What a scope of work is
A scope of work, often called an SOW, is the part of an estimate or contract that describes the work itself: what will be done, to what standard, with which materials, and what is left out. The price says what the job costs; the scope says what the customer gets for it. Most disputes on a job come down to a line that was missing from the scope.
What every scope of work should have
- The project and address.
- Work included, task by task, in the order it happens.
- Materials by brand, model, grade or color, and who supplies them.
- Not included: the things a customer might assume are part of the job.
- Schedule and what can move it.
- Acceptance: how you both agree the job is done.
Writing it so nobody argues later
- Write it for someone who was not at the walkthrough.
- Use numbers where you can: quantities, sizes, coats, layers.
- Name what happens with surprises: hidden damage gets shown and priced before work continues.
- Attach it to the estimate or contract the customer signs, and change it only with a change order.