A scope of work that says what is out, too
Most disputes start with work nobody wrote down. This template covers what is included, what is excluded, what you assumed, who is responsible for what, the allowances, and the milestones with the test each one has to pass, with a completed example for a bathroom renovation. It describes the work; it is not a contract.
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Template and page last reviewed November 3, 2026.
What is in the file
| # | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove existing shower tile, floor tile, vanity and toilet; dispose of debris off site. |
| 2 | Install waterproof membrane in the shower; tile shower walls and floor and the bathroom floor (52 sq ft). |
| 3 | Supply and install vanity, toilet and fixtures within the $2,800 allowance. |
| 4 | Licensed plumber to disconnect and reconnect fixtures; no relocation of drains or supply lines. |
| 5 | Patch and paint walls and ceiling, two coats. |
| # | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Repairs to framing, subfloor or plumbing found behind finishes; priced as a change order. |
| 2 | Fixtures above the allowance; the difference is priced as a change order. |
| 3 | Permit fees (permit by owner), electrical work, and heating or ventilation changes. |
| # | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Existing drain and supply locations stay where they are. |
| 2 | The room is empty and accessible on weekdays from 8:00 to 17:00. |
| 3 | Tile selection confirmed before demolition starts. |
| Item | Who | When |
|---|---|---|
| Tile and fixture selections | Client | Before start |
| Permit | Client | Before start |
| Plumbing disconnect and reconnect | Plumbing sub | Rough-in and finish |
| Site protection and daily clean-up | Contractor | Throughout |
| Milestone | Acceptance criteria |
|---|---|
| Demolition complete | Walls and floor open to inspection; client walk-through |
| Waterproofing and tile complete | Membrane flood test passed; tile grouted and sealed |
| Fixtures set and painted | All fixtures working; final walk-through and deficiency list signed |
Four steps to a working document
List what is included
One line per piece of work, specific enough that a stranger could check it was done: quantities, areas, the number of coats.
Write the exclusions
Everything a client might reasonably assume is in and is not: hidden damage, upgrades above an allowance, permits, other trades.
State assumptions and responsibilities
What the price relies on, and who supplies selections, permits and access, and when.
Agree how each milestone is accepted
A test or a walk-through for each stage, so 'done' means the same thing to both of you.
A scope of work is not a contract and this is not legal advice. Use it alongside your contract, and have your contract reviewed for your province or state.
When the spreadsheet stops scaling
In BuildersBridge you can ask Bridge AI to draft a scope for you to edit, and Bridge AI drafts the estimate lines from the scope you describe. The client approves the estimate in their portal.
See how it works in BuildersBridgeCommon questions
What should a construction scope of work include?
The work included, written specifically enough to check; exclusions; the assumptions the price relies on; who is responsible for selections, permits and access; allowances; and milestones with how each is accepted. The example in the download shows all of these for one job.
Is a scope of work the same as a contract?
No. The scope describes the work; the contract sets the legal terms, payment and remedies. Attach the scope to the contract so they agree, and have the contract reviewed for where you work.
How detailed should exclusions be?
Detailed enough to answer the questions that cause arguments: what happens if there is damage behind the wall, who pays for an upgrade over the allowance, and which trades are not yours. If you would have to explain it later, write it now.