Construction Scope Of Work Template | Free PDF

Construction scope of work template

This construction scope of work template offers a clear, standardized way to define your project’s deliverables, responsibilities, deadlines, and contractual terms, specifically for construction projects. It helps your team avoid confusion and misalignment, which are among the most common causes of scope creep. The Project Management Institute found that scope creep affects more than half of projects completed.

This template covers key aspects of construction work, such as task dependencies, subcontractor roles, and phased milestones, so it’s easier to align expectations across teams. If your needs extend to more specialized areas like HVAC, electrical, or landscaping projects, explore our dedicated templates for those use cases.

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Preview of the template

Scope of Work

Project Statement

Start by defining why the construction project was inducted in the first place and what precisely the client plans to achieve when it is concluded.

Scope of Work

List the client's deliverables using the S.M.A.R.T. (Specific Measurable Achievable Reasonable Time-Bound) criteria. In each deliverable, you can name a responsible person, the cost, and target date of completion. You may also add supporting records (.e.g floor plan, design plan, Work Breakdown Structure) fas further references. Write down a glossary/definition of terms to prevent miscommunication and misunderstandings down the line.

Enter the scope of work:

Definition of terms (glossary):

Attach relevant documents/photos:

Enter the deliverables required to achieve the goal:

Deliverable

Person in charge:

Description:

Costs:

Target date:

Attach relevant documents/photos:

Project Schedule

Explain your project's timeline here. Classify milestones (e.g. securing of local authority's building permission, completion of acquisition, 50% achievement of the project) to pinpoint critical issues that lead to the project's fulfilment. You can also add visual directors, such as charts, boards, and roadmaps, to support that everyone has a quick overview of the project schedule.

Summarise the schedule:

Attach relevant documents/photos:

Project Costs

Projects usually tend to go over budget, making it more relevant for project managers to perform a cost-benefit analysis before. This can assist you to determine the correct mix of resources (e.g. labour, machinery, safety facilities, and security) and the optimal cost. Ask experts when preparing this part to get precise costing for manpower, instruments and equipment and other demands.

Total costs:

Acceptance Criteria

Acceptance criteria are used to assess the deliverables - whether they are operating fine according to the prescribed specs.

Acceptance criteria:

Variations

Many construction projects may vary from the original design and terms, which is why it's significant to decide whether to allow or not allow these kinds of changes. The variations sector can address the method by which the parties will adhere to in case of change demands.

Explain the variations:

Conditions of the Contract

Here you can include further conditions that encourage your SOW. You can define details for objects, such as workmanship, working hours, security program, site clearance and cleaning methods, warranty, and standard of performance.

Define the conditions of the contract:

Project Approval & Signatures

Never start constructions without important signatures/approvals; these make your SOW enforceable. Project managers need to get all key signatories to agree on each project objective and milestone before ending the SOW. This will help guard all parties in case of legitimate disputes. You may also attach more signatories here in case there are more than one.

Client

Full name and signature of the client representative(s):

Address:

Contact details:

Date:

Add relevant signatures in the following:

Signatures

Name and signature:

Contractor

Full name and signature of the contractor's representative(s):

Job title(s):

Office address:

Contact details:

Date:

Add signatures in the following:

Signatures:

Name and signature

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Frequently asked questions

What should a construction scope of work include to avoid misunderstandings?

A solid construction scope of work should outline the project’s objectives, specific tasks, timelines, deliverables, roles, and payment terms. It’s important to detail materials, methods, and responsibilities to reduce confusion. Being overly vague is what often causes disputes, so the more precise you are, the better.

Who should create the construction scope of work for a project?

Typically, the project manager or general contractor is responsible for drafting the construction scope of work. However, input from key stakeholders, like architects, subcontractors, and engineers, is essential. Collaboration ensures expectations are aligned before work starts, reducing rework and friction later on.

How do change orders affect the construction scope of work?

Change orders modify the original scope by adding, removing, or adjusting tasks. Without a detailed scope to begin with, it’s hard to track what’s actually changed. A thorough scope helps you quickly evaluate the impact of a change order on cost, timeline, and workload.

How should you handle scope creep in construction projects?

Start with a detailed, signed scope of work and stick to it. Any new request should go through a formal change order process. Scope creep often happens when verbal agreements slip in unnoticed. Document everything and revisit the original scope regularly with your team.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.