of construction (after the last intervention,
before final fittings)
This is the critical phase where a specialised cleaning company is indispensable.
- Full HEPA vacuuming (class M minimum, ideally H): floors, ceilings, walls, frames, every interstice
- Deep cleaning of windows, shutters, sills, frames: construction dust is extremely fine and settles everywhere
- Skirting boards, ceiling lights, sockets, switches, radiators
- Degreasing the new kitchen (remove protective film, labels, residue)
- New bathrooms: remove protective sheets, silicone residue, initial tap descaling
- Deep cleaning of newly-installed furniture (drawer interiors, under tops)
Phase 3 โ Fine finish (immediately before occupancy)
Handover-style cleaning combining deep clean + finishing touches.
- Re-vacuum everything (fine dust keeps settling for days)
- Full window cleaning inside/out
- Deep floor cleaning (specific to the installed material)
- Bathroom and kitchen sanitation
- Light scenting (essential oils) + final 48-72 h ventilation
- Handover photo report
Why DIY is discouraged
What a professional firm does that you can't
| ย | DIY | Angolli professional service |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum | Household (filters not adequate) | Industrial HEPA class M/H |
| PPE | Variable (often absent) | Certified FFP3, gloves, goggles |
| Time | 12-24 h for 80 mยฒ (rushed + poorly) | 6-10 h with a 2-3 person crew |
| Fine dust residual after 7 days | Visible on dark surfaces | Negligible (iterative procedure) |
| Cost (80 mยฒ) | Your time + materials = CHF 200-400 | CHF 500-1,000 all-in |
| Acceptance guarantee | None | Yes: free re-do if not accepted |
Angolli's professional service
What to ask in a quote
- PPE used (FFP3 mandatory for RCS)
- Vacuum class (M minimum, H ideal for major sites)
- Number of expected passes (1 = insufficient for substantial work)
- Estimated intervention time (under 4 hours for 80 mยฒ is unrealistic)
- Waste disposal (included or extra)
- Acceptance guarantee + correction timing
- Photo report before/after
- Any extra costs (balconies, common stairs, garage)
Ideal timing relative to the works
- Phase 2 (end of construction): immediately after the last construction intervention, before new furniture arrives
- Phase 3 (fine finish): 24-48 h before move-in / first use
- Ventilation: keep airing 48-72 h after the clean (fine dust keeps settling)
- First occupancy: ideally with small children or people with respiratory issues, wait 7 days with regular ventilation
Frequently asked questions
Can I do post-construction cleaning myself?
Strongly discouraged. Construction fine dust contains respirable crystalline silica (Suva: IARC Group 1, known carcinogen). FFP3 masks and professional HEPA vacuums are required โ household equipment isn't suitable.
How much does post-construction cleaning cost in Lugano?
CHF 6-12/mยฒ for a renovated apartment. Example: a fully renovated 80 mยฒ unit = CHF 500-1,000. Variables: scope of work, plaster/paint, balconies/terraces.
How long after work completion before I can move in?
After fine post-construction cleaning, allow at least 24-48 hours of ventilation. Fine dust continues to settle for days โ that's normal and doesn't mean the cleaning was inadequate.
Sources & references
- [1]Suva โ Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) on construction sitesSuva โ accessed 2026-05-08
- [2]IARC Monograph 100C โ Silica dust, crystalline (Group 1 carcinogen)International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) โ accessed 2026-05-08
- [3]BAG โ Indoor air quality after construction workBAG โ accessed 2026-05-08
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