FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
If you have an asbestos project: There are over 3,000 different building materials containing any of 8 different forms of asbestos. This makes giving unit prices difficult without seeing the project first. Please call us for a no cost site inspection and cost proposal. If you have a lead paint project: Unless your facility is a childcare center or children under 12 years old present more than 8 hours per day, your project will fall under the EPA's "Renovation, Restoration, and Painting" (RRP) lead rules. Since 2014, all property owners and renovation contractors are required to inspect, control, and abate lead disturbed in the course of work. Please call us if you think you may need remediation or testing. If you suspect you have mold in your property: If you can visibly see mold growth on walls, floors, or fixtures, it is probably past your ability to clean with bleach (Which will work on minor growths; don't spend money you don't need to). If you see growth on wood/drywall, or can smell it without being able to identify a specific location, you may need to do some testing and analysis to determine how far the damage has spread. Mold prefers warmer, moist, dark environments. Flooding damage is the biggest single cause, but is not exclusive. Basement baths and storage areas are mold magnets. Keep them well ventilated and dry. Call us if you had a water leak, or think you have a mold problem you can't solve alone.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
After getting a referral, one of our estimators will call the customer to get details of the project, an environmental survey (if one has already been done), and contact information. We will usually arrange a time for one of us to inspect the property, usually with the owner or their representative. We use the survey results to determine the scope of work needed, and get any other pertinent information from the owner, such as access, scheduling difficulties, other trades, etc. We then prepare a written proposal, which is usually emailed to the owner or whoever the owner designates to receive it. If the proposal is accepted, we will arrange and apply for project permits with the municipalities and the State. Asbestos permits take 10 business days to process; if your project is of sufficient quantity to require a permit, please plan this two week period into your renovation. Lead and mold responses can usually be much more rapid.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Asbestos requires "Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act" (AHERA) training for workers and supervisors on any regulated site. It also requires State testing and certification to ensure proficiency. It also requires an extensive annual physical, and medical surveillance for 30 years from the date of every activity in asbestos abatement. EPA RRP certification is required of the designated individual for lead abatement, which is usually the crew supervisor. Mold remediation does not have State or Federal requirements, but is recommended to follow IICRC (International Institute of Cleaning and Restoration Contractors) procedures. These are considered the most in depth and "state of the art" procedures for remediation of mold.