What is a scope of work?
A scope of work (SOW) is a document that describes the work on a job in detail: the tasks, who does each one, what materials are used and who supplies them, what's excluded, and how you'll both know the job is done. It's usually attached to a quote, proposal or contract.
Most job disputes come down to scope. The client thought something was included and you didn't. A clear scope of work settles that question before anyone picks up a tool.
How to write a scope of work
- State the objective. One or two sentences on what the finished job should achieve.
- List the tasks. Break the job into steps someone could check off. Say who's responsible for each, including tasks the client owns, like picking finishes.
- List the materials. Name the products or grade, and who supplies each one.
- Write the exclusions. Anything a client might reasonably assume is included but isn't.
- Set milestones. Target dates for the main stages.
- Define acceptance. How you'll agree the work is complete, such as passing final inspection or a walkthrough with no open items.
- Note your assumptions. Site access, working hours, the condition of what's behind the walls.
- Explain how changes work. A signed change order before the changed work starts.
Common exclusions to consider
- Permits and inspection fees, if the client pays them
- Repairs to hidden damage found after demolition
- Moving furniture or appliances
- Painting or finishing beyond the work area
- Haul-off of the client's own items
- Fixtures and finishes the client supplies
Construction scope of work template
For construction, write tasks by stage: protection and demolition, rough work, inspections, finishes, cleanup. Name the plans or drawings the work follows. If the client supplies materials, say when they need to be on site, because late materials hold up the schedule.
Cleaning scope of work template
A cleaning scope of work lists the areas, the tasks in each, and how often they're done. A table works well:
| Area | Task | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Offices | Empty trash, dust desks, vacuum carpets | Daily |
| Restrooms | Clean and disinfect fixtures, restock supplies, mop floors | Daily |
| Break room | Wipe counters and appliance fronts, clean sink | Daily |
| Entrances | Clean glass doors, vacuum mats | Weekly |
| Hard floors | Machine scrub | Monthly |
Put each row in the tasks list above, with the frequency in the details column. Add who supplies cleaning products and paper goods in the materials list. For the agreement itself, use the cleaning contract.
Scope of work vs statement of work
The two terms are often used the same way. Where they're used differently, a statement of work is the larger document covering the scope, price, schedule and terms, and the scope of work is the part that describes the work itself. On a contracting job, this template covers the work, and your quote or contract covers the price and terms.
Questions
Is this scope of work template free?
Yes. Fill it in, then download it as a PDF or Word file. No account needed.
What should a scope of work include?
The objective, a list of tasks and who does each, materials and who supplies them, exclusions, milestones, acceptance criteria, assumptions and how changes are handled.
Does a scope of work include the price?
Usually not. The price goes in the quote, proposal or contract, and the scope of work is attached to it. Keeping them separate makes the scope easier to reuse.
How detailed should a scope of work be?
Detailed enough that someone who wasn't at the site visit could tell what's included and what isn't. If a client could reasonably assume something is included, list it as a task or an exclusion.
What happens when the scope changes?
Write a change order with the new work, price and schedule, and get it signed before you start the changed work.