Large parts of Westminster were built from the 1960s through the 1980s, and the city has many tri-level and bi-level homes along with ranches and two-stories. Later decades added townhome and condo communities, and more recent development has brought denser housing near transit and shopping areas.
Multi-level layouts matter in biohazard work because the levels are only a half flight apart, and they are connected by open stairways, shared duct runs and floor framing that often sits directly over the lower family room. Fluids on an upper-level bedroom floor can reach the ceiling of the room beneath. Odor moves easily between levels because the air in these homes circulates freely. A thorough assessment checks every level touching the affected room.
Attached townhomes add another layer. A party wall separates units, and in some designs floors or ceilings cross over a neighbor's space. If contamination reaches a shared wall or anything the HOA insures, the association and its insurer will likely need to be part of the plan.
Housing type and what an assessment should cover
- Housing type
- Tri-level
- Paths fluids or odor can take
- Through floor framing to the half-level below; stairway air
- Areas to check
- Ceiling and walls of the level below, stair treads, duct returns
- Housing type
- Bi-level
- Paths fluids or odor can take
- From the upper floor to the lower level directly beneath
- Areas to check
- Lower-level ceiling, insulation in the floor cavity
- Housing type
- Ranch with basement
- Paths fluids or odor can take
- Down through subfloor to basement ceiling
- Areas to check
- Basement ceiling and joists under the affected room
- Housing type
- Attached townhome
- Paths fluids or odor can take
- Into party walls and shared floor or ceiling assemblies
- Areas to check
- Neighboring unit surfaces on the shared wall, HOA-insured components
- Housing type
- Garden condo
- Paths fluids or odor can take
- Into the unit below and shared hallway carpet
- Areas to check
- Unit below, corridor, building ventilation
Contacts commonly involved
- Police
- Westminster Police Department
- Coroner
- Adams County Coroner or Jefferson County Coroner, depending on the address
- HOA
- Your community association manager, for shared walls, exterior access and the master insurance policy
- Permits for repairs
- City of Westminster building division; confirm what your repair scope requires
Common questions
- Does the HOA have to approve a cleanup provider?
- Some associations require contractors to provide insurance certificates or follow work-hour rules, especially in attached communities. Ask the manager before work starts.
General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.