Work Scopes
Work scopes define the detailed description of work to be performed for each entry in your estimate. They communicate exactly what will be done during installation, demolition, or both—providing clarity for your team and your customers.
What Is a Work Scope?
A work scope is a text description attached to an estimate entry that explains:
- What work will be performed - Detailed installation or demolition tasks
- How it will be done - Methods, materials, or techniques
- What's included - Specific items or services covered
- What's excluded - Items or services not part of this scope
Work scopes flow from your estimate into the contract and can be shared with customers as a dedicated Work Scope Document.
Work Scope Types
Each estimate entry can have one or both types of work scope, depending on its action type:
| Action Type | Install Scope | Demo Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Install (+) | Yes | No |
| Demolition (-) | No | Yes |
| Demo & Install (&) | Yes | Yes |
| Labor Only (L) | Yes | Yes |
| Material Only (M) | Yes | No |
Install Scope
Describes the installation work to be performed:
- What will be installed
- Installation methods
- Materials and finishes
- Quality standards
Example:
Install 42" upper cabinets with soft-close hinges. Level and secure to wall studs. Include crown molding trim at ceiling. All exposed edges to be finished to match cabinet face.
Demo Scope
Describes the demolition or removal work:
- What will be removed
- Disposal requirements
- Protection measures
- Site preparation
Example:
Remove existing base cabinets and countertops. Disconnect and cap plumbing lines. Remove debris from site. Protect flooring during removal.
Adding Work Scopes to Entries
Accessing the Work Scope Editor
- Open your estimate
- Find the entry you want to add a work scope to
- Click on the entry to expand it or access its details
- Locate the Work Scope section
Writing Work Scope Text
The work scope editor is a rich text editor that supports:
- Bold, italic, and underline text
- Bulleted and numbered lists
- Font size adjustments
- Images (upload photos or diagrams)
Best Practices for Writing Work Scopes
Be Specific:
❌ "Install new cabinets"
✅ "Install 12 linear feet of 36" base cabinets with soft-close drawers.
Cabinets to be maple with natural finish per customer selection."
Include Key Details:
- Quantities and measurements
- Materials and finishes
- Quality standards
- Installation methods
Clarify Boundaries:
- What's included in this scope
- What's handled by other trades
- What's the customer's responsibility
Use Lists for Multiple Items:
Installation includes:
- Remove protective packaging
- Level and secure cabinet boxes
- Install drawer slides and doors
- Adjust hinges for proper alignment
- Install hardware per customer selection
Work Scopes and Action Types
The action type you select for an entry determines which work scope fields are available.
Install (+)
Only the Install Scope field is shown. Use for new installations where nothing is being removed.
Demolition (-)
Only the Demo Scope field is shown. Use for removal-only work where nothing new is being installed.
Demo & Install (&)
Both Install Scope and Demo Scope fields are shown. Use for replacement work where you're removing existing items and installing new ones.
This is the most common action type for remodeling work.
Example - Kitchen Countertops:
Demo Scope:
Disconnect and remove existing laminate countertops. Remove backsplash. Cap plumbing connections. Dispose of materials off-site.
Install Scope:
Template and fabricate granite countertops per customer selection. Install with proper support and seaming. Cut and polish sink opening. Apply sealer. Install 4" granite backsplash.
Labor Only (L)
Both scope fields are available. Use when the customer is providing materials and you're providing labor only.
Material Only (M)
Install scope is available. Use when you're providing materials but not installation labor.
Work Scopes in Contracts
When you create a contract from an estimate, work scopes become part of the contract documentation.
What Customers See
The contract can include a Work Scope Document that shows:
- All work organized by area (Kitchen, Bathroom, etc.)
- Work organized by category (Cabinets, Countertops, etc.)
- Separate sections for installation and demolition work
- Clear descriptions of what will be done
Work Scope Document Features
The Work Scope Document provides customers with:
- Navigation by area - Jump to specific rooms or zones
- Category organization - View work by type (electrical, plumbing, etc.)
- Install vs Demo separation - Clear distinction between removal and installation
- Progress tracking - Mark items as complete during the project
- Change order history - See how scope has evolved
Locking Work Scopes
When a contract is signed:
- Work scopes become read-only
- Changes require a change order
- Original scope is preserved for reference
Work Scope Progress Tracking
During project execution, work scope completion can be tracked:
| Progress | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0% | Not started |
| Partial | In progress |
| 100% | Complete |
Progress can be updated by your team or (if enabled) by customers through the Work Scope Document.
Filtering by Progress
In the Work Scope Document view:
- Show all - Display all scope items
- Hide completed - Show only remaining work
This helps focus on what's left to do as the project progresses.
Linking to Project Percent Complete
Your administrator can enable an option where work scope completion automatically updates the overall Project Percent Complete. When enabled:
- As work scope items are marked complete, the project's percent complete is recalculated
- The calculation is based on the weighted completion of all work scope items
- This provides real-time project progress visibility without manual updates
This feature ties your detailed scope tracking directly to high-level project reporting, keeping everything in sync automatically.
Tips for Effective Work Scopes
Write for Your Customer
Remember that customers will read these descriptions. Avoid jargon and be clear about what they're getting.
Be Consistent
Use similar language and structure across entries. This makes the overall scope document easier to read.
Include Images When Helpful
The work scope editor supports images. Add photos or diagrams when they help explain the work:
- Product photos
- Installation diagrams
- Reference images
Think About Change Orders
Well-written original scopes make change orders clearer. When scope changes, the difference between original and new is obvious.
Review Before Sending
Before creating a contract, review all work scopes to ensure:
- All entries have appropriate scope descriptions
- Demo and install scopes are complete for replacement items
- Language is customer-friendly
- No confidential notes are included
Work Scopes vs Notes
| Feature | Work Scope | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Describe work to be performed | Internal comments and reminders |
| Visibility | Customer-facing (in contracts) | Internal only (unless marked otherwise) |
| Structure | Tied to action type (install/demo) | Free-form |
| In Contract | Yes - part of scope document | Optional |
Use work scopes for customer-facing descriptions of work. Use notes for internal reminders and coordination details.
Next Steps
- Using Assemblies - Action types and work scopes
- Detailed Estimating - Adding components with scopes
- Finalizing Estimates - Review before contract
- Estimate Contracts - How scopes appear in contracts