Scope of work
The Association for Project Management describes ‘scope’ as ‘The totality of outputs, outcomes and benefits and the work required to produce them’ and ‘scope management’ as ‘The process whereby outputs, outcomes and benefits are identified, defined and controlled’.
In construction, the term ‘scope of work’ (sometimes described as a ‘scope of works’, ‘statement of work’ or 'terms of engagement') is a very general, and sometimes ambiguous term referring to a general description of the work that is expected to be performed under a particular contract. It may be prepared by the client or their consultants and included in tender documentation for construction works.
The nature of the scope of work can vary significantly from project to project. Sometimes it will simply offer a very broad description of the works required, whilst sometimes it provides a complete description of the project, significant milestones, a programme of work with the expected time frames for delivery, reports, pricing, deliverables, roles and responsibilities and end products that are to be provided.
For more information, see What should be included in a scope of work?
A scope of work can be a useful way of agreeing broad project requirements for both the client and supplier. However, errors or inconsistencies with other contract documentation can lead to confusion and uncertainties which are often cited as a cause of disputes on construction projects.
It is common for changes to be required to the scope of work after the contract has been awarded. Most forms of contract make provisions for the contract administrator to instruct reasonable variations which may give rise to additions or deductions from the contract sum, however, these variations must not change the nature of the works themselves. In some cases, the works may be tendered before the scope of work is known in detail. In this case, provisional sums may be included in the contract, or flexible procurement routes adopted such as measurement contracts or prime cost contracts.
The term ‘scope of work’ is generally used to refer to construction activities, however, a ‘scope of services’ which describes the services a consultant will be performing on a project may also sometimes be referred to as a scope of work.
Confusingly, the term ‘scope of work’ can also used interchangeably with the term ‘schedule of work’. However, a schedule of work has a more specific meaning, referring to 'without quantities' instructional lists often produced on smaller projects or for alteration work as an alternative to bills of quantities, allowing the pricing of items such as builders work and fixing schedules.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
Featured articles and news
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February
Update on the future of Grenfell Tower
Deputy Prime Minister decides for it be carefully taken down to the ground.
Ending decades of frustration, misinformation and distrust.
Essential tools in managing historically significant landscapes.
Classroom electrician courses a 'waste of money'
Say experts from the Electrical Contractors’ Association.
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.