Scope Gap Analysis: Preventing Costly Surprises
One of the biggest causes of cost overruns is work that was never identified during estimating.
These omissions often become expensive surprises during construction.
What Is Scope Gap Analysis?
Scope gap analysis is the process of reviewing drawings, specifications, and bid documents to identify missing, unclear, or conflicting requirements.
Common Scope Gaps
Examples include:
- Temporary protection
- Firestopping
- Blocking
- Access panels
- Equipment supports
- Coordination requirements
Why Scope Gaps Matter
Missing scope can result in:
- Lost profit
- Schedule delays
- Disputes
- Unrecoverable costs
Best Practices
Successful contractors:
- Review all specifications
- Compare drawings across disciplines
- Perform constructability reviews
- Document assumptions
Final Thoughts
Identifying scope gaps before bid submission is far less expensive than discovering them during construction.
At TBT Estimating Services, we perform detailed scope reviews and gap analysis to help subcontractors reduce risk and submit more complete, competitive proposals.