Scope Review Checklist
Scope Review Checklist
Quick Summary
A scope review checklist helps contractors confirm exactly what work is included before a project starts. Reviewing the scope early reduces misunderstandings, change orders, scheduling issues, and disputes later in the job. This checklist is useful for project managers, estimators, foremen, owners, and office staff responsible for project planning and execution.
When to Use This Checklist
- Before signing a contract.
- Before project kickoff meetings.
- When handing off a project from estimating to operations.
- Before assigning crews and resources.
- When reviewing customer expectations.
- Before approving major project changes.
- Whenever scope questions arise during construction.
Before You Start
- Gather the contract, proposal, and approved estimate.
- Review project drawings and specifications.
- Collect all addenda, revisions, and project updates.
- Identify key customer and project contacts.
- Review assumptions made during estimating.
- Verify the latest approved project documents are available.
- Schedule a scope review meeting if needed.
Safety Checks
- Identify any high-risk work activities included in the scope.
- Review site-specific safety requirements.
- Verify required training or certifications for planned work.
- Confirm safety-related responsibilities between trades.
- Review equipment and access requirements for safe work execution.
- Identify work activities requiring additional planning before startup.
Tools, Equipment, and Materials
- Signed contract or subcontract.
- Proposal and estimate documents.
- Project plans and specifications.
- Addenda and revision logs.
- Material and equipment requirements.
- Project schedule and milestone information.
- Customer communication records.
Scope Review Checklist
- Review the complete project scope description.
- Confirm all included work activities are clearly defined.
- Verify project limits and work boundaries.
- Review customer expectations and deliverables.
- Confirm materials included in the contract.
- Verify equipment requirements for the project.
- Review labor assumptions and crew requirements.
- Identify work performed by other trades or subcontractors.
- Confirm who is responsible for permits, inspections, and testing.
- Review site access and staging requirements.
- Identify project exclusions and out-of-scope items.
- Verify assumptions that could affect pricing or scheduling.
- Review project milestones and completion requirements.
- Identify potential conflicts, gaps, or unclear requirements.
- Clarify open questions before work begins.
- Document agreed-upon scope clarifications and decisions.
- Share finalized scope information with project personnel.
Documentation Needed
- Signed contract or subcontract.
- Approved proposal and estimate.
- Project plans and specifications.
- Scope clarification notes and meeting records.
- Addenda and revision documents.
- Customer approvals and project correspondence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming work is included without written confirmation.
- Overlooking project exclusions and assumptions.
- Failing to identify scope gaps between trades.
- Using outdated plans or specifications.
- Not documenting scope clarifications.
- Starting work before open questions are resolved.
End-of-Day / Final Review
- Scope review has been completed.
- Open questions have been addressed.
- Project exclusions have been documented.
- Scope clarifications have been communicated to the team.
- Relevant project documents have been updated.
- Final scope review records have been saved.
Checklist Completion
Project / Job Name
Jobsite / Location
Completed By
Role / Title
Completed Date
Completed Time
Signature
Reviewed / Approved By, if needed
Notes / Follow-Up Items
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