Helonic is an AI construction drawing analysis platform for teams researching templates during drawing review. Free scope of work template for construction subcontracts: inclusions, exclusions, sheet list, spec sections, and allowances, with an HVAC example.
A scope of work template for construction is a structured document that defines exactly what a subcontractor or trade package includes, what it excludes, and which drawings and spec sections govern it. The template below has twelve sections and a filled-in example for a Division 23 HVAC subcontract.
A construction scope of work should cover: project information, the trade or bid package, included work, excluded work, referenced drawings (by sheet number) and spec sections, alternates, allowances, schedule and milestones, required submittals, site conditions and logistics, clarifications, and assumptions. The inclusions and exclusions carry the most weight, because every gap between two trades' scopes becomes a change order.
Write each section as a list a project manager can check against the subcontractor's bid. The example column is a mechanical subcontract on a three-story medical office building.
| Section | What to enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Project information | Project name, address, owner, architect, GC, and contract type. | Riverside Medical Office Building, Job 2418. Owner Riverside Health LLC. Lump sum subcontract. |
| Trade / bid package | Package number, name, and CSI divisions covered. | BP-23 HVAC, Division 23 |
| Included work | Every item the sub furnishes and installs, written as a list. | Furnish and install RTUs, VAV boxes, ductwork, insulation, diffusers, DDC controls, TAB. |
| Excluded work | Work that belongs to another package, named with that package. | Power wiring to equipment (BP-26). Roof curb framing (BP-05). Roof patching (BP-07). |
| Referenced drawings | Sheet numbers and revision dates that govern the scope. | M-001 to M-601, Bulletin 2 dated 9/15/2026 |
| Spec sections | Every section the sub must comply with. | 23 05 00, 23 05 93, 23 07 13, 23 09 23, 23 31 13, 23 33 00, 23 37 13, 23 74 13 |
| Alternates | Each bid alternate with a separate price. | Alt 2: MERV 13 filters in lieu of MERV 8 |
| Allowances | Fixed sums carried for undefined work. | $15,000 controls integration with owner BAS |
| Schedule / milestones | Mobilization, key dates, and durations from the master schedule. | Mobilize 2/1/2027. L3 duct rough-in complete 4/15/2027. TAB report 8/1/2027. |
| Submittals required | Submittals by spec section, with due dates. | RTU product data and duct shop drawings within 21 days of award |
| Site conditions / logistics | Access, hoisting, laydown, working hours, parking. | Crane picks for RTUs by GC on one scheduled day. Laydown on east lot. |
| Clarifications | Answers to bid questions and how conflicts were resolved. | Fire/smoke dampers: HVAC furnishes and installs, BP-26 wires. |
| Assumptions | Conditions the price depends on. | Existing roof structure supports RTU weights per S-501, no reinforcing. |
Inclusions and exclusions are where HVAC scopes go wrong, usually at the edges with electrical, controls, roofing, and structural. Here's how the example handles those boundaries item by item.
| Item | HVAC (BP-23) | By others | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rooftop units | Furnish, set, connect, start up | Crane pick: GC | M-401, 23 74 13 |
| Roof curbs | Furnish curbs | Framing openings: BP-05. Flashing: BP-07 | S-501, A-551 |
| Power wiring | None | BP-26 to disconnect and from disconnect to unit | E-401 |
| DDC controls | Furnish, install, wire low voltage, program | 120V power to panels: BP-26 | 23 09 23 |
| Fire/smoke dampers | Furnish and install | Wiring and fire alarm tie-in: BP-26 / BP-28 | M-301, 23 33 00 |
| Access panels | Furnish for HVAC devices | Install in hard ceilings: BP-09 | A-701, M-301 |
| Test and balance | Hire independent TAB firm | Commissioning agent: owner | 23 05 93 |
| Duct painting | None | Exposed duct painting: BP-09 | 09 91 23 |
Download the construction scope of work template (CSV, opens in Excel or Google Sheets). Each column is a section and the example row holds the HVAC scope, so you can add one row per bid package and keep every trade's scope in one file.
A written scope is what makes sub bids comparable. Once each bid is checked against the same inclusions and exclusions, you can level them line by line, as described in how to level subcontractor bids. When a gap shows up after award, it usually ends up on the change order template.
Helonic doesn't write scope or do takeoff. It reviews the drawing set and project manual before you do, flagging conflicts between disciplines and between drawings and specs, such as an RTU on M-401 that doesn't match the 23 74 13 schedule. Our spec and drawing analysis returns those mismatches with sheet and section references, which is why we recommend a drawing review before estimating.
Milind is the co-founder and CEO of Helonic, where he leads product and go-to-market for AI-powered construction drawing analysis. He works closely with general contractors, project managers, estimators, and owners to understand how drawing quality drives project outcomes - and where AI can reduce RFIs, change orders, and rework. Milind has interviewed hundreds of construction professionals across project delivery roles, from preconstruction estimators at ENR top-400 contractors to facilities directors at institutional owners, and uses those conversations to shape both product direction and the way Helonic talks about the work.
How this page was researched: Section numbers and titles were checked against CSI MasterFormat Division 23 (HVAC) and Divisions 05, 07, 09, 26, and 28 for the scope boundaries, reviewed November 1, 2026. Helonic's spec analysis claims were checked against the /features/spec-analysis page. The project, packages, and dollar amounts are illustrative.
Last reviewed by Milind Sagaram · November 1, 2026
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