What Is Work Authorization
Work authorization is the written approval a property owner or manager provides to a mold contractor before any remediation work begins. This document outlines what work will be performed, where it will occur, and authorizes the contractor to proceed based on findings from mold testing and inspection.
In mold remediation, work authorization typically follows a mold inspection and testing phase. A contractor identifies contamination, documents affected areas, proposes a remediation plan aligned with EPA guidelines and industry standards, then waits for the property owner to sign off before mobilizing equipment, containment materials, and remediation crews.
Why It Matters
Work authorization protects both parties. For you as a property owner or manager, it ensures you understand exactly what work will happen, where it will happen, and what it will cost before money changes hands. For the contractor, it documents your informed consent and prevents scope creep or disputes about whether certain work was approved.
Without written authorization, contractors should not begin remediation work. Federal regulations and EPA guidelines require documented consent before disturbing contaminated areas. Work authorization also establishes a baseline for your Scope of Work, preventing confusion about what's included in the project and what constitutes additional work requiring change orders.
If moisture control measures or post-remediation testing reveal additional contamination beyond the original scope, a new authorization ensures clear communication about expanded costs and timelines.
Key Components
An effective work authorization document for mold remediation should include:
- Location and extent of contamination: Specific rooms, square footage affected, and mold species identified through testing.
- Testing methods used: Reference to air samples, surface samples, or moisture readings that justified the remediation recommendation.
- Remediation protocols: Containment specifications, cleaning methods, air scrubber requirements, and disposal procedures aligned with EPA and IICRC standards.
- Timeline and access: Start date, estimated duration, occupancy restrictions, and any required temporary relocation of residents or sensitive equipment.
- Moisture control measures: Identification of water intrusion sources and corrective actions to prevent recurrence, such as roof repairs, grading adjustments, or HVAC modifications.
- Clearance testing: Post-remediation air and surface testing to verify successful Remediation before work is considered complete.
- Cost and payment terms: Total project cost, deposit requirements, and payment schedule tied to project milestones.
Common Questions
- Can I start remediation work immediately after signing? Not always. Contractors often schedule mobilization within 3 to 7 business days to coordinate crew availability, equipment delivery, and containment setup. Work authorization is the green light, but logistical coordination follows. Emergency situations involving health risks or active water intrusion may allow same-day startup.
- What if mold is found in areas not listed in my work authorization? Most work authorizations include a clause allowing the contractor to notify you of additional contamination discovered during active remediation. You'll receive a change order detailing the new area, recommended treatment, and additional cost. You can approve or decline before that work proceeds.
- Do I need separate authorization for moisture control work? Ideally, moisture control is addressed in the initial remediation authorization since EPA guidelines emphasize identifying and eliminating moisture sources to prevent recurrence. However, if source control requires structural repairs beyond remediation scope, that may be a separate project requiring its own authorization and potentially a different contractor.