What should a tender-grade construction Scope of Works contain?

A tender-grade Scope of Works defines each package's inclusions, exclusions, interfaces, quality expectations, documentation basis and pricing assumptions. It should be specific enough for a trade to price without guessing, while making unresolved design information and owner selections visible before tender comparison.

A practical checklist for package boundaries, inclusions, exclusions, interfaces, assumptions and trade-ready tender scope.

Last reviewed 20 August 2026

Start with the package boundary

Name the trade or package, its start and finish points, the drawings and schedules that govern it, and the interfaces that sit outside the package. Ambiguous boundaries are where tender comparisons become difficult.

State inclusions, exclusions and assumptions

A priceable scope lists what is included, what is excluded and what remains provisional. It separates owner selections, design gaps, temporary works and compliance requirements rather than hiding them in a trade total.

Make the scope useful to a subcontractor

Use clear quantities and descriptions where measured, identify the basis for allowances, and list the information the trade must confirm. A tender-grade SOW helps the market respond on comparable terms.

Next step

Get your estimate

Send the documents you have. We will confirm the document set, surface assumptions and issue the estimate pack.

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