Scope
Define wall limits, retained material, performance criteria, and excluded work so bidding and execution match owner expectations and permit conditions.
A clear, signed document reduces ambiguity on design, approvals, inspections, and warranty start dates, and helps manage contractor liability and permitting risk.
Typical participants who prepare, review, or rely on this document are listed below.
The document supports communication across these roles and establishes legal and operational responsibilities during construction and after handover.
Define wall limits, retained material, performance criteria, and excluded work so bidding and execution match owner expectations and permit conditions.
Attach engineering drawings, slope stability calculations, geotechnical recommendations, and drainage details that the contractor must follow during construction.
Specify approved materials, tolerances, compaction requirements, and testing frequency to ensure structural performance and durability.
List required local, county, and state permits, permit numbers, issuing agency contacts, and any permit-specific conditions or erosion-control measures.
Document inspection points, acceptance criteria, responsible inspector or agency, and required test reports for each construction stage.
Describe the change-order approval workflow, pricing method, time impact assessment, and required sign-offs to control scope creep and claims.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Order | Owner → Engineer → Contractor (sequential signing). |
| Required Attachments | Geotech report, approved plans, permit copies. |
| Authentication | Email + SMS code or ID verification for final approvals. |
| Notifications | Auto-alerts for pending signatures and upcoming inspections. |
Use a signing platform that supports audit trails, acceptable authentication, and common integrations for construction workflows.
Ensure the platform can produce an audit trail, store signed copies, and meet any industry compliance such as a HIPAA BAA when health data is involved.
| 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 | Yes, 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies | Varies |
Allow 2–12 weeks depending on jurisdiction and complexity.
Book inspections at least 7–14 days before the required milestone.
Effective on final acceptance or specified completion date.
Owner approval typically required within 7–14 days to avoid schedule impacts.
Retention period begins on effective or completion date, whichever applies.
Engineer issues final drawings and geotechnical recommendations for permit submission.
Authorities review and sign permits; conditions are recorded for construction compliance.
Contractor performs work with staged inspections and testing as required.
Owner and inspector sign off; warranty and record retention commence.