The Importance of a Written Work Order
Verbal agreements with contractors almost always lead to conflict. "I thought polish was included in the carpentry rate" or "wiring points were supposed to be extra" are the most common arguments on an interior site. A formal Work Order (WO) eliminates this ambiguity.
Crucial Elements of a Good Work Order:
- Exact Quantities and UOM: Specify if the rate is per Square Foot, Running Foot, or a lump sum.
- Material Scope: Explicitly state who provides the raw material. Is it a labor-only contract or material-inclusive?
- Penalty Clauses: If a timeline is provided, what happens if the contractor delays the project? Usually, a per-day penalty is standard on large projects.