Construction Law
Perfecting the Scope of Work Part 1
Every successful project is built on a sound contract. Yet, many owners and contractors don’t always have a firm grasp on what their contracts entail. No matter which side you sit on, you should be familiar with the different aspects of your contract. One area you should thoroughly understand is your scope of work.
The scope of work is the basis of your contract and helps you determine where your rights and liabilities begin and end. This is why it’s important to link with a Lakeland construction attorney to draft the most efficient contract possible. This article and part two will provide helpful information to help you prepare a complete scope of work.
First Things First
The scope of work provision outlines and defines the expectations of all parties and their duty to one another. Starting the project on the right foot will keep everyone on track and the project on budget and completed within established timelines. The project’s scope of work must be a comprehensive document that details scheduling, estimating, and resource allocation for the project.
Overlooking the Scope of the Work
The scope of work portion of the contract may be overlooked because contract parties may be more concerned about money, time, warranties, and many other terms they consider a major priority. This is especially true if the scope of work provision is short providing little detail. Furthermore, an owner may change the scope of work during the construction or design phase for reasons including owner preferences, constructability issues, operational concerns, as well as design or hazardous operation reviews. Major changes in the plans and specifications can be problematic for a contractor, which is why the scope of work must be defined in the early stages of the project as well as any contingencies to avoid problems.
What Does the Scope Look Like?
Our Lakeland construction attorneys have seen all manner of contracts. Scope of work provisions can range from brief to vague to extensive and detailed. Every scope of work will depend on the complexity of the project at hand. The more complex the project, the more time-consuming it can be to create the scope of work. Regardless of its length, it should detail all the work to be completed including some of the following:
- The project objectives and requirements
- The contractor’s responsibilities
- Estimated labor costs
- A payment schedule
- All related tasks and duties
- Any limitations
If you would like to speak with a Lakeland construction lawyer, please contact us at 813.579.3278, or submit our contact request form.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.