Guide
Contractor scope of work: how to write one that protects you
Every contractor dispute traces back to an ambiguous scope of work. A client who says "I thought that was included" is almost always right that it was implied — because the scope of work allowed it to be implied. A precise scope of work eliminates most disputes before they start.
What a scope of work must do
- →Define exactly what work is included in the contract price
- →Define explicitly what is NOT included (exclusions)
- →Specify materials by type, grade, brand, and quantity
- →Identify client responsibilities (site access, existing conditions, selections)
- →Create a reference document for change order disputes
The scope of work structure
Project overview
One paragraph: what is being built or installed, where, and to what general specification.
Inclusions — itemized
Bullet list of every task, material, and service included. Each item specific enough that a neutral third party could verify it was completed.
Exclusions — explicit
List everything adjacent to the scope that is NOT included. If a client might reasonably assume it is included, put it in exclusions.
Material specifications
For every specified material: brand or grade, quantity, color/finish (if selected), and who is responsible for selection.
Site conditions and access
What the site must be in before work begins. Who is responsible for prep work.
Client responsibilities
Decisions the client must make and by when. Materials the client is supplying. Approvals required.
Permit and inspection
Who pulls permits, who pays permit fees, who is present for inspections.
The exclusions list: what to always include
These are the most commonly disputed items — always put them in exclusions if they are not included:
- — Permit fees (unless explicitly included)
- — Engineered drawings or design work
- — Demolition of existing work (unless explicitly included)
- — Disposal of demolished material beyond standard construction debris
- — Discovery and remediation of hidden conditions (rotted framing, mold, asbestos)
- — Work outside the defined area or dimensions
- — Painting and finishing (unless explicitly included)
- — Temporary facilities (portable toilets, dumpsters)
- — Final cleaning beyond construction cleanup
- — Landscaping restoration after utility work
- — Testing and commissioning (where applicable)
- — Work by trades not listed in inclusions
Scope specificity: how detailed is enough
Not specific enough:
"Install hardwood flooring throughout living areas"
Specific enough:
"Supply and install 3/4 inch solid oak hardwood flooring, natural finish, random width 3-5 inch planks, nail-down installation over existing subfloor, in living room and dining room only (approx. 480 sq ft per plan). Includes installation, nail-down adhesive, and standard installation warranty. Excludes: staining or finishing (owner-supplied pre-finished product), furniture moving, carpet removal and disposal."
Catch missing scope before the job starts
Scope Command walks through trade-specific scope items so nothing gets missed before you write the proposal.
Open Scope Command →Related