State the main objective, whether improved space use, renewal, tenant change or building-services alteration. Use it to judge options when cost limits require choices between proposed works.
Describe retained, altered and new elements
Identify retained, removed and new elements through coordinated plans, photographs and schedules. Include relevant partitions, ceilings, floors, doors, finishes and fixed equipment so scope boundaries are visible.
Assess the condition and compatibility of retained fabric. Keeping a ceiling affects service access and installation methods. Specify the condition left by removals, whether cleared space, capped services, local repairs or a completed finish.
Include connected services
Define power, lighting, heating, ventilation, water, controls and relevant security or fire interfaces. Allocate design, installation and testing of each connection. Pricing finishes alone can otherwise leave essential operational systems unresolved.
Include preconstruction surveys and applicable approvals. Use HSE construction-role guidance and government building-requirement guidance to establish responsibilities in the project appointments.
Explain how the property will remain usable
State occupancy, work windows, entry routes, deliveries, storage and temporary supplies. Identify services and areas that must remain available. Each phase needs defined boundaries and conditions for returning the space to use.
Account for noise, dust, outages and material movement as constraints on occupied-site delivery. They affect methods, pricing and programme, so belong in the issued scope.
Define finishes and completion
Specify finish quality and performance rather than relying on undefined standard decoration. Identify sample approvals and selections, with decision dates linked to procurement.
Define the completion information: relevant inspection and commissioning evidence, drawings, product details, instructions and snagging arrangements. Name the recipient and acceptance responsibilities for the required records.
Common questions
Does every refurbishment need a detailed drawing package?
Match information to complexity. A clearly bounded alteration may need a marked plan and schedule, whereas significant layout or services changes require coordinated design.
Should optional work be included in the main scope?
Keep options distinct, with cost and programme consequences identified. This preserves the essential scope and makes later approvals traceable.
What makes competing quotations comparable?
Issue equivalent scope, access conditions, finishes and handover requirements to each tenderer. Compare exclusions and provisional allowances alongside totals.
Related projects and reading
Explore refurbishment delivery, coordinated design and build and cost planning. Read building a refurbishment budget, review services, project support, sectors and coverage, or submit the project requirement.