6 SOW Templates to Create a Statement of Work That Delivers

Every project begins with great enthusiasm.

But without a statement of work (SOW), it can often easily spiral into chaos. Scope creeps in unexpectedly. Deadlines slip. Budgets stretch. Misunderstandings pile up, leaving both sides frustrated and disappointed.

I’ve seen projects stall or even crumble because there was no shared, documented understanding of what was being delivered, when and how.

That’s why a well-crafted SOW changes everything. It sets expectations, defines responsibilities and keeps everyone aligned from kickoff to delivery.

According to the Project Management Institute’s 2025 Pulse of the Profession Report, organizations with standardized project management practices (including SOWs) are 2.3 times more likely to see their projects succeed.

Of course, creating a detailed, professional SOW from scratch takes time. That’s why having the right template can make all the difference.

In this guide, I’ll share six ready-to-use SOW templates, along with everything you need to create your own clear, mistake-free SOW in record time.

Let’s dive in.

 

Table of Contents

• What is a Statement of Work?
• When Should You Use a Statement of Work?
• What to Include in Your Statement of Work
• 6 SOW Templates to Make Your Own
• How to Create an SOW Document for Clients
• 4 Best Tools to Create an SOW
• Best Tips and Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an SOW
• Statement of Work FAQs

 

What is a Statement of Work (SOW)?

A Statement of Work (SOW) is a project management document that outlines all the steps and information involved in your project, like the project’s purpose, the deliverables, requirements, specifications and financial measures. Typically, you create it at the beginning of a project.

An SOW is often a legally binding document, but doesn’t replace a contract, especially when you’re dealing with external vendors, consultants or agencies. For vendor partnerships or client engagements, you need to add it as an appendix to a contract.

In other instances where you don’t need a formal contract, such as in-house projects, an SOW can be a standalone document

Using SOWs while managing a project keeps your work on schedule and within budget. It also sets clear expectations for everyone involved.

 

Types of SOWs

There are three types of SOWs. Their differences are minimal, but choosing the right one can help you achieve the project objective more effectively.

More importantly, the SOW type you use will depend on the industry and the specific tasks performed.

Design and Detail Statement of Work

The design and detail SOW provides the most comprehensive specifications for a project. It defines exactly what work will be performed, how it will be done and what the final deliverables will be. You’ll also find detailed requirements, step-by-step processes and specific quality standards.

In this scenario, most of the risk is assumed by the buyer or client. And that’s because they’re the ones setting the parameters about what needs to be done and how.

Level of Effort / Time and Materials / Unit Rate Statement of Work

Of the three SOW types, this is the most flexible in terms of guidelines and task descriptions. It's well-suited for short-term or temporary contracted services, such as freelance work or one-time services. As part of the working agreement, the contractor is required to accomplish a project goal while being compensated at an hourly or unit rate.

Performance-Based Statement of Work

This type of SOW focuses on the outcome of the work rather than on how it’s completed. They list a detailed project purpose, resources, expected results and quality assurance metrics.

While a design and detail SOW is specific about how to complete a project, a performance-based SOW leaves that up to the contractor.

The lack of guidance on how to achieve the goal gives the contractor more flexibility to determine the best way to deliver. But it also places the risk on the contractor if performance expectations aren’t met.

 

Real-Life Example of a Statement of Work (SOW)

If you’ve never seen an SOW, this example will give you a good idea of what they look like.

This is a statement of work created by Blackbaud, a software company for non-profits. The Overview specifies the details that pertain to this document and references the terms and conditions in the contract and order form.

Furthermore, they include a short executive summary and a best practices approach for the project at hand.

Next is the assumptions and client responsibilities section that delineates what’s expected from the client. The list is long and very specific. One of the assumptions in this SOW is that any deliverable that requires more than 40 hours of effort will need a separate SOW.

Following this, the list of tasks and deliverables is presented in a table, categorized by work areas. The statement of completion is defined as the moment at which all deliverables have been accepted.

 

 

SOW vs Other Project & Legal Documents

Often, SOWs are confused with other project and legal documents.

To help you understand each one of them, I’ve created a table that compares a statement of work, contract, service level agreement and the scope of work.

I'll also give you an idea of when an SOW is enough and when it works better paired with other documents.

	Statement of Work	Contract	Service Level Agreement	Scope of Work
Purpose and Function	Defines specific project deliverables, timelines and methodology for a particular engagement.	Establishes a legal relationship, terms and overall framework for business partnership.	Sets performance standards, metrics and service quality expectations for ongoing services.	Outlines what work will be performed and what’s included/excluded from the project.
Legal Standing	It can be legally binding as a standalone document when signed.	It's a legally binding agreement with enforceability.	It is legally binding when it's part of a contract and defines penalties for non-compliance.	Usually not a standalone legal document. Typically a component of a larger agreement.
Primary Audience	Project managers, delivery teams, and clients are involved in the specific project execution.	Legal teams, executives and decision-makers who are establishing business relationships.	Operations teams, service managers and clients monitoring ongoing performance.	Project teams and stakeholders define work parameters.

When is an SOW Enough?

