Planning
To ensure the success of your project, it’s essential to have a comprehensive and well-thought-out plan in place. Failing to take this critical step could expose you to a series of costly change orders from your environmental contractor. Change orders are generally unwelcome, but they can become inevitable, especially if your building is older. Older structures are more prone to To ensure the success of your project, it’s essential to have a comprehensive and well-thought-out plan in place. Failing to take this critical step could expose you to a series of costly change orders from your environmental contractor. Change orders are generally unwelcome, but they can become inevitable, especially if your building is older. Older structures are more prone to uncovering additional issues during the remediation or abatement process.
We recommend obtaining at least three quotes from various qualified contractors to get a better understanding of market rates, as prices can fluctuate based on demand.
Our reports provide you with a detailed and transparent plan, which we can share with your chosen contractor upon your approval.
We advise against using platforms like Angi’s List or Thumbtack for contractor selection. These platforms typically send out mass emails about your project to all contractors on their list, regardless of their qualifications for your specific needs. Each contractor pays a listing fee, whether they secure your project or not. This often leads to a rush of low bids, followed by an influx of change orders. For a more reliable approach, it’s best to contact contractors directly via phone or email.
Environmental Contractor Licenses And Insurance
It’s crucial to verify the licensing and insurance credentials of the company you’re considering for your project. Make sure all documentation is up-to-date. Along with your written quote, request a copy of the company’s insurance policies. Once you’ve accepted a proposal or agreement, ask for a declarations page that lists you and your property address as additional insured parties.
While it’s rare for projects to go awry, it’s not unheard of. Being adequately insured provides an extra layer of security, ensuring you’re covered in case of unforeseen complications.
Share Documents With Your Environmental Contractor
Our reports are very detailed regarding the source/s of the environmental problem, how big a problem, and contractor-based directions. Our reports are not intended to be DIY project directions. We strongly encourage you to seek professional environmental contractors.
Provide a copy of our report(s) to your chosen contractors and request that they give you a quote for the work outlined. Our reports clearly outline the recommended abatement/remediation protocol(s) necessary to follow in order to address the contaminant(s) involved in your project.
Toxic mold remediation contractors should follow the IICRC S520 Standard.
For bacteria remediation contractors should follow the IICRC S500 Standard.
Asbestos abatement contractors need to be DOSH Certified.
Lead abatement contractors, depending on the job, need to work under a Lead Supervisor.
We work with a number of abatement/remediation contractors. We have compiled a list of Bay Area companies with whom we have experience. Call the office and request this list be sent to you. There is no financial arrangement with any of these contractors. We are consultants that work only for you.
Clearance Testing
After the environmental contractor’s work has been performed, post abatement/remediation clearance testing is recommended before reoccupancy or additional repairs are done. We can provide this service if needed or desired.
This guidance will serve you well working with handymen, general contractors, janitorial maintenance, or any other service that your project requires.
Independent Professional Environmental Assessment
Too often we have seen projects where a remediation company goes into a home as declares “these walls need to come down”. Well, maybe. Are there toxic levels of mold in the air? What is the water source that is casing the mold to grow? Is the home older and is asbestos present? Is lead paint present in a home with children? By relying on a remediation company to decide what is going to happen without proper training and finding nonexistent problems for their financial gain, the home owners loose time and money. Plus the stress and frustration of having their project and money go wrong.
Choose an independent consultant that will be available to you by phone or email to answer all your concerns that will come up with your project.
Links