How to Write a Scope of Work for Construction Projects

A clear Scope of Work (SOW) keeps construction projects on track. It outlines exactly what’s included, what’s not, and how work will be delivered. Whether you're working with subcontractors, council teams or private clients, a well-written SOW helps prevent confusion, scope creep and costly delays.

At CBM, we create editable scope of work templates designed specifically for construction, trades and services. This guide shows you how to write one that looks professional and protects your business.

What is a Scope of Work?

A scope of work outlines the tasks, responsibilities and deliverables for a specific job or project. It helps everyone understand what’s expected and how the work will be carried out.

In construction, it’s used to:

Define your responsibilities on a project
Clarify inclusions and exclusions
Help manage contractors or internal crews
Support quotes, project proposals or contracts

The Fair Work Ombudsman recommends having written scopes in place for all service-based jobs to improve transparency.

What to Include in a Construction Scope of Work

Our CBM Scope of Work Template gives you a practical layout built for real-world projects. Here's what to include.

Project Overview

Start with the project name, address and a short summary of the work to be completed.

Deliverables

List each service, material or output that will be delivered. Break them down clearly and use bullet points.

Timeline or Milestones

Add start and finish dates, plus any key phases or deadlines. A table format works well here.

Inclusions

Clarify what’s included. For example, materials, labour, waste removal or compliance documentation.

Exclusions

List anything that is not included, such as permit fees, site prep or scaffolding. This section reduces future disputes.

Assumptions or Site Conditions

Mention any required conditions or assumptions, like site access, weather impact or safety requirements.

Writing and Layout Tips

Be Direct and Detailed

Use short, clear sentences. Don't assume your client or team knows the details. Spell it out to avoid confusion later.

Format for Clarity

Use white space, icons, dividers and headers to make your SOW easy to scan. Our template is already structured to help with this.

Match Your Branding

Your SOW should look consistent with your proposals, quotes and company profile. CBM templates help you keep a strong, professional visual identity.

Available Formats

You can edit and export our templates in:

✅ Canva
✅ PowerPoint
✅ Google Slides
✅ Adobe InDesign
✅ Figma

Each format is ready to download as a branded PDF or attach directly to a proposal or tender response.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Being too vague about deliverables
Leaving out exclusions
Sending a generic doc with no branding or formatting
Skipping over critical assumptions that affect timing or pricing

The more specific and polished your Scope of Work, the easier it is to get alignment and keep projects on track.

Why It Matters in Construction

A good Scope of Work reduces risk, improves communication and helps build trust with clients. In construction, where projects can change quickly, having a clear written record of what’s included protects both parties.

It also helps you quote more accurately, track delivery and limit variations.

Ready to Create Yours?

Our CBM Scope of Work Template helps you outline project scope quickly and professionally.

You’ll get:

✅ A construction-ready structure with clear sections
✅ Editable files in Canva, PowerPoint, Google Slides, Figma and Adobe InDesign
✅ A clean design that fits in with your other CBM documents
✅ Space for inclusions, exclusions, timelines and assumptions

👉 Download the scope of work template and save time on every future job.

Need Help Filling It Out?

You can also access our Brand Voice Assistant GPT to make sure your tone stays consistent across your documents.

👉 Try the Brand Voice Assistant GPT

These tools are completely free and available anytime.

How to Write a Scope of Work: Tips + Tricks