What Architects, Subs, and GCs All Miss About Scope

The real fight isn't about budget or time it's about assumptions.

Most construction conflicts don't start in the field.

They start in the minds of the people around the table way before boots hit the ground.

Architects assume the GC knows what's in their head.

GCs assume the sub read the whole spec book.

Subs assume "if it's not in the drawings, it's not my job."

And then the RFIs start flying.

Schedules slip.

Change orders explode.

And trust quietly walks off the site.

The Real Culprit: Scope Assumptions

You thought everyone was on the same page.

But there were three different books and no one checked the table of contents.

The drawings say one thing.

The spec says another.

The bid carries its own invisible logic.

And everyone's walking around with a different version of what's included.

The most dangerous scope isn't what's missing it's what's misunderstood.

The Fix: Run a "Scope Assumptions Audit"

Before the ink dries and the finger-pointing starts, sit everyone down and do this:

1. List the Known Unknowns

What's unclear, vague, or "TBD"? Make a list. Then assign someone to be responsible for answering each item.

2. Ask: "What Are You Assuming?"

Go trade by trade.

Ask every stakeholder what they think is included in their scope.

What's in? What's out? What are they unsure about?

You'll be stunned by what surfaces.

3. Clarify Inclusions vs. Exclusions

Put it in writing.

Use plain English.

Match it to drawings and specs.

Then distribute it. Have everyone sign off. This becomes your preconstruction truth.

Final Thought

Construction doesn't fail because people don't care.

It fails because no one slowed down to define what's expected.

Do that and you've already solved 80% of the conflict before it starts.

For help conducting your "Scope Assumptions Audit" and other helpful systems, set up a free call at GRPM services. CALL NOW!

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