Scope of Work

A well-written scope of work is the foundation of a successful hydrovac project. It should clearly define the number and type of excavations to be performed, the locations, the expected depths and dimensions, the soil disposal requirements, the schedule, the access conditions, and the deliverables such as pothole logs, photographs, or GPS data. Ambiguity in the scope of work is the most common source of disputes between hydrovac contractors and their clients.

For potholing projects, the scope of work typically specifies the number of pothole locations, the expected depth range, the method for marking and documenting each pothole, the data to be collected at each location, the backfill requirements, and the surface restoration standards. For slot trenching projects, the scope includes the linear footage, trench dimensions, soil disposal method, and any requirements for crossing existing utilities.

Hydrovac contractors should review the scope of work carefully before bidding and ask questions about any ambiguous or missing information. Common issues include undefined soil disposal requirements, unclear access restrictions, missing information about known utility congestion, undefined backfill specifications, and unrealistic production expectations. A thorough scope review and pre-bid site visit prevent costly surprises during execution.