Scope of Work
Detailed description of tasks, specifications, materials, and work exclusions that define what will and will not be performed.
A precise SOW reduces misunderstandings, speeds approvals, and protects parties by documenting scope, timeline, payment schedule, and acceptance tests in one place. It serves as the baseline for change orders and claims while making compliance and recordkeeping straightforward.
The SOW is prepared by or for the party who will manage the rehab work—often a project manager, general contractor, or property owner—and is reviewed by stakeholders including lenders and insurers.
Well-drafted SOWs speed payments and inspections, reduce disputes, and provide a defensible audit trail if title, lending, or warranty issues arise.
Typically an accredited project manager or contractor authorized by the owner; responsible for scheduling, quality control, subcontractor coordination, and certifying that milestones are complete per the SOW.
The owner or investor who funds the work and provides written acceptance at milestones; their signature authorizes payments and any contract amendments described in the SOW.
Detailed description of tasks, specifications, materials, and work exclusions that define what will and will not be performed.
List of tangible outputs (e.g., repaired systems, completed rooms, documentation) and the acceptance criteria for each item.
Milestones, critical-path deadlines, and the overall project completion date, including inspection windows.
Payment schedule tied to milestones, retainage, invoicing instructions, and remedy for late payments.
Process for submitting, reviewing, pricing, and approving changes to scope or schedule, including time to respond.
Insurance, bond requirements, warranty terms, safety and permitting responsibilities, and dispute resolution procedures.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Set owner approval after PM and contractor sign to enforce sequence. |
| Authentication | Enable email + SMS code for guest signers; use stronger options for high-value projects. |
| Conditional Fields | Show change-order attachment field only if change-order checkbox is marked. |
| Notifications | Send reminders at 3, 7, and 14 days past signature due date. |
Use an eSignature platform that provides a complete audit trail, document retention, and secure access for external stakeholders.
Recordkeeping should include signed PDFs plus an audit record (timestamps, IP, signer email), retained under applicable retention rules and accessible for audits.
Target start date for on-site mobilization and procurement.
Specific due dates tied to inspections, e.g., rough-in, drywall, finishes.
Dates when invoices tied to milestones must be submitted and processed.
Deadline for correcting minor defects after final inspection.
Start date and duration for workmanship and materials warranty.
Scope finalization, permitting, and procurement before site work begins.
Structural and MEP rough-in completed and inspected.
Finish carpentry, painting, and finish system installation.
Final inspection, punchlist completion, and warranty activation.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day trial | Varies by offer | Varies by offer | Trial available | Trial available |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
Tim Martin used a structured digital SOW to process vendor approvals and sign contracts remotely.
Optica Ventures adopted a standard SOW template for rehab projects to align contractors and investors.