General Contractor Scope of Work Generator
Multi-trade projects need bulletproof scopes. Coordinate subs, manage phases, and protect your margins with professional documentation—in under 60 seconds.
General Contractor Scope of Work Examples
📋 Full Bathroom Remodel
Scope of Work:
- Demolition: Remove existing vanity, toilet, tub/shower, flooring, and wall tile
- Dispose of all demolition debris in contractor-provided dumpster
- Rough plumbing: Relocate drain for new vanity, new shower valve rough-in
- Electrical: Add dedicated 20-amp GFCI circuit, relocate lighting to new layout
- Framing: Build new shower curb, blocking for grab bars and accessories
- Install cement board on shower walls and floor
- Waterproof shower pan and walls with Kerdi or equivalent
- Install owner-selected tile on shower walls, floor, and niche
- Install new LVP flooring throughout bathroom
- Install owner-selected vanity, countertop, and faucet
- Install new toilet (Toto Drake or equivalent)
- Install shower door (semi-frameless, clear glass)
- Paint walls and ceiling (2 coats, owner-selected color)
- Install all accessories: towel bars, toilet paper holder, mirror
Exclusions:
- Structural modifications beyond shower curb
- HVAC modifications or vent fan ducting changes
- Mold remediation if discovered
- Plumbing repairs beyond project scope (main line, water heater)
- Fixture supply (owner-provided unless noted)
📋 Kitchen Remodel (Partial)
Scope of Work:
- Protect all adjacent flooring and areas during construction
- Remove existing cabinets, countertops, and backsplash
- Remove flooring in kitchen area only
- Electrical: Add under-cabinet lighting, upgrade to 20-amp kitchen circuits
- Plumbing: Install new sink and garbage disposal, dishwasher hookup
- Repair drywall as needed after demo
- Install new cabinets per approved layout (KraftMaid or equivalent)
- Install quartz countertops with undermount sink cutout
- Install tile backsplash (subway tile, owner-selected)
- Install new LVP flooring
- Connect all appliances (owner-provided)
- Paint walls and ceiling (2 coats)
- Install cabinet hardware (owner-provided)
Exclusions:
- Appliance purchase
- Wall removal or structural changes
- Gas line work (if converting to gas range)
- Flooring outside kitchen footprint
- Ceiling texture repair if needed
📋 Bedroom Addition (12' x 14')
Scope of Work:
- Obtain all required permits (building, electrical, mechanical)
- Excavation and concrete foundation per engineered plans
- Frame walls, ceiling, and roof structure per approved plans
- Install exterior sheathing, house wrap, and siding to match existing
- Install roofing to match existing (tie into main roof)
- Install windows (2) and exterior door per plan
- Rough electrical: 4 outlets, 2 switches, 2 light fixtures, smoke detector
- HVAC: Extend existing system with new supply and return
- Insulation: R-21 walls, R-38 ceiling
- Drywall: Hang, tape, texture to match existing
- Interior trim: Baseboards, door casing, window trim
- Paint: Prime and 2 coats on all surfaces
- Flooring: LVP to match or complement existing
- Schedule and pass all required inspections
Exclusions:
- Landscaping restoration
- Fence modification or replacement
- Closet systems or built-ins
- Furniture or window treatments
- Unforeseen soil conditions requiring engineering
What to Include in a General Contractor Scope of Work
✅ Always Include
- •Project phases: Demo, rough, finish—break it down
- •Trade breakdown: What each sub will do
- •Material specs: Brands, grades, allowances
- •Permits: Who pulls them, who pays, who schedules inspections
- •Owner responsibilities: Selections, access, decisions by date
- •Change order process: How extras are handled
⚠️ Common Exclusions
- •Concealed conditions: Rot, mold, asbestos, bad wiring
- •Code upgrades: Bringing existing work up to current code
- •Structural issues: Foundation, framing beyond scope
- •Landscaping: Usually separate scope
- •Appliances/fixtures: Unless specifically included
- •Work in other areas: "While you're here" requests
💡 Pro Tips for GC Scopes
Use allowances strategically:
"Tile allowance: $8/sq ft installed. Selections exceeding allowance will be reconciled at project end." This keeps budgets flexible but accountable.
Define selection deadlines:
"All tile selections due by [date]. Delays in selections may impact project schedule." This prevents bottlenecks from indecisive clients.
Document existing conditions:
Take photos before demo. "Scope based on visible conditions. Hidden issues discovered during demo will be documented and priced as change orders."
Clarify "match existing":
"New siding to match existing as closely as possible. Exact match not guaranteed due to weathering and product availability." Manage expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How detailed should a general contractor's scope of work be?
Extremely detailed for remodels and additions. Break down work by trade (demo, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, drywall, paint, flooring, trim). Specify material grades and brands where applicable. Include what's NOT included. A good test: could another GC complete this job from your scope alone? If not, add more detail.
How do I handle material allowances in my scope?
Set clear allowances: "Tile: $X per square foot installed" or "Light fixture allowance: $500 total." State that selections exceeding the allowance will be reconciled—either as an add to the contract or at final billing. This gives clients flexibility while protecting your budget.
What's the best way to handle concealed conditions?
Include explicit language: "Price based on visible conditions. Concealed conditions including but not limited to water damage, mold, rot, improper framing, outdated wiring, or code violations discovered during construction will be documented, priced, and approved as change orders before proceeding." Document everything with photos.
Should my scope include a project schedule?
Yes, but with caveats. Include estimated duration and major milestones, but add: "Schedule subject to weather, material availability, permit timing, and timely owner decisions. Delays caused by owner selection changes or access issues may extend timeline." This protects you from delay claims.
How do I protect against "while you're here" scope creep?
Your scope should end with: "Work not specifically listed above is excluded. Additional work requested during construction will be documented and priced as a change order before work begins." When clients ask for extras, point to this clause and provide a written change order. No verbal agreements.