Ben Hughes

My scope of works documents used to cost me jobs. Now they win them.

Builder. Twenty years experience. Excellent work — I know that because my referral rate is very high. But I was consistently losing tenders to less experienced builders. The feedback I finally got from someone who gave it straight: "Your scope of works documents look like they were written on the back of a napkin." That stung. But they were right. I sat down and spent an afternoon with ChatGPT. I described a typical project I'd done and everything I'd done on it. It helped me write a proper scope of works document — structured, detailed, professional-looking. Then I used that as a template. The difference when I send these documents now is tangible. Clients comment on them. "Your quote was very detailed, we knew exactly what we were getting." One client told me she chose me over a cheaper quote specifically because my documentation made her feel more confident. I also use it for variations. When scope changes mid-project, I need to communicate that clearly in writing. AI helps me write clear, professional variation notices that avoid misunderstandings. Better documents. More trust. More jobs. Twenty years of great work finally being represented properly on paper.