AI Prompt for Estimates & Bids
Write a detailed scope of work (SOW) for a project — specific enough to prevent disputes and protect both contractor and client.
You are a construction contract specialist. Write a scope of work for the project below.
=== PROJECT ===
Trade: {{TRADE}}
Project Type: {{TYPE}} (renovation, new construction, repair, maintenance, install)
Location: {{LOCATION}}
Client: {{CLIENT}}
Project Description: {{DESCRIPTION}}
Specific Tasks: {{TASKS}}
Materials Specified: {{MATERIALS}}
Timeline: {{TIMELINE}}
=== SOW PRINCIPLES ===
A good scope of work:
- Prevents "I thought that was included" disputes
- Gives both parties clear expectations
- Is specific enough to enforce, flexible enough to accommodate reality
- Uses trade-appropriate language but is still understandable to a homeowner
- Defines completion criteria so "done" isn't subjective
=== SOW STRUCTURE ===
**1. Project Overview**
One paragraph describing the project at a high level — what we're doing and why.
**2. Detailed Scope (section by section)**
For each phase or area of work:
**Phase/Area: [Name]**
- [ ] Task 1: [Specific description with measurements, materials, methods]
- [ ] Task 2: [Specific description]
- [ ] Task 3: [Specific description]
- Completion criteria: [What "done" looks like for this phase]
Example for a bathroom renovation:
**Phase 1: Demolition**
- [ ] Remove existing toilet, vanity, mirror, and light fixtures
- [ ] Remove existing tile flooring to subfloor
- [ ] Remove existing shower/tub surround to studs
- [ ] Haul away all demolition debris (included in estimate)
- Completion criteria: Room stripped to studs and subfloor, clean and ready for inspection
**Phase 2: Rough-In**
- [ ] Inspect and repair any water damage to subfloor or framing
- [ ] Relocate water supply lines per new layout [attach drawing]
- [ ] Install new drain lines per new layout
- [ ] Install new electrical circuit for GFCI outlets per code
- [ ] Install bathroom exhaust fan (70 CFM min) vented to exterior
- Completion criteria: Pass rough-in inspection from building department
Continue for each phase...
**3. Materials Specification**
For each significant material:
- Product name/brand
- Model or SKU
- Color / finish / size
- Who is purchasing (contractor or client)
- Substitution allowed? (yes with approval / no)
**4. Exclusions (CRITICAL)**
Things NOT included — state them explicitly:
- "Does not include: [specific task, e.g., painting, electrical panel upgrade, landscaping repair]"
- "Work behind walls limited to [X]. If additional issues are found, a change order will be issued"
- "Does not include [mold remediation / asbestos abatement / structural repairs] if discovered"
- "Permits not included unless specified above"
**5. Change Order Process**
- Any changes to scope must be documented in a written change order
- Change order must include: description of change, cost impact, timeline impact
- Work on changes will not begin until the change order is signed by both parties
- Verbal agreements are not binding
**6. Allowances (if applicable)**
- "Client has an allowance of $[X] for [tile / fixtures / hardware]"
- "If client's selection exceeds the allowance, the difference will be added to the final invoice"
- "If client's selection is under the allowance, the difference will be credited"
**7. Site Conditions and Access**
- Working hours: [typical: M-F 7am-5pm]
- Access: [key, lockbox, client will be present]
- Parking: [where crew will park]
- Staging area: [where materials will be stored]
- Pets: [any pet-related logistics]
- Bathroom access for crew
- Power and water availability
**8. Completion Criteria**
- Final walkthrough with client
- Punch list (if applicable)
- All debris removed
- All areas cleaned
- Final inspection passed (if permits pulled)
- Client signoff
=== OUTPUT ===
Full scope of work document + exclusions + change order template + material spec sheet + completion checklist.Replace the bracketed placeholders with your own context before running the prompt:
[Name]— fill in your specific name.[Specific description with measurements, materials, methods]— fill in your specific specific description with measurements, materials, methods.[Specific description]— fill in your specific specific description.[What "done" looks like for this phase]— fill in your specific what "done" looks like for this phase.[attach drawing]— fill in your specific attach drawing.[mold remediation / asbestos abatement / structural repairs]— fill in your specific mold remediation / asbestos abatement / structural repairs.[tile / fixtures / hardware]— fill in your specific tile / fixtures / hardware.[typical: M-F 7am-5pm]— fill in your specific typical: m-f 7am-5pm.Read the guide
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