There is no one-size-fits-all way to define the scope of work. Still, there are some general considerations to include.

1. Definition

Clear language and terminology go a long way in minimizing the risk of disputes, claims and litigation. The scope of work should be in terms everyone understands, including the terms used by each party. The construction industry is full of industry terms and acronyms. Make sure that anyone who reads the scope of the work can really understand it.

2. Project overview

A short, concise statement summarizing your project description. The overview should list the key goals that must be achieved for the project to be successful.

3. Milestones and Results

This section should describe the anticipated project goals that must be achieved over the life of the project. Ideally, it should contain enough relevant information so that contractors and subcontractors can clearly understand the requirements of the project.

4. Scope and Technical Details

A project scope provides important details about the exact tasks and their technical aspects. The specific methods and techniques required to complete the contractor’s work are listed along with the evaluation criteria.

5. Schedule

Rather than a full detailed construction schedule, it is a general list of project tasks and related tasks and when they are expected to be completed. Contractors should plan deadlines. To do this, you will need to provide an estimated schedule for the entire project, delivery dates, and relevant completion milestones.

6. Management and Operation

This section of the scope of work defines the procedures for managing the project. How are order changes processed? When and how are payments made? These questions, along with all other relevant contractual and legal requirements, are ideally answered in this section.

Tips for writing a successful scope of work

Writing a scope of work is not difficult, but it requires you to sit down and think about each step of the project. The more detailed your service description, the more likely your project will be successful. Ultimately, a good range of work will help reduce order changes, avoid delays, and avoid payment disputes.

Set reasonable goals and expectations

Project goals should be ambitious yet realistic. Therefore, when creating a scope of work, these goals should be formulated broad enough for easy reference, but specific enough to provide the information needed for performance.

Project goals should state the expected time and materials for each task so that contractors and subcontractors know what is needed and how long it will take to complete. include visuals

Photographs, diagrams, or drawings are a great way to ensure clarity of ambiguous terms. Even with a definition section, some words and phrases are open to multiple interpretations. Providing a plan or model (via a refined BIM software release or a rough quick sketch) can reduce misunderstandings and provide a point of comparison against the actual progress of the project.

Have contractors and subcontractors approve the scope

Here are some incredibly easy ways to avoid controversy.

Have each subcontractor sign a copy of the Scope of Work to confirm that the commitment has been received, read and understood. Sign off not just at the beginning of a project, but whenever milestones and personal goals are achieved. Scope of Examples

Each SOW is unique to the completed project. Here are some practical examples of scopes of work used in contracts for various types of construction projects.

Subcontractor

Since this scope of work for drywall subcontractors is the subcontractor section, some of the standard elements of the SOW are not included in this list of elements. For example: B. Schedule or Specifications. Rather, they are described in separate sections of this Agreement.

Public Works

Note how in this scope of work for the Colorado Department of Transportation project, the document begins by defining the terminology used for each contracting party to ensure clarity and consistency throughout the document. Communication and transparency

Proper communication and transparency prevent disputes over payment of construction costs. It starts with a very clear scope of work. Once both sides understand what is expected, everything else is usually fine. The scope of work also helps stakeholders stay on track and complete construction on time and on budget.

In the event of a dispute, scope of work is an invaluable resource. Clearly listed duties and responsibilities help support or resolve disagreements. Finally, a well-formulated scope of work can provide some degree of security. Contractors and subcontractors are not only guaranteed to be paid as expected, they know what happens when they fail to do so.