Sections to include
- Property description: house, duplex or fourplex, floors, finished basement, attached garage.
- Odor history: what was noticed, in which rooms, and what has already been done.
- Rooms and areas included, and any areas specifically excluded.
- Materials to be removed, cleaned, sealed or treated.
- Air system scope: filters, grilles, ducts, blower, coil.
- Access: keys, utilities on, furniture and stored items removed.
- Recheck date and what counts as a satisfactory result.
Terms that belong in a scope
- Source removal
- Taking soaked, spoiled or contaminated material out of the building before other work starts.
- Dwell time
- How long a treatment needs the building closed and undisturbed.
- Re-entry
- The point at which people may safely return, as set out in the provider's written directions.
- Recheck
- A follow-up walk-through to confirm the smell is gone.
- Exclusion
- An area or task that is deliberately left out of the agreed work.
Questions to settle with whoever does the work
- What will be done if the smell remains after the first visit?
- Who removes and disposes of debris?
- Who decides if flooring or drywall must come out once it is opened up?
- Which tasks must happen in a particular order?
- What documents will you receive at the end?
Common questions
Is a scope of work the same as a quote?
No. The scope describes what is to be done. A quote, if one is given, attaches a cost to that description. Agreeing on the scope first makes quotes easier to compare. Share a copy with anyone who will visit the property, so every visit starts from the same description.
Who should keep the scope once it is agreed?
Both the landlord and whoever carries out the work should hold a copy. Keep it in the unit file so later questions can refer back to what was agreed.
Can the scope change during the work?
Yes, and it often does once materials are lifted. Write each change down with the reason, and confirm it with everyone involved before the work continues.
Should exclusions be listed?
Yes. Naming what is left out, such as ducts or crawl spaces, avoids a misunderstanding about what was meant to be included.
How detailed should the property description be?
Enough that someone who has not seen the house understands its levels, its air system and any shared walls. Photographs of the layout help.
General information for Aurora, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.