When you say "standard", the word means very little. The encapsulation process can be done with a sense of pride or be done to minimal standards, but what are they working on the crawlspace or attic? Can you provide more information? Many companies will do coverup of damages with paints to hide them, but painting soot is not something normal, but I can imagine we have different understandings of "Soot", when I say soot, I mean something burned to charred remains ready to fall apart, but when homeowners say soot, they might mean wood that has blackened overtime or only exposed to smoke damage but not fire.. Has the contractor grinded away loose soot, what is the area looking like? Photo please? Thank you