Use an SOW on its own for:

• Established clients with existing contracts.
• Simple projects that are only a few months long.
• Low-risk freelance work.

When Do You Need SOW + Contract?

Use both for:

• New client relationships.
• Complex projects that will take a long time.
• High-value engagements.
• Projects with IP transfer or regulatory compliance.

When Do You Need an SOW + Contract + SLA?

Use an SOW, contract and service level agreement when:

• The project includes ongoing support/maintenance after delivery.
• Services require performance guarantees (uptime, response times).
• There will be continuous service delivery with measurable quality standards.

 

When Should You Use an SOW?

Possible scenarios that need a Statement of Work are:

• When multiple people need to understand the same requirements: SOWs provide clarity for cross-functional teams, stakeholders and teams with many involved groups or individuals.
• For a project that’s complex or extensive. An SOW outlines critical aspects of a project and helps keep all information aligned and easy to reference.
• For a project that has a large budget. If a project is going to cost a lot of money to complete, you want to be sure everything is in order. An SOW helps with that.

Don’t use a Statement of Work for these situations:

• Simple purchases
• Routine ongoing work
• Emergency fixes
• Smaller jobs

And concerning the “when” in a sense of time, always create a Statement of Work at the start of the project.

 

What to Include in Your Statement of Work

A statement of work includes several sections that cover critical information about your project. Typically, an SOW will have several pages and might be accompanied by other documentation like contracts and service level agreements.

Often, other types of project management materials are included in the SOW, such as the Scope of Work.

Let’s take a brief look at the sections.

1. Introduction / Overview: Share general yet brief information about the project, like the people involved, the main final product and maybe a tentative timeline.

2. Purpose Statement: Explain the big why for the project. Write a statement that indicates the project objectives and return on investment.

3. Scope of Work: In this first large section, make detailed annotations of the work process, the tools needed to complete the work, a time overview and general steps. It’s crucial that you also include what’s NOT in scope.

4. Work Breakdown Structure: Make this a WBS or separate it into three distinct sections including a list of tasks, milestones and project deliverables.

• Tasks: List everything that needs to be done to achieve the project objective and goal.
• Milestones: Map out time and/or performance-based markers that confirm when a project phase is completed.
• Deliverables: Describe exact, tangible products or activities that align perfectly with the project goal.

5. Project Schedule and Timeline: Develop a schedule and timeline that’s as close to reality as possible. Separate this section into phases, weeks or months, whichever fits the project best. Some practical visualizations for this information include Gantt charts, timelines and Kanban boards.

6. Project Requirements: List detailed requirements and assumptions for the project to reach its objective and goal. These items are:

• Definition of Project Success: A detailed explanation of what constitutes the finished project. A checklist goes a long way here.
• Standards and Testing: A description of what tools and metrics will be used for quality assurance.
• Assumptions: A list of assumed actions, activities and tangible things necessary for project success. All parties in the agreement but be on the same page about them.

7. Payment Terms and Conditions: Explain how and when the contractor or seller will get paid. Include items like a payment schedule, invoice requirements and late payment penalties.

8. Change Management Plan: In this final section, cover what happens when something needs to change from the original plan. Explain in detail how changes should be requested and approved. Plus, list documentation requirements and handling processes.

 

6 SOW Templates to Make Your Own

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time when starting a new project

Customizable, branded SOW templates help your team save time and stay consistent. Open one of these templates, apply your branding and save it in your workspace for future use.

Once your SOW is ready, use Visme's share and publish feature to send secure, trackable links to clients for review and approval.

Track who's viewed your SOW and for how long with built-in analytics, so you can follow up with confidence and keep the approval process on track.

 

SOW Template for Freelancers

When hiring freelancers, consultants, or creative professionals, a Statement of Work (SOW) sets expectations, defines scope, and protects both parties from misalignment.

Yet, many teams still rely on vague or inconsistent documentation.

According to Wellington’s 2025 State of Project Management Report, 46% of organizations are dissatisfied with their current project management maturity. One simple but powerful fix is to start every engagement with a clear statement of work.

This statement of work (SOW) template is ideal for organizations hiring freelancers, independent consultants, or creative professionals. It includes dedicated sections to outline project scope, deliverables, timelines, payment terms, and expectations so everyone is on the same page.

Racing against the clock or need design inspiration? Visme’s AI Document Generator can help you draft a complete SOW in minutes. Describe the project type, contractor role, and expected outcomes. The AI will generate a structured, visually polished SOW that you can customize with your branding, timeline, and payment terms all within Visme’s intuitive editor.

 

SOW Template for Contractors

Our designers created this SOW template for projects in construction, IT or large-scale service providers with multiple stakeholders. The pages include pre-filled sections for technical specifications, compliance requirements and change order procedures. Visuals like Gantt charts and tables make the content more effective.

Collaborate in real-time or asynchronously and assign different sections to team members. Use Visme’s workflow management feature. to set deadlines for review and track completion status in the content calendar. This tool is perfect for contractors who need multiple departments to review technical specs, legal terms and project timelines for submitting to the client.

