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Free scope of work template.
A clear scope of work is the best protection against change order fights. Copy the outline below, fill in the job, and attach it to your estimate and contract.
- Inclusions and exclusions
- Materials and allowances
- Filled in sample included
A scope of work says exactly what you will do, with what materials, and what is not included. Most disputes start when the client and the contractor imagined different jobs. Write it in plain words, be specific about quantities and finishes, and attach it to the contract so the price and the work stay linked.
The template
Scope of Work Template
Select the text and copy it, or use it as a checklist while you build your own.
Project overview
- •Property address and the room or area of work
- •One sentence describing the goal of the project
- •Reference to the estimate or contract number
Work included
- •Demolition and disposal, listing what is removed
- •New construction or installation, by trade and by area
- •Quantities and dimensions where they matter (linear feet, square feet, fixture count)
Materials and finishes
- •Materials by brand, model, or grade where selected
- •Allowances for items still to be chosen, with the dollar amount
- •Who buys each item, the contractor or the homeowner
Exclusions
- •Work that is not part of this price (for example painting, appliances, or landscaping)
- •Hidden conditions such as rot, mold, or outdated wiring found after demolition
Permits and access
- •Who pulls permits and who pays the fees
- •Working hours, parking, and site access
- •Protection of floors and furniture, and dust control
Schedule
- •Start date and expected completion date
- •Key milestones in the order they will happen
Changes
- •Any change to this scope needs a signed change order before the work proceeds
- •How change pricing is calculated
Sample
| Item | Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolish existing tub and tile | Yes | Haul away included |
| New 60 inch tub and tile surround | Yes | Tile allowance $1,800 |
| Vanity and faucet | Yes | Homeowner supplies vanity |
| Rough plumbing relocation | No | Priced by change order if needed |
| Painting | No | Excluded from this scope |
Sample scope lines for a bathroom refresh. Replace with the real items for your job.
What makes a scope of work hold up
Be specific about quantities
Say how many, how big, and which materials. Words like standard or typical leave room for disagreement.
List the exclusions
Naming what is not included is as important as naming what is. It prevents assumptions on both sides.
Put allowances in dollars
If the client has not chosen tile or fixtures yet, state the allowance amount so an upgrade becomes a clear price difference.
Cover hidden conditions
State what happens if demolition reveals rot, old wiring, or other surprises, and that they are priced separately.
Attach it to the contract
The scope should be referenced by date or number in the contract so the price and the work are tied together.
FAQ
Scope of work template FAQ
What is a scope of work in construction?
It is a written description of the work a contractor will perform, including materials, quantities, schedule, and exclusions. It is the basis for the price and the contract.
How detailed should a scope of work be?
Detailed enough that a different contractor could read it and price the same job. Include quantities, materials, and what is excluded.
What is the difference between a scope of work and an estimate?
The scope describes the work. The estimate puts prices on it. The strongest quotes attach the scope to the estimate so the client sees exactly what the price covers.
Do I need a scope of work for small jobs?
Yes, even a few lines. A short written scope still prevents arguments about what was included.
Can I reuse a scope of work?
Renovate keeps your service catalog and notes so common scopes are one click to reuse, and the scope stays attached to the estimate and change orders. From $29.99 a month.
Stop rebuilding this document on every job.
Renovate builds your scope of works from reusable templates, keeps the numbers tied to the contract, and lets clients approve online. From $29.99 a month.