Walk-through checklist
You can send a trusted person in your place. Ask them to take photos as they go.
Plastic containment chamber with a zipper door set up in a living room. Shown to illustrate the work described; not a job for this site or at any address named here.
If something is not right
- IfYou notice odor, but only on warm days or when the heat runsThenTell the provider in writing. Ask them to recheck under flooring and trim near the original area.
- IfYou see staining on a surface that was supposed to be cleanedThenPhotograph it and ask for it to be addressed before final payment.
- IfPersonal items you asked about are missingThenAsk whether they were found, set aside or disposed of, and request the contents list.
- IfDocumentation is incompleteThenAsk for the disposal records, photo set and final scope before closing out the invoice.
Documents to receive at close-out
A finished job should leave you with paperwork as well as a clean room. Expect a final itemized invoice that matches the approved scope and any approved changes, a set of before-and-after photos, a list of removed materials and contents, and documentation that regulated waste was transported and treated. If the provider performed any surface testing, such as ATP swabs, ask for the results and an explanation of what they show.
Keep these documents with your insurance file and, for rental property, in the unit file. They may matter later, when you sell, when an adjuster has questions, or if odor or staining unexpectedly appears months from now.
Common questions
- Should I pay the final invoice before the walk-through?
- It is reasonable to ask that final payment follow a walk-through and receipt of documentation. Agree on that in writing when the scope is signed, so it is not a surprise at the end.
- What if I cannot bear to go into the room?
- That is common and understandable. A relative, friend, property manager or your insurance adjuster can do the walk-through for you using this list and share photos.
General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.