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Common Subcontractor Scopes by Trade
Key items to include in the scope for each trade.
| Trade | Key Scope Items |
|---|---|
| Plumbing | Rough-in, finish, fixtures, testing, inspections |
| Electrical | Rough wire, panel, devices, fixtures, inspection |
| HVAC | Equipment, ductwork, controls, start-up, balancing |
| Framing | Wall/floor/roof framing, sheathing, hardware |
| Drywall | Hang, tape, mud, sand, texture, touch-up |
| Painting | Prep, prime, 2 coats walls/ceilings, trim paint |
| Tile | Layout, waterproofing, setting, grouting, caulking |
| Roofing | Tear-off, underlayment, shingles, flashing, cleanup |
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Last updated: 2026-02-17
Quick Answer
A subcontractor scope of work defines exactly what a sub is responsible for on your project. It covers the work description, materials, schedule, quality standards, exclusions, and payment terms. Fill in the template above, then copy or print it to attach to your subcontract agreement. A clear SOW is the best tool for preventing change order disputes and missed work.
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Why you need a written scope of work
- Prevents disputes: When both parties agree in writing, there is no argument about what was included
- Protects your budget: Exclusions prevent subs from claiming extra work they assumed was included
- Standardizes bidding: Send the same SOW to multiple subs so you can compare bids apples to apples
- Improves quality: Written quality standards and inspection requirements set clear expectations
- Speeds up payments: Milestone-based payment schedules tied to completed work keep cash flowing
What to include in every scope of work
| Section | What to Cover | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Work Description | Specific tasks, plan sheet references, spec sections | Eliminates "that wasn't in my scope" arguments |
| Materials | Who furnishes what (GC vs. sub), allowances | Prevents double-ordering and cost confusion |
| Exclusions | Work NOT included in this scope | This is where most disputes start |
| Schedule | Start date, duration, coordination milestones | Keeps trades from blocking each other |
| Quality Standards | Code compliance, finish levels, inspections | Sets the bar for acceptable work |
| Payment Terms | Amount, milestones, retainage, lien waivers | Protects both parties financially |
| Insurance | COI requirements, additional insured, workers comp | One uninsured sub injury can bankrupt a small GC |
Worked examples
Example A (plumbing sub on a kitchen remodel):
- Scope: Rough and finish plumbing per sheets P-1 through P-3. Water supply, DWV, gas piping. Set all fixtures per allowance schedule.
- Sub-furnished: All pipe, fittings, valves, hangers, test plugs. Fixtures per $2,500 allowance.
- Exclusions: Excavation under slab (by GC), gas meter (by utility), drywall patching (by drywall sub), permit fees (by GC).
- Payment: $12,500 total. 50% at rough-in inspection, 50% at final inspection. 10% retainage until punch list complete.
Example B (painting sub on a whole-house repaint):
- Scope: Prep, prime, and apply 2 coats to all walls and ceilings. Paint all trim, doors, and casework. Color per owner selections.
- Sub-furnished: All paint (Benjamin Moore Regal Select), primer, caulk, tape, drop cloths.
- Exclusions: Drywall repair, wallpaper removal, exterior paint, staining, specialty textures, furniture moving.
- Payment: $8,200 total. 40% at start, 40% at primer complete, 20% at final walk-through. Lien waivers with each payment.
Managing change orders on these jobs? Use the change order template to document scope changes properly. For pre-construction planning, the pre-construction checklist covers permits, insurance, and scheduling.
Pro tips from the field
- Send the SOW with your bid request. When all subs bid the same scope, you can compare prices apples to apples instead of guessing what each bid includes.
- Write exclusions from the sub's perspective. Think about what they might assume is NOT their job and list it explicitly. Excavation, patching, permit fees, and cleanup are common sources of confusion.
- Reference plan sheets by number. "Install plumbing per plans" is vague. "Install plumbing per sheets P-1, P-2, P-3, and Specification Section 22 00 00" is specific and enforceable.
- Tie payments to inspections. Milestone payments triggered by passed inspections protect you from paying for work that does not meet code.
- Collect insurance certificates before work starts. Not after. Not during. Before. One uninsured incident on your jobsite can cost more than the entire subcontract.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Relying on verbal agreements. "We talked about it" is not documentation. Get every scope item in writing before work starts.
- Vague work descriptions. "Install electrical" can mean anything from a single outlet to a full house rewire. Be specific about what is included.
- No exclusions section. If you do not list what is excluded, the sub will claim it was included when it benefits them.
- Paying based on time instead of milestones. Calendar-based payments (e.g., "pay on the 15th") reward slow work. Milestone-based payments reward completion.
- Forgetting protection of work. Who protects finished floors during framing? Who covers countertops during painting? If it is not in the SOW, nobody does it.
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Subcontractor Scope of Work Guide
How to write a clear scope of work that prevents disputes, protects your budget, and keeps projects on track.
What Is a Subcontractor Scope of Work?
A subcontractor scope of work (SOW) is a written document that defines exactly what a subcontractor is responsible for on a construction project. It describes the work to be performed, materials to be provided, quality standards, schedule requirements, and what is explicitly excluded.
- Purpose: Eliminate ambiguity about who does what, who pays for what, and what the finished product looks like
- Who uses it: General contractors managing subcontractors on residential and commercial projects
- When to issue: Before the subcontract is signed, ideally during the bidding phase so all subs bid the same scope
A clear scope of work is the single best tool for preventing change order disputes, missed work, and finger-pointing between trades. If it's not in writing, it didn't happen.
