[seamus campbell]

Hello Folks

just doing carpet cleaning at moment,But may be getting the chance to do a lot of Builders cleans of shops some quite large , But have never done it before can anyone give me an idea of exactly what is involved. Just trying to get an idea of where people would start if they walked into a shop to clean after the builder walks out, Do you vacuum all dust then wash down what are the best chemical etc what would be a standard kit of equipment that you would have, any help would be greatly appreciated

[Rick Ward]

in my view I see it as a two stage process that involves firstly getting the plaster, cement etc off the windows - then often as not cleaning up after the builder prior to secondly: shining and polishing. Of course it depends on what your cleaning and after whom. I have done a fair bit of it sometimes just the windows and sometimes the whole house, shop etc. I have never particularly used any chemicals on my jobs other than domestic type ones, a powerful hoover is the best tool!! Sometimes you need a floor scrubber also but generally not.
Always expect it to take more time than you think it will!!

[seamus campbell]

Thanks Rick
 
Most of the work will be after shopfitters so mostly all drylinned not many wet trades involved. Do you vacumm everything first to get rid of majority od dust

[Rick Ward]

definitely, and as I say a powerful vacuum is what you need, ideally twin motored are more powerful. Use a brush alongside it as I think it speeds things up- you can make decent money on them but I find it's too easy to have a poor approach if doing them alone. Like anything, be methodical, start at the top/ highest point and get all the dust off first. Sounds stupid saying it but believe me it's easy to waste time by not being methodical. 

[neil kellett]

Start with the windows. You should already be in there doing them, you won't be in anyones way doing the glass. Then move onto the toilets, kitchens, canteen area? If there is one. And just work in from there. Get a floor scrubber and a wet vac for any tiled floors, hit them now they'll need a re clean later anyway, but get the heavy off now or it will hang you at the end. I cleaned some of the largest sites in the country back in the boom. P Elliotts gave me lots of their work Sean, but I would'nt work for any builders now under any circumstances.

[mathewl]

Always start from the delicate things because you are fresh and also these things takes more time than normal. The floor should be left for the last.

[Robert Parry]

Hi Seamus,

You mention that the builders cleans that you are hoping to get are "shops".

Normally the retailer will want to be up and running asap, in our experience it is very rare that the builders will "walk out" and leave you to it!

There is normally a load of trades snagging, whilst your trying to clean! Plus the shop staff installing rails, stock etc, ready for opening day!

Powerful vac to remove dust and loose debris from all surfaces horizontal and vertical, clean with the correct chem for surface, followed by shine, removing paint, plaster etc as you go.

Patience, a large dollop of a sense of humour, ability to act as referee between your own staff and trades, as well as a real need to work under pressure are all required.

Ensure as each area is cleaned, the QA is happy with the standard of clean, and get them to sign off on each completed area, this will negate the need to re-clean areas at your own expense. Report any damage, snagging that you come across straight away.

Offer a fair, but profitable price, and you will find that you can gain a lot of work from this sector. Always work to a plan of action, but understand that any plan put in place will change, often quite radically, however deal with any changes or problems in a professional manner, and do whatever it takes in order to get the job done. Dont forget H & S has to be spot on.

Best of british!

Regards,

Rob

[DavidStainberg]

carpet cleaning is the last thing you should do. Firstly remove the big things, vacuum and then clean good with a cleaning detergent!

[seamus campbell]

Thanks folks is there a suggested must have cleaning chemicals that i should have in van

[Denise l]

Elbow grease? No, seriously, just your normal cleaning chemicals that you use are fine. Glue remover for mastic is a must. Best of luck because they are ruddy hard work.

D