What goes in a scope of work
A scope of work says exactly what the job includes, so you and the customer agree on it before anyone talks about money. Most disputes on a job aren't about price. They're about what the price was supposed to cover. A good scope of work has:
- A short summary of the job in two sentences.
- Included work, step by step, in plain language: what you'll remove, build, install and finish.
- What's not included. Permits, appliances, painting, moving sprinkler lines, whatever the customer might assume you're doing.
- Materials, with brand, model or color where it matters, and who supplies them.
- Schedule: when you can start, how long it takes, and what can delay it.
- Cleanup and site rules: work hours, access, where equipment goes, and how debris leaves.
- How changes are handled, usually a written change order before the work changes.
Typli drafts all of this from your job notes. You check it, edit anything, and send it as a PDF or a link.
The "not included" list matters most
The included work is what you planned to do anyway. The exclusions are what save you. Write down anything a reasonable customer might expect but isn't in your price:
- Patching and painting after the electrician cuts the drywall.
- Hauling away the old appliances.
- Moving furniture out of the room.
- Repairs to things you'll find once the floor is up.
If something is likely but unknown, like rotten subfloor, say how it'll be handled: "priced per sheet as found, with the customer's OK before we replace it."
Scope of work, estimate or contract?
A scope of work describes the job with no prices. Send it when the customer wants to compare bids line by line, when a general contractor needs your part of the job in writing, or before you price a big job. An estimate puts prices on that work. A contract makes the whole agreement binding: scope, price, schedule, payment and what happens if something goes wrong.
On bigger jobs they work together: the scope of work defines the job, the estimate prices it, and the contract refers to both. When the job changes later, a change order records it.
Tips for a scope nobody argues about
- Use measurements and quantities. "Replace 240 sq ft of flooring" beats "replace the flooring".
- Name the finish level. "Level 4 drywall finish" or "two coats, eggshell" ends a debate before it starts.
- Say who supplies what. Owner-supplied fixtures cause half of all schedule slips.
- Write it for the customer, not for the crew. Short lines, no jargon they'd need to look up.
Frequently asked questions
Is the scope of work generator free?
Yes. Drafting is free, with no account needed. To download the PDF or send a link, create a free account; free accounts can save 3 documents a month. Paid plans save unlimited documents, add your logo and remove the Typli footer.
Does a scope of work include prices?
No. It describes the work only. Price it with the estimate generator, which can use your saved prices and hourly rate.
Can I change the sections?
Yes. Every section, heading and line can be edited, removed or added to before you send it.
Is a scope of work a contract?
Not by itself. It's often attached to a contract or referred to by one. For a simple agreement in plain English, use the contract generator.