Key Takeaways
- Defines exactly what a sub is responsible for on a project
- Issue during the bidding phase so all subs bid the same scope
- Prevents change order disputes and missed work
What to Include in a Subcontractor SOW
Every subcontractor scope of work should include these core sections:
- Work description: Specific tasks the sub will perform, referencing plan sheets and spec sections
- Materials and equipment: Who supplies what (GC-furnished vs. sub-furnished materials)
- Quality standards: Finish levels, tolerances, manufacturer installation requirements
- Schedule requirements: Start date, duration, milestone dates, and coordination with other trades
- Site conditions: Access, staging, cleanup, protection of finished work
- Exclusions: What is NOT included in the sub's scope (this prevents assumptions)
- Insurance and compliance: COI requirements, safety plan, licensing
- Payment terms: Unit prices, progress billing schedule, retainage, lien waiver requirements
The exclusions section is just as important as the inclusions. Unwritten assumptions are where disputes start.
Key Takeaways
- Include work description, materials, quality standards, schedule, and exclusions
- Specify who furnishes materials (GC vs. sub)
- Exclusions are just as important as inclusions
Common Scope of Work Mistakes
These scope-writing mistakes cost contractors thousands of dollars in disputes and rework:
- Vague descriptions: "Install plumbing" vs. "Install rough plumbing per plan sheet P-1, including water supply, DWV, and gas piping to all fixtures shown"
- No exclusions section: If you don't list what's excluded, the sub will assume it's included when it's convenient for them
- Missing cleanup language: Who cleans up daily? Who provides the dumpster? Daily broom-clean vs. final clean?
- No reference to plans and specs: The SOW should reference specific plan sheets and specification sections, not just general descriptions
- Forgetting protection of work: Who protects finished floors during framing? Who covers countertops during painting? Define it.
- No warranty terms: State the warranty period and what it covers. Industry standard is 1 year on workmanship.
A 15-minute investment in writing a clear scope saves hours of arguments and thousands in change orders.
Key Takeaways
- Vague scope descriptions cause the most disputes
- Always include an exclusions section
- Reference specific plan sheets and spec sections
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your project information
Fill in the project name, address, GC and subcontractor details. This identifies the job and parties for the document.
Define the scope of work
Describe exactly what the sub will do. Reference plan sheets and spec sections. List each major task as a bullet point for clarity.
Specify materials, schedule, and exclusions
Clarify who provides materials, set schedule milestones, and list what is NOT included. The exclusions section prevents most disputes.
Copy or print the finished scope
Use Copy as Text to paste into an email or document, or Print for a clean hardcopy. Attach it to your subcontract agreement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a subcontractor scope of work?
A subcontractor scope of work (SOW) is a written document that defines exactly what work a subcontractor will perform on a construction project. It includes the work description, materials to be provided, quality standards, schedule, exclusions, and payment terms. A clear SOW eliminates ambiguity and prevents disputes over who is responsible for what.
Why do contractors need a written scope of work?
Verbal agreements are the #1 cause of subcontractor disputes. A written SOW ensures both parties agree on the work, materials, timeline, and price before the job starts. Without one, you will face arguments about what was "included," change order disputes, and unpaid work. A 15-minute investment in writing a clear scope saves thousands in potential disputes.
What should be excluded from a subcontractor scope of work?
List everything that could reasonably be assumed to be in the sub's scope but is NOT. Common exclusions include: permit fees, excavation/backfill, concrete cutting/coring, drywall patching, painting/finishing, cleanup beyond daily broom-clean, equipment rental, and work by other trades. The exclusions section is where most disputes originate, so be thorough.
How detailed should a scope of work be?
As detailed as necessary to eliminate assumptions. Reference specific plan sheet numbers and spec sections. List each major task as a separate line item. Specify who furnishes materials, who schedules inspections, and what the finished quality should look like. Vague scope descriptions like "install plumbing" are not sufficient. Write "install rough and finish plumbing per plan sheets P-1 through P-3" instead.
Is a scope of work the same as a subcontract?
No. A scope of work is one part of a subcontract agreement. The subcontract includes additional legal terms: indemnification, insurance requirements, dispute resolution, termination clauses, and compliance with the prime contract. The SOW defines WHAT the sub will do. The subcontract defines the legal terms under which they will do it. Attach the SOW as an exhibit to your subcontract.
How do I handle changes to the scope of work?
All changes must go through a written change order process. Never authorize extra work verbally. A proper change order includes: the description of changed work, the cost impact (additions and credits), the schedule impact, and signatures from both parties. Use a change order template to keep the process consistent.
Should I use the same scope of work template for every trade?
Use the same template structure, but customize the content for each trade. A plumbing SOW will reference different plan sheets, materials, and inspections than an electrical SOW. The sections (scope, materials, exclusions, payment, insurance) stay the same. The details inside each section change. This consistency makes your subcontracts easier to manage and compare.
What happens if there is no scope of work?
Without a written SOW, disputes default to "he said, she said." The sub will claim certain work was not included in their price. You will claim it was. Without documentation, there is no way to resolve it objectively. This leads to change orders, delays, and sometimes litigation. The cost of a missing SOW far exceeds the time it takes to write one.
How do I tie payment to the scope of work?
Tie payments to milestones, not calendar dates. For example: 50% at rough-in completion and passed inspection, 50% at finish work completion and final inspection. Include retainage (typically 5-10%) held until punch list completion and receipt of final lien waivers. This structure motivates timely completion and protects you from paying for incomplete work.
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