Scope of work, written in sequence
The work described phase by phase — demolition, rough-in, inspection, finish — so you can follow what happens and when.
Explicit exclusions
What is not included, stated plainly. Exclusions protect you more than inclusions do, because they eliminate assumption.
Allowances, named and quantified
- What the allowance covers
- The amount assigned
- What happens if your selection is above or below it
Materials and specifications
Enough specificity that a substitution would be obvious. Product categories at minimum; specific products where they've been selected.
Responsibilities
- Who pulls permits
- Who handles disposal
- Who moves and protects furniture
- Who supplies owner-furnished items and when they must arrive
- Which utilities will be interrupted and for how long
Payment schedule tied to progress
Payments should follow completed phases rather than dates on a calendar. That keeps the schedule and the money aligned.
Change order process
Written, priced, and approved before the work happens. Verbal change orders are how a project's final number becomes a surprise.
Communication and schedule expectations
Point of contact, expected working hours, how you'll be updated, and what triggers a schedule conversation.
What to take away
- Exclusions matter more than inclusions when comparing bids.
- Allowances should be named, quantified, and reconciled.
- Payments should follow progress, not the calendar.
- Every change should be written and approved before it happens.