Many remediation jobs are performed by a company other than the one you first call. Some companies coordinate jobs and pass the work to independent contractors; others subcontract parts of jobs like waste hauling, testing or rebuilding. This is common in the industry, and it can work well, but customers should understand it. This guide explains how the model works, including how Avure operates.
How Avure works
Avure is a coordination service. We don't employ cleanup crews. When you contact us, we gather information about the job, connect you with a vetted, independent remediation contractor that serves your area and handles that type of work, help define the scope and documentation, and stay in contact through the job. The independent contractor performs the work and is responsible for it, including its licenses, certifications, insurance, worker safety and compliance. We say this plainly because you deserve to know who will be in your home or building.
Common forms of subcontracting in the industry
Coordination or referral services. A company takes the call and assigns the job to an independent contractor.
General contractor model. A remediation company manages the job and hires specialists, such as plumbers, testers, waste haulers or rebuild contractors.
Partial subcontracting. A company does most work itself but subcontracts specific tasks.
Network models. Insurers or national brands send jobs to networks of local contractors.
Potential benefits
- Reach. Coordination can connect customers with qualified contractors in areas a single company doesn't cover.
- Matching. The right contractor can be selected for the job type, such as meth cleanup requiring state certification.
- One point of contact for scheduling, questions and documentation.
- Specialists for parts of jobs that need specific expertise.
Potential tradeoffs
- Another party in the chain, which can complicate communication if roles aren't clear.
- Responsibility questions if something goes wrong.
- Cost structure, since coordination may be part of the price.
- Consistency, which depends on how well contractors are vetted and managed.
What you should know before work begins
- Who will actually perform the work? Get the contractor's business name.
- What licenses or certifications does that contractor hold for your job type and state?
- What insurance does that contractor carry? Ask for certificates of general liability and workers' compensation.
- Who is your point of contact?
- Who issues the scope, invoice and documentation?
- Who do you contract with, and who is responsible for the work under the contract?
- How are complaints or problems handled?
Verifying the contractor
Check that the contractor's business is registered, its insurance is current, and any required state certifications are listed with the relevant agency, such as a state meth program. Ask for references for similar jobs where appropriate.
Payment and insurance
Understand who bills you or your insurer, and what payment is for. If an assignment of benefits or direct-billing authorization is involved, read it carefully and know which company it names.
Documentation
Regardless of who does the work, you should receive a written scope, photos, waste disposal records, verification results where applicable and an itemized invoice. Clarify who delivers them.
Red flags
- Refusal to say who will do the work
- Inability to provide the contractor's insurance certificates
- Unclear contracts that don't name the responsible company
- Pressure to sign before you know who's coming
A practical example
A family calls Avure after a death at home. We explain that an independent contractor will perform the work, provide the contractor's name, and arrange for the family to receive its insurance certificates. The contractor assesses the home and provides a written scope. We stay in contact through the job, and the contractor delivers the closeout documentation the family needs for the insurer.
How vetting works
Coordination is only as good as the vetting behind it. A responsible coordinator checks that contractors are registered businesses, carry current liability and workers' compensation insurance, hold any certifications the job type requires in that state, and follow worker safety and waste disposal rules. It should also follow up on complaints and stop sending work to contractors who fall short. Ask any coordinator, including us, how contractors are screened and what happens when a job goes wrong.
Frequently asked questions
Is subcontracting unusual in remediation?
No; it's common in many forms.
Does Avure do the cleaning?
No. Avure coordinates; independent contractors perform the work.
Who is responsible if something goes wrong?
The contractor performing the work is responsible for it; your contract terms also matter, so read them.
Can I talk directly to the contractor?
Yes; you should be able to.
Will I know the contractor's name before work starts?
You should, and you can ask.
Is a coordinated job more expensive?
Pricing varies; compare written scopes and ask what's included.
Key takeaways
Coordination and subcontracting are common in remediation and can help match the right contractor to a job. Know who does the work, verify their credentials and insurance, understand the contract and payment, and make sure you receive full documentation. Avure is a coordination service, and the independent contractors it connects you with perform and are responsible for the work.
Sources
- OSHA: 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
- EPA: Voluntary Guidelines for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Laboratory Cleanup
This guide is general information. It is not legal, medical, environmental or safety advice. Rules vary by state and locality. For a specific situation, consult the relevant agency or a qualified professional.