Design Proposal – Air Restore HVAC Hygiene Audit Prior to Refurbishment Works

Dear Project Team,

As part of the upcoming refurbishment works, I am proposing that Air Restore undertake a full HVAC Hygiene Audit of the existing mechanical systems before any demolition, ceiling removal or mechanical upgrade begins.

This audit provides a baseline condition assessment of the entire HVAC system, establishes clear demarcation of pre‑existing issues, and ensures the refurbishment is delivered safely, compliantly and without hidden risk to the builder, mechanical contractor or end‑user.

1. Why This Audit Is Recommended for This ProjectRefurbishment works inevitably expose older ductwork, ceiling voids, air handling units, insulation and air pathways that may contain dust loading, microbial indicators, deteriorated insulation, damaged components or odour sources. These conditions can remain hidden until demolition begins and can create significant risk to the project team.A documented hygiene audit identifies these risks before works commence, allowing them to be managed in a controlled and transparent manner. This supports informed decision‑making and avoids unexpected findings once construction activities are underway.
2. Benefits to Construction, Facilities Management and End UsersFor the Builder:
   • Clear demarcation of existing defects and latent conditions prior to works
   • Reduced exposure to variation disputes and liability for pre‑existing issues
   • Photographic evidence of HVAC system condition before demolitionFor the Mechanical Contractor:
   • Clear understanding of existing hygiene and contamination issues
   • Improved sequencing of works and isolation planning
   • Reduced commissioning risk caused by legacy contaminationFor Facilities Management:
   • Baseline record of HVAC system condition
   • Identification of long‑standing hygiene and maintenance issues
   • Confidence that refurbished systems start from a known conditionFor End Users:
   • Improved indoor air quality outcomes
   • Reduced odour and comfort complaints post‑refurbishment
   • Lower risk of microbial exposure during and after construction
3. Audit Scope – Inspection and Reporting OnlyThe Air Restore HVAC Hygiene Audit is a non‑intrusive inspection and documentation exercise only. No cleaning, remediation or rectification works are included.The audit includes:• Visual inspection of air handling units, fan coil units, ductwork, coils, fans, dampers and insulation
   • Verification of installed filter class and filter installation condition
   • Identification of visible dust loading, debris, moisture, microbial indicators and insulation degradation
   • Observation of drainage and condensate management issues
   • Visual condition assessment of accessible fire and smoke dampers
   • Odour observations indicating potential IAQ or hygiene concerns
   • Photographic documentation of findings
4. DeliverablesAir Restore will issue a formal HVAC Hygiene Audit Report that includes:• Photographic evidence of observed conditions
   • Location‑specific findings
   • Risk categorisation of hygiene issues
   • Clear demarcation of existing conditions versus refurbishment scope
   • Audit‑level recommendations for next steps where requiredThis report provides a defensible baseline record for the builder, designer and client prior to refurbishment works.
5. Why Air RestoreAir Restore specialise in HVAC hygiene auditing and assessment across commercial refurbishment projects. Their experience in occupied and complex facilities ensures that hygiene risks are identified accurately, documented clearly and communicated in a manner that supports project delivery.Their audit process is aligned with Australian best practice expectations and provides the level of clarity required to manage refurbishment risk effectively.
6. Next StepsSubject to approval, site access can be arranged for Air Restore to complete the hygiene audit prior to commencement of refurbishment works. The resulting report can then be used to finalise demolition sequencing, containment strategies, scope boundaries and risk management plans.Please advise if you would like this audit scheduled or if further clarification is required.