A complete Scope of Work covers four categories: Safety & Liability, Bleeding, Baseline, and The Big Three. Use this as a question-driven checklist to build your scope logically and thoroughly.
1. Safety & Liability
Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Are detectors installed and working?
Glass
- Any broken glass on doors or windows?
- Is tempered glass used in required areas?
Egress
- Is there a functional window in each bedroom?
Rails / Stairs
- Decks or stairs above 30 inches have a rail?
- Rails strong and balusters no more than 4 inches apart?
- Stairs consistent and strong (same rise/run size)?
Locks
- Do windows and doors lock securely?
Garage Doors
- Are sensors working properly?
EPA Issues (Mold, Asbestos, Lead)
- Any visible signs or test results required?
Basic MEP Standards
Electrical
- Any exposed or frayed wiring?
- Any loose or unprotected outlets, switches, or fixtures?
- Stab-Lok breaker panel or other fire hazards?
- Proper GFCI/AFCI protection installed?
- Knob and Tube or Fuse Panel? (usually require upgrade)
- Outlets 2-prong? (indication of no grounding)
- Mast from meter high enough and in good condition?
Plumbing
- Everything drains properly?
- Any water leaks?
- Good water pressure?
- Hot water working and vented correctly?
- Any gas leaks?
- Galvanized water lines? (some municipalities require upgrade)
- Sewer pipes cast iron or clay? (not necessarily bad, but higher leak risk)
HVAC
- Is heat working?
- Age of unit (serial number)?
- Ductwork in good enough condition?
- A/C working properly?
- Proper exhaust for hood vent, exhaust fans, and dryer?
Extra Structures (Dilapidated)
- Remove or board up?
Signs of Structural Damage
Foundation Issues
- Cracks in foundation walls (horizontal or stair-step)?
- Settlement cracks (vertical or uneven floors)?
- Leaning or bowing foundation walls?
- Moisture in foundation (pooling or seeping)?
Wall Cracks and Shifts
- Cracks in interior walls (especially around doors and windows)?
- Diagonal cracks at corners of windows/doors?
- Bulging or bowing walls?
- Separation of walls from ceilings or floors?
Floors
- Sloping or sagging?
- Bouncy or springy?
- Cracks in tiles or slabs?
- Gaps between floors and baseboards?
Doors and Windows
- Sticking or misaligned?
- Gaps around openings?
- Swing open/close by themselves?
Roof and Ceiling Issues
- Sagging rooflines?
- Ceiling cracks or water stains?
Exterior Signs
- Cracks in brick or stonework (stair-step)?
- Chimney leaning or separating?
- Gaps between exterior walls and windows/doors?
- Uneven or sagging porch or deck?
- Misaligned roof gutters?
Basement and Crawl Space Issues
- Wet or damp basement?
- Cracked basement walls?
- Rotting beams or joists?
- Sinking or tilting support columns?
Water and Drainage Issues
- Poor drainage around the home?
- Cracks around piers or posts?
- Water stains on walls or floors?
2. Bleeding (Water & Drainage)
Retaining Walls
- Are there retaining walls? Are they failing?
Underground Drainage (e.g. French Drains)
- Are they draining properly?
Surface Drainage
- Any negative drainage toward the house?
- How hard will it be to repair / is it possible?
- Any signs of water pooling around the house?
- Has the yard been built up to the siding?
Crawlspace / Basement Moisture
- Does it smell like mildew?
- Any visible signs of water?
Roof Condition
- Does it look faded?
- Curling or missing shingles?
- In attic: signs of water or mildew?
- Water spots on ceiling?
- Around protrusions (chimneys, vents): any leaks?
Gutters and Drainage
- Do gutters exist and function?
- Is there a drip edge between roof and gutters?
- Fascia rotted?
- Gutters clogged?
- Downspouts extend far enough from foundation?
Siding and Envelope
- Any signs water entering siding?
- Gaps, water rot, pest holes, soffit damage?
- Proper flashing around vents and windows?
- Any areas where water can sit?
Utilities and Plumbing
- HVAC condensation line draining away from house?
- Water heater leaking? If so, where does water go (pan or drain)?
- Sump pump functioning properly?
- Any water supply or sewer line leaks (check crawl space)?
- Tub/shower surround sealed? Window inside? Water intrusion?
- Under sinks: any moisture, soft floors, or crawlspace damage below?
- Toilets: soft floors or staining?
Exterior Fixtures
- Window unit condensation draining properly?
- Hose bib leaks?
Wood-Destroying Pests
- Hollow or damaged wood?
- Entry/exit holes?
- Mud tunnels or wood shavings?
Shoddy Structural Work (Pro DIYer)
- Undersized beams?
- Walls removed or added improperly?
3. Baseline (Finishes & Replacements)
Floors
- LVP
- Hardwoods
Paint
- 1 Color (same walls and trim)
- 2 Color (separate walls and trim)
Trim
- Builder grade
- Upgraded profile
Fixture Package & Quality
- Stainless / Brushed
- Black
Cabinets
- Cheapest option
- Shaker (Big Box Store grade)
- High-End custom
Countertops
- Formica
- Butcher Block
- Hard Top (Granite / Quartz)
Tub / Shower
- Inserts
- Tile
- Tile with Accent
Appliances
- New or Used
- White / Black / Stainless
Siding
- Original
- Vinyl
- Fiber Cement
- Other
4. The Big Three (Curb Appeal & First Impression)
Curb Appeal (Which Door Will They Walk Through?)
- Mailbox
- House Numbers
- Entry Door
- Garage Door
- Entry Side Windows
- Shutters
- Porch, Deck, Awnings, etc.
- Rails or Stairs
- Walkways and Driveways
- Fence
- Landscaping and plants
- Pressure Washing
- Clean! (no cobwebs, rust, overspray)
First Impression
- What are the major things they see upon opening the door?