Start with the decision
Write the carpentry scope around named deliverables, the drawings that describe them and the interfaces with other trades. Separate structural framing, rough carpentry and finish carpentry before seeking quotes. Each involves different drawings, materials and coordination with other packages. Use the worksheet below to expose missing information before requesting a firm quotation.
This guide is for business-to-business project planning in the United States and Canada. For the wider trade context, visit the carpentry resource hub.
Define each package boundary
| Deliverable | Input to include | Boundary to settle |
|---|---|---|
| Framing | framing plans and identified component responsibility | material supply, engineered components and erection |
| Blocking and backing | locations and requirements from adjoining trades | scheduled backing versus later additions |
| Finish carpentry | finish schedule and approved profiles | supply, fitting, hardware and decoration |
Download the carpentry scope of work worksheet (CSV)
Fill in the response, owner or source, and date checked. Keep unresolved items visible. The file contains planning prompts only; it does not calculate quantities or make an approval decision.
Put the checklist to work
- Attach the current drawing and specification references, and identify who may receive them. Separate issued information from items still awaiting approval.
- Assign engineered components, blocking, hardware, treatment and decoration explicitly. Use included, excluded, by others or unresolved, with a named owner for unresolved items.
- Document assumptions about coordinated dimensions, material selections and release of preceding work. A target date is not a substitute for those inputs being available.
- Issue the same revision to all invited businesses. Record clarifications and circulate material changes before comparing proposals.
A scope gap worth discussing
Illustrative example — not a Build Accord client project
A rough-carpentry proposal covers framing but omits backing needed for fixtures. Reconcile the backing schedule with the relevant trades before the work is enclosed.
Apply this to your decision: A scope sheet with deliverables, interfaces, exclusions and unresolved decisions that every invited business can price against.
Using this in the US and Canada
For a project in the United States
Record the state, local jurisdiction and actual service area. Confirm the project location and the scope of the business’s authority with the responsible project team. The U.S. Small Business Administration provides a starting point for business licensing resources.
For a project in Canada
Record the province or territory, municipality and actual service area. Use Canada’s permits and licences resources to locate relevant checks, including the linked BizPaL service. Confirm requirements for the actual activity and location.
For either market, state the currency, units and deadline time zone. This worksheet is general planning guidance, not a determination of licensing, procurement eligibility or technical compliance.
The next useful step
Continue with carpentry invitation to bid checklist. For the other side of the conversation, see the carpentry bid proposal guide.
Build Accord coordinates introductions between construction project teams and trade contractors. An inquiry starts a discussion of fit and availability; it does not guarantee a contractor, an invitation to bid or an award. These guides are not a listing of currently available crews or projects.