Why write scope line by line
Every trade has a handful of items that sit on the border with another trade: who installs blocking, who provides access panels, who patches after the plumber, who hauls the spoils. Those borders are where disputes start. A proposal that names each border item as included or excluded is quick for the general contractor to level and hard to argue with later.
This library collects the lines our estimators write most often, organized by trade and CSI division. It’s a starting point, not a legal template. Always match the wording to your plans, specifications and prime contract.
How the library works
- Choose your trade. The tool loads a starter list of common inclusions and exclusions for that trade, along with general clarifications that apply to any trade.
- Pick and edit. Open Suggestions under each list to add more lines. Click any line to reword it. Use the arrow to move a line up, or ✕ to remove it.
- Add your own. Type a line in Write your own for anything specific to the project.
- Export. Download a numbered PDF with your inclusions, exclusions and clarifications, ready to attach to your proposal or paste into your template.
Your lists are saved in your browser, so you can come back and adjust them for the next bid.
How to phrase a strong exclusion
Good exclusions share three traits:
- Specific. “Access panels, which are to be furnished by the trade requiring them” is clear. “Miscellaneous items” isn’t.
- Tied to the documents. “Blocking not shown on the drawings” works because the drawings define what is shown.
- Conditional where it helps. “Permits and inspection fees unless listed as included” lets you include the item on some bids without rewriting the line.
Avoid exclusions that contradict the specifications for your own trade. If spec section 09 21 16 requires you to provide something, excluding it may get your bid rejected as non-responsive. Price it, or raise it as a question before bid day.
Examples by trade
Drywall, framing and ceilings. Include framing, board, finish level and fire-rated assemblies as listed. Commonly excluded: acoustical ceilings (often bid separately), Level 5 finishes, exterior sheathing and air barriers, blocking not shown, and access panels.
Electrical. Include distribution, branch circuits and devices as drawn. Commonly excluded: utility company charges, low-voltage and fire alarm systems when bid separately, equipment furnished by others, and trenching or patching outside the building line.
Plumbing. Include domestic water, sanitary and vent systems and fixture setting. Commonly excluded: fixtures furnished by the owner, site utilities beyond five feet of the building, and cutting and patching of finished surfaces.
Concrete. Include forming, placing and finishing as detailed. Commonly excluded: testing and special inspections, winter protection, vapor barriers by others, and embedded items furnished by other trades.
General clarifications worth keeping
- Pricing is based on the listed drawings and specifications; changes to them may change the price.
- Pricing is valid for 30 days, with material escalation after that passed through at cost.
- Work areas will be clear and ready, with one mobilization per phase unless noted.
- The GC provides dumpster, laydown, temporary power, water and toilets.
- Owner-requested changes are performed under signed change orders before work proceeds.
Next steps
To turn these lists into a complete priced proposal under your company name, use the bid proposal builder. If you’re a general contractor comparing quotes, the bid leveling matrix shows how each bidder’s exclusions change the real low number. When excluded work comes back as an extra, price it with the change order calculator.