POST-CONSTRUCTION CHECKLIST
Post-Construction Window Cleaning Checklist for Builders and Homeowners
New glass is easy to damage and expensive to replace. Use this checklist from framing to final walkthrough to protect windows during the build and get them clean without scratches.
The Short Answer
Protect the glass during construction, keep paint, stucco and adhesive off it, and don’t let anyone scrape it dry. Schedule the final window cleaning in the last week before walkthrough, after the dusty trades are done. Ask before any blade touches tempered or coated glass.
During Construction
- Protect installed windows with film or covering before stucco, paint and texture work. The glass industry’s own guidance is clear that glass must be protected from cement, paint, varnish and adhesives.
- Remove protective film and labels on schedule. Some films and stickers get harder to remove after long sun exposure.
- Rinse off stucco splatter and paint overspray while it’s fresh with water, not a blade.
- Keep trades from using windows as a work surface or leaning tools against the glass.
- Store any loose glass upright and covered so it doesn’t pick up debris.
Before the Final Cleaning
- Finish drywall sanding, painting, flooring and exterior stucco first. Dust from any of them will land on clean glass.
- Note which windows are tempered. They’re usually etched with a small logo in a corner, and they’re required in doors and many large or low windows.
- Note any windows with Low-E or other coatings, including which surface the coating is on.
- Flag known problem panes: heavy overspray, caulk, concrete or adhesive.
- Book the cleaning for the last week before walkthrough or listing photos.
The Cleaning Itself
- Wet first, always. Never scrape or wipe construction dust off dry glass.
- Scraping only where it’s safe. Industry guidance from glass manufacturers and window cleaners says razor blades should never be used on coated glass, and scraping on uncoated glass should go one direction only with a new blade.
- Extra care on tempered glass. Tempered glass can carry tiny particles from the manufacturing process that a blade can drag into long scratches.
- Right solvent for the residue. Paint, adhesive and silicone each need a different approach.
- Frames, tracks and sills too. Drywall dust packs into tracks and weep holes.
Our post-construction window cleaning handles all of this for builders, remodelers and homeowners across Bend and Central Oregon.
Walkthrough Checklist
- Look at each pane from an angle in daylight; streaks and haze show up best that way.
- Check corners and edges for leftover paint, caulk and label glue.
- Look for fine scratches before signing off, and note any that were already there.
- Open and close every slider and window; they should glide.
- Check sills, tracks and weep holes for packed dust.
- Confirm screens are clean and installed.
Post-Construction Window Questions
Can I use a razor blade to clean paint off new windows?
Not on coated glass, and only carefully on uncoated glass, one direction with a new blade and plenty of water. On tempered glass, ask a professional first.
When should post-construction window cleaning be scheduled?
In the final week before walkthrough, after drywall, paint, flooring and exterior work are finished.
Why are there scratches on my new windows?
Often from dry scraping or wiping construction grit across the glass. Tempered glass is especially prone to scratching from scraping.
Should builders protect windows during construction?
Yes. Glass industry guidance says glass should be protected from cement, paint, varnish and adhesives during construction.
CALL FOR WINDOW CLEANING
Getting a New Build Ready?
Call us with the address, the number of windows and your walkthrough date and we’ll fit the cleaning in at the right time.