Hiring guide
Typical scopes of work for common home projects
A written scope of work is the backbone of a fair contract. This guide outlines what a reasonable scope includes for the most common home projects, trade by trade, so you know what to expect when you ask for an estimate.
Plumbing
A plumbing scope should name the fixture or system, the materials, the labor, and the permit plan. A water heater replacement, for example, should include the unit, the connections, the permit, and the inspection. Drain work should state whether the price covers the main line or just the fixture.
Electrical
An electrical scope should specify the panel, circuits, or fixtures involved, the materials, and the permit. A panel upgrade should include the new panel, the service entrance work, the permit, and the inspection. Ask what happens if the existing wiring fails inspection.
HVAC
An HVAC replacement scope should include the equipment make and model, the load calculation behind the sizing, the labor, the permit, and the inspection. A repair scope should state what is covered and what is not, since parts and labor are often quoted separately.
Roofing
A roofing scope should name the shingle or material, the underlayment, the flashing, the disposal of the old roof, and the cleanup. Storm work should include the inspection findings and the claim coordination. Ask about the workmanship warranty in writing.
Landscaping
A landscaping proposal should cover the design, the plants and materials, the labor, the timeline, and the maintenance plan. For irrigation, it should include the zones, the controller, and the seasonal startup and winterization.
Painting
A painting scope should separate prep from paint. Surface repairs, priming, the number of coats, and the paint brand and quality all belong in writing. Exterior work should include the weather plan and the cleanup.
Remodeling
A remodel scope is the longest document and the most important one. It should cover the drawings, the materials and allowances, the demolition, the trades involved, the permit, the timeline, and a payment schedule tied to milestones. Change orders should have their own section.
Key takeaways
- Every project needs a written scope before work starts
- Materials, labor, permits, and disposal should be itemized
- Ask what happens if work fails inspection
- For remodels, tie payments to completed milestones
- Get the warranty in writing