By Stephen Ferrandi, Director, KLNB Regious Properties

Once the committee and construction professionals have agreed on the scope of work, it must be put it in writing. In drafting the scope of work, be as specific as possible. Keep in mind that three different construction estimators could address an issue differently. They could give three different prices and maybe not address the issue in the way the committee was expecting, unless they spell out the scope of work.

If an architect is hired, part of his blueprint package should be a specification package. It is in this package that the architect spells out the details. If the congregation is not utilizing the services of an architect, then draft your own specification package. The main point here is to spell out what the group wants done, how they want the tasks to be completed, what building materials they expect, indicating the type, brand name, finish, color, quantity, quality, installation method, etc.

The following shows two contractors whose proposals are bidding on the same work… or are they?

EXAMPLE 1

Proposal for: His Way Worship Center Worship Center Way
Pilgrim, PA

We submit our bid to paint all of the drywall in the church building.
$13,000
Terms: 1/3 at contract signing
Balance upon completionAgreed and accepted:________________________________________

EXAMPLE 2

Proposal for the His Way Worship
CenterWorship Center Drive
Pilgrim, PA
We submit our bid to properly prepare all of the newly installed drywall in the church sanctuary by giving the drywall a final sanding using 320-grit sandpaper. A thorough cleaning of all of the drywall surfaces, using dust absorbent cloths, will follow this sanding. Next, we will paint the drywall using rollers with 1 coat of Sherwin Williams Pro Mar 200 Primer/Sealer. Once all of the walls of the sanctuary have been properly prepared and primed, we will release the space back to the drywall contractor for final point up. Point up and sanding to be completed by the drywall contractor. This point up of the newly primed drywall must be completed within two working days from the date the surface has been released to the drywall subcontractor. Once the drywall point up has been sanded, we will clean all of the drywall once again using both cloths and a vacuum system.

Next, we will apply two coats of Sherwin Williams Pro Mar 200 latex paint (1234 – Church White) to all of the drywall surfaces in the sanctuary. Paint application shall take place by utilizing an airless spray unit at a pressure of 1200 psi. One painter shall use the sprayer to apply the paint while simultaneously; a second painter will be back rolling the paint onto the surface using an 18-inch smooth nap roller.

We will complete any necessary touch up as required; however, we are not responsible for touch up painting due to damage caused by other contractors, sub-contractors or vendors while work is in process.
$13,000
Terms: 1/3 with contract signing Balance upon completion

As illustrated in these examples, the price from both contractors is the same, but one is not certain if the scope of work is the same. To ensure that all bidders know what is expected of them, make sure sufficient details are listed in the scope of work.

Remember, lack of specificity in the scope of work can lead to change orders from contractors who can make a valid argument that the directive was not explicit enough, and that the issue you’re sure was covered in the original bid, was not covered. If it is not spelled out in the scope of work, it probably won’t be done.

Spell out in detail exactly what is to be completed, how it is to be completed, what materials are to be used, and what application methods are to be used.

Stephen Ferrandi is the Director of KLNB Religious Properties, a real estate firm serving religioius clients in Maryland, D.C., Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He is one of the top experts in land development in the region. Mr. Ferrandi frequently contributes real estate related articles to both print and online publications.