How to Write a Scope of Work (Template for Contractors)

The number one cause of disputes between contractors and customers is unclear scope. "I thought that was included" costs contractors thousands a year. A clear scope of work prevents this.

What to include

1. Project description

One paragraph: what you're doing, where, and expected outcome.

2. Detailed task list

Break the project into specific tasks. Be precise.

3. Materials

Who provides what. Note allowances for customer-selected items.

4. Timeline

Start date, duration, milestones. Weather contingency for exterior work.

5. Exclusions (critical)

Be explicit about what's NOT included:

• "Does not include repair of water damage discovered during demo"
• "Permit fees not included"
• "Mold remediation quoted separately if discovered"

6. Change order process

"Any changes must be agreed in writing and priced as a separate change order before work proceeds."

7. Payment schedule

Tie payments to milestones, not dates.

Template

SCOPE OF WORK
Project: [description]
Location: [address]
Contractor: [business name]

WORK INCLUDED:
- [Task 1]
- [Task 2]

MATERIALS:
Contractor provides: [list]
Customer provides: [list]

TIMELINE: [start] to [end]

NOT INCLUDED:
- [Exclusion 1]
- [Exclusion 2]

CHANGE ORDERS:
Written agreement required before additional work.

PAYMENT:
[Milestone 1]: $[amount]
[Milestone 2]: $[amount]

Include scope details and exclusions directly in your estimates with Jobnix.