Containing the Dust in your Home During Construction and Remodeling
During a remodeling project, dust and debris is inevitable. This doesn’t mean you have to live with grit on every surface throughout your home for several weeks, however. Follow these simple strategies to contain the dust to the construction area and keep the rest of your home in a livable condition.
Containment is Key
You may not be able to prevent dust and debris during construction services and remodeling, but you can contain it. Designate a single doorway as the entry and exit point to the construction area and seal the rest with two layers of sturdy plastic. Create an airlock system on the entry door by taping a layer of plastic on either side, then slitting an opening down the middle. This curtain arrangement will trap most loose dust.
Place a fan blowing toward the outdoors in at least one exterior window to circulate fresh air and vent fine dust particles.
Do as much cutting as possible outdoors. Block the HVAC vents in the construction area. This will prevent dust from circulating throughout the house.
Construction and remodeling
Construction Cleaning
You should expect to deep clean after the construction project is complete, but an ongoing cleaning routine will help manage the dust problem.
Daily Cleaning Routine:
- Sweep the construction area
- Wipe down surfaces with a damp rag
Weekly Cleaning Routine:
- Replace HVAC filters
- Vacuum, especially areas that are difficult to reach with a broom.
Use a shop vac, not a vacuum cleaner designed for regular housecleaning. A typical home vacuum cleaner does not have the suction power to handle construction dust. Before you begin, take the shop vac outside and remove all of the filters. Clean them thoroughly and replace. Run the shop vac for a minute or two before taking it into the construction site. This will expel any lingering dust from the vacuum system.
Hire a Pro
Many contractors build the cost of a professional cleaning crew into their estimate for the job. A final deep cleaning is essential for removing all signs of dust and dirt from the construction area and the rest of your home. If you are doing the remodeling work yourself consider doing what the pros do: hire a cleaning crew that specializes in construction projects like RestorationMaster. They go beyond typical cleaning to focus on areas that are most affected by construction projects, like carpet and wall cleaning. They remove and safely dispose of any leftover construction materials such as nails, wood and hazardous materials.
About Vince Sandri
Vince Sandri is a disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More content specialist with more than 12 years of experience researching, writing, and educating property owners about water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold remediationMold remediation is the process of identifying, removing, an... More, storm damage, and other disaster recovery topics. Since 2014, he has served as the leadLead is a heavy metal that can be toxic to humans, especiall... More contributor to RestorationMaster.us, where he has developed hundreds of in-depth service pages, educational guides, and industry-focused articles for restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More professionals across the United States.
Through extensive research and ongoing collaboration with restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More contractors, Vince has built a strong foundation in the science, processes, and best practices behind property damage mitigation and recovery. His work aligns with industry standards like the IICRC and EPA guidelines, and helps homeowners, business owners, and property managers understand how disasters impact structures, what immediate steps to take, how professional restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More works, and how to prevent long-term structural and health risks.
Vince specializes in translating complex restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More procedures — including water extraction, structural dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More, smoke odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More removal, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More containment, and storm damage repairRepair is the act of fixing or restoring damaged property, m... More — into clear, actionable information that empowers readers to make informed decisions during high-stress situations. His content aligns with industry standards and focuses on safety, accuracy, and practical response strategies.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Aurora University and his master’s degree from DePaul University. Since 2012, Vince has focused on SEO-driven website content, technical service pages, and educational resourcesResources include tools, personnel, equipment, and materials... More within the disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More industry.
Outside of his professional work, Vince is also a musician and performs in the Chicago, IL area.
