Scope of work (SOW) is defined as a general statement of construction work either prepared by the client or the consultants. The range of work is performed based on a particular contract and is included in the tender documents of a construction project.
A well-written SOW is clear, defined, logical, and specific so that it is easily understandable by both the contractor and the project manager. The scope of work specifies the deliverables from the contractor. Hence, it is a tool to measure whether the contractor has met the work scope as per the contract.
The article explains some of the essential elements and considerations while preparing a scope of work.
Preparing the Scope of Work for Construction Project
A well-written scope of work has the following components:
- Overview of the construction project
- Defined contract features
- Defined Project deliverables
- Defined scope
- Defined Project schedule
- Defined Project management features
1. Overview of the Construction Project
A construction project overview explains the business needs with a clear and specific project description. This includes:
- Definition of the project requirements
- Include essential details to calculate labor cost
- Define the payment schedule
- Specify the standards, rules, and regulations of the contract.
2. Defined Contract Features
This includes:
- Precise specification of contract responsibilities
- Define the Objective of Contract
- Define the method of contracting
3. Defined Project Deliverables
The project deliverables mention the targets and final goals that must be achieved through the project. By this, the contractor gets a clear picture of the project requirements.
4. Defined Project Scope
The project scope in detail explains two criteria, namely- budget and technical data. The technical data mentions the techniques and methodologies employed to measure the work and performance of the contractor. It also indicates how the work is measured.
The next criterion mentioned is the details of the task. It tells the specific activities and tasks required to be performed to satisfy the project objectives.
5. Defined Project Schedule
A glimpse of all related tasks associated with the project must be summarised. It helps the contractor to deliver the project on time. The project schedule must include:
- All possible delivery dates
- Time restrictions
- Expected project completion date
6. Defined Project Management Features
The scope of work must define critical project managing criteria like:
- The function of project administration
- The details of issuing payments
- The processes followed for changes or any alternations in work
- Important contract terms
- Important legal requirements
- Different stages of the project
- The limitations of the project
- The time management features
- Overall contract administration
Importance of Wordings in Scope of Work
The elements mentioned above are incorporated in a project scope of work (SOW) in a clear statement to bring a single interpretation. Clear and straightforward use of wordings in contract documentation minimizes the risk of claims, confusion, and any litigation.
Always avoid SOW statements that might create ambiguity in project deliverables and objectives.
An SOW must not include the rates of products and works that the contractor is supposed to provide.
The incorporation of drawings, visual elements, and photographs, along with the statement, can help convey the exact objective of the work without causing a chance of misinterpretation.
Conclusion
The scope of work can be structured without unnecessary words with a short description or can be broad with a complete description. It depends mainly on the type of project. How short or detail be the scope of work, it must not create ambiguity and confusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scope of work (SOW) is defined as a general statement of work either prepared by the client or the consultants. The range of work is performed based on a particular contract and is included in the tender documents of a construction project.
The scope of work specifies the deliverables from the contractor. Hence, it is a tool to measure whether the contractor has met the work scope as per the contract.
The scope of work is generally written and prepared by the client or the consultant.
The scope of work is one of the vital section of contract documents. The scope of work specifies the deliverables from the contractor.
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