Many people are asked to sign a scope of work within a day or two of a traumatic event, often on a tablet with little time to read. It is reasonable to ask for a copy by email and an hour to review it, or to have a trusted relative read it with you. A good provider expects that and will not pressure you.
Scopes vary in format, but most include the same building blocks: where the work happens, what will be removed, how remaining surfaces will be treated, how waste will be handled, how completion is judged and what is not included. The table below helps you check each section.
Section-by-section check
| Section | What it should say | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Location and areas | Specific rooms and approximate areas, including adjacent spaces checked | Only the property address with no rooms named |
| Containment | How the area will be sealed and air managed | No mention at all in a multi-room home |
| Removal | Materials by type and room, such as carpet and pad in the primary bedroom | Remove contaminated materials as needed with no detail |
| Cleaning and disinfection | Surfaces to be cleaned, products used and contact time followed | General cleaning language with no disinfection step |
| Contents | How belongings will be sorted, set aside, cleaned or disposed of | Contents not mentioned |
| Waste handling | Regulated waste packaging, transport and documentation | Debris removal lumped together with no medical waste line |
| Verification | How completion will be checked and documented | Nothing describing how the job is judged finished |
| Exclusions | Rebuild, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and anything else not included | Exclusions so broad that little is left |
| Payment terms | Deposit, insurer billing and your responsibility | Terms that differ from what was said on the phone |
Vague versus clear wording
Vague
- Clean affected area
- Remove materials as necessary
- Dispose of waste
- Deodorize
Clear
- Clean and disinfect hard surfaces in hallway bath, following label contact time
- Remove carpet, pad and tack strip in bedroom two to a clean margin; inspect subfloor
- Package regulated waste in labeled containers for transport to a treatment facility; provide disposal record
- Seal cleaned subfloor with odor-blocking primer; recheck odor after several days
Questions before signing
- If you find more contamination than expected, will you stop and contact me before expanding the work?
- How will changes to the scope be approved and priced?
- What happens to items in the room that are not contaminated?
- Is any work subcontracted, and to whom?
- When can I expect the final documentation package?
General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.