When you're starting to find contractors to complete a home renovation project, one of the hardest things to judge is making sure that all the contractors are pricing the same work - especially if it's big or complicated. Simple projects are easy, you can generally communicate through gestures, discussions, waves of the hand, and everyone is on the same page. But multifaceted renovation projects cannot be done that way as easily.
The more that you know about your scope, the better product you will get from your contractor because you know exactly what you are asking them to do. Plus, it helps mitigate the fear of a contractor ripping you off. The more educated you appear (even if it is a false front), the better the contractor will do of explaining what they are doing, why, and how much it costs.
Enter: The Contractor Scope of Work
Honestly, the first time I thought about doing a Contractor Scope of Work for a home renovation project, it felt like an overkill. And I felt even sillier handing it to the contractor. But, I have zero regrets about doing it.
Sharing a scope of work template is a challenge because each project tends to be unique. As we complete the Hexplex Renovation, we'll share the successes and failures about each specific scope of work that we write and use.
With a little help with our friends from Budget2Beautiful Design's Owner Brittany Harrington, we've developed a template for the "General Terms and Conditions" to be included for every contractor, prior to outlining the specifics of the scope. Basically, these CYA - COVER YOUR ASS.
Recommended: General Terms and Conditions
Scope of Work for Property Located at _______________________________________ and Owned/Managed by ______________________________________________
The Contractor shall execute the following portion of the Work described in the Contract documents, including all labor, materials, equipment, services, superintendence, and other items required to complete such portion of the work:
GENERAL TERMS:
This work specifically includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- General scope of work applies to all trades, including but not limited to General Contractor’s employees, subcontractors, and material suppliers.
- Contractor shall thoroughly examine site conditions, existing buildings, phasing and logistics plans prior to submitting a bid.
- Contractor shall obtain any and all permits required to complete this work, with the exception of the general building permit, which is to be obtained by the General Contractor.
- Location and verification of existing conditions, utilities, construction, etc. as required for this work.
- Contractor is responsible for coordination of all utility locates necessary to complete this Scope or Work.
- Inspection and field verification of all subsurfaces prior to commencement of work. Notify Construction Manager immediately if subsurface is found to be unacceptable for further work. Failure to do so indicates acceptance of existing conditions.
- Unloading, hoisting, staging, moving, and handling for all materials under this package.
- All material stored in the basement must be kept elevated 4” off the floor. Materials stored within the Owner's premises will be under lock and key, and if stolen, will be covered by the Owner's insurance. Materials not placed within the Owner's premises locked area or left exterior are stored at the Contractor's risk.
- Multiple mobilizations to be included to complete this scope of work.
- Removal of all trash, and debris generated by this Scope of Work. All clean up and broom cleaning associated with this scope. Perform on a daily basis.
- Coordinate all required inspections with Construction Manager and Owner and the appropriate testing agencies. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring all items are complete prior to inspection. All retests due to failure will be paid for by the responsible Contractor. Construction Manager and Owner to receive a copy of all inspection reports.
- Contractor should name __________________________ as an additional insurer on their formal safety and security insurance policy.
- All applicable building permits as required by the City of ________________________ in ___________________________. These are to be paid for and fully executed by the Contractor prior to starting work. Any failure to obtain proper permitting, fines incurred to improper permitting, etc. are incurred at the Contractor's expense.