What does each APPA level number mean in an inspection?

APPA levels run from 1 (orderly spotlessness) to 5 (unkempt neglect). Level 1 is the highest standard, Level 2 is ordinary tidiness, and Level 3 is casual inattention. Most commercial contracts specify Level 2 or 3. Lower numbers mean cleaner conditions and higher labor cost.

How do I score a room on the 1 to 5 scale during a walk-through?

Walk the space and compare what you see to the APPA level descriptions. Level 1 shows no dust or debris. Level 2 has minor scattered dirt. Level 3 shows obvious soil in corners or on fixtures. Level 4 has widespread neglect. Level 5 is filthy. Assign the number that best matches the overall condition.

What should I do if the average score is higher than the contracted level?

A higher number means dirtier conditions and missed contract standards. Document the failing areas with photos, review the cleaning frequency and task lists with your crew, and notify the client in writing. Repeat the inspection after corrective cleaning to confirm you are back in compliance.

APPA Inspection Report

If you can’t inspect it, you can’t defend it.

Inputs

Client / facility name

Contracted APPA level

Lobby score (1–5)

Office areas score

Restrooms score

Break room score

Compare room-by-room APPA cleanliness scores against your contracted service level. Average the lobby, office areas, restrooms, and break room scores to see if the facility meets the agreed standard or requires corrective action.

Instruction

Select the contracted APPA level (1, 2, or 3) from your service agreement.
Enter the inspection score for each area: lobby, office areas, restrooms, and break room on the 1 to 5 scale.
Read the overall average score and compliance flag to determine if performance meets the contracted level.

Worked example

A facility contracted for Level 2 service receives inspection scores of 2 for the lobby, 2 for office areas, 2 for restrooms, and 2 for the break room.

The calculator returns an average of Level 2.0 with a compliance flag showing the facility meets the contracted standard.

Questions operators ask

What does each APPA level number mean in an inspection?: APPA levels run from 1 (orderly spotlessness) to 5 (unkempt neglect). Level 1 is the highest standard, Level 2 is ordinary tidiness, and Level 3 is casual inattention. Most commercial contracts specify Level 2 or 3. Lower numbers mean cleaner conditions and higher labor cost.
How do I score a room on the 1 to 5 scale during a walk-through?: Walk the space and compare what you see to the APPA level descriptions. Level 1 shows no dust or debris. Level 2 has minor scattered dirt. Level 3 shows obvious soil in corners or on fixtures. Level 4 has widespread neglect. Level 5 is filthy. Assign the number that best matches the overall condition.
What should I do if the average score is higher than the contracted level?: A higher number means dirtier conditions and missed contract standards. Document the failing areas with photos, review the cleaning frequency and task lists with your crew, and notify the client in writing. Repeat the inspection after corrective cleaning to confirm you are back in compliance.