Statement of Work Template for Construction Businesses (UK 2025)
Last updated: February 2025
Why Construction Businesses Need a Statement of Work
Construction statements of work define specific packages of building work including detailed specifications, drawings, materials standards, and quality benchmarks. These must be technically precise because ambiguity in construction specifications leads directly to disputes, variations, and cost overruns. The SOW should reference relevant British Standards, specify approved materials and suppliers, define inspection and testing procedures, and establish clear practical completion criteria.
Key Clauses for Construction
- Detailed technical specifications referencing British Standards
- Materials specifications with approved suppliers and equivalents policy
- Inspection, testing, and quality assurance procedures
- Practical completion criteria and snagging process
Common Mistakes
- Not referencing specific British Standards and building regulations applicable to the work package
- Failing to specify the procedure for approving or rejecting substitute materials when specified products are unavailable
Template Sections
- Technical specifications and British Standards references
- Materials schedule with approved products and suppliers
- Quality assurance, inspection, and testing procedures
FAQ
How detailed should technical specifications be in a construction SOW?
Extremely detailed. Specify materials by product name and supplier with approved equivalents, reference all applicable British Standards and building regulations, include dimensioned drawings, and define workmanship quality standards. Ambiguity is the primary cause of construction disputes, so invest time in comprehensive specifications upfront to avoid costly variations and claims later.
How should a construction SOW handle variations to the specified work?
Include a formal variation procedure requiring written instructions from the contract administrator, a quotation from the contractor before work begins, written approval of the variation cost, and agreement on any time extension. Without this procedure, disputes about whether additional work was instructed and what it should cost are inevitable.
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Get Started FreeThis is guidance for UK businesses, not legal advice. Templates are illustrative. Consult a solicitor for complex matters.
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