 

SOW Template for Government Agencies

SOWs are used in both the private and public sectors. This one, for example, is built specifically for public procurement in government agencies. The pages and sections are ready to be filled with regulatory compliance content, security protocols and detailed reporting structures that meet government standards.

Get help from Visme’s AI Writer to generate compliant language, refine tech specs and ensure that your SOW meets federal writing standards. AI Writer can also help reword complex requirements into clear, professional language that still satisfies procurement guidelines.

 

SOW Template for Internal Projects

Coordination between departments and internal teams can benefit from well-structured SOWs that detail every aspect of an upcoming project. Regardless if it’s for a new IT implementation or cross-functional training events, this template has everything you need to set up a comprehensive Statement of Work. Then, once you make one, you can save it as a template to reuse within your organization.

Furthermore, once you create one master SOW template, incorporate dynamic fields to insert department names, project codes, budget allocations and team member details. Update once and watch it populate throughout your entire document.

 

SOW Template for SaaS Onboarding

Inside the pages of this simple SOW template for a SaaS integration, you’ll find sections that cover a project’s purpose and objective, the expected deliverables, payment terms and a visual timeline showcasing phases and milestones.

Before customizing this template for your own project, use the Brand Wizard to build your workspace brand kit. Once you add the URL to your website, it will automatically pull your company colors, fonts and logo. Then you can easily apply these assets to the SOW template, helping you strengthen partnership relationships through brand recognition.

 

SOW Template for Manufacturers

Are you looking for an SOW template to use for your manufacturing services? This one is tailored specifically to help define supply chain agreements, project timelines and terms and conditions. The toned-down color design in this document adds a layer of professionalism that simple documents lack. Take advantage of all the design elements and features in the editor to make your SOW stand out.

Go a step further and transform your static statement of work into an engaging, interactive document. Add clickable process diagrams, hover over specifications, and an expandable quality checklist. Include interactive charts for production timelines and hyperlinks to technical documentation. These techniques will make your manufacturing SOWs easier to navigate and understand.

 

How to Create an SOW Document for Clients

A client has approached you for a project and they’ve accepted your proposal.

Now it’s time to create the contract and statement of work. In this section, I’ll show you how to create your own SOW so that everyone’s aligned and knows what to expect as the project progresses.

Step 1: Strategize and Pick an SOW Tool

The first step in preparing a statement of work is to strategize by creating checklists and drafts. If it’s your first time, you also need to pick a tool that’ll support the creation and approval process.

Draft your checklists in whichever format you’re most comfortable with, or whatever tool your organization uses. It could be a digital document, online whiteboard or even in a notebook. Look at the steps after this one and use them as section prompts.

Regarding the choice of a tool, I’ve compared several options in a section further on. The tools I will show you include Visme, Confluence and PandaDoc. Check them out and make a decision that fits with your business and your team.

 

Step 2: Write the Introduction or Overview of the Project

Now, let’s begin with the actual SOW document. At the beginning, welcome readers with an introduction or overview of the project you’re working on. This small section sets the scene and provides context about the project and the people involved.

Here’s a tip from Nicholas Fry, CEO of TurboDocx:

“Make sure the overview clearly states what’s included in the current phase and where future possibilities might lead. This helps prevent the annoying "But we thought this was included!" moment and lines you up for future work.”

Keep this section simple and concise. After you finish the SOW, create a cover page with the names of the interested parties and date, plus a Table of Contents page with hyperlinks to each section, helping readers navigate your document.

 

Step 3: Define the Project’s Purpose and Goal

Next, write a purpose statement for your project and define the goal. This section defines the “why” behind the work and offers everyone a solid foundation and a look to the future.

Here’s an example from one of our templates that covers both steps 2 and 3:

 

Step 4: Outline the Project Scope

One of the worst outcomes for any project is scope creep. Avoid it by outlining a clear project scope section. Remember that aside from listing what’s included, you must also include what isn’t.

Use either a list or a table to define exactly what’s in scope for the project. Include everything required to achieve the goal. Don’t list the deliverables here, but do list how the deliverables will be executed.

Here’s a scope of work table for a manufacturing and production project as an example:

 

Step 5: Plan the Project Schedule and Timeline

At this point, it’s time to break the entire project into phases and set the timeline for each phase. In the scope of work table above, I separated the web development project into distinct phases. I’ll use these as an example for how to plan the schedule.

Create a timeline that’s realistic but also shows urgency and professionalism. Include just a bit of buffer time for revisions and client feedback, but don’t make the timeline so long that it loses momentum.

Here’s what it could look like as a Gantt Chart.

Made with Visme Infographic Maker

 

Step 6: Lay Out the Tasks and Deliverables per Phase

For each phase in your timeline, specify exactly what tasks will be completed and what deliverables the client will receive. This creates accountability on both sides and prevents misunderstandings about what constitutes “completion” of each phase.

Here’s what it could look like for Phase 1. We set it up like a Kanban board so it’s easy to visualize the information per phase.

Made with Visme Infographic Maker

 

Step 7: Specify The Project Requirements, Assumptions and Acceptance Criteria

In this section of your SOW, it’s important to define what the client needs to provide, what assumptions you’re making about the project and what constitutes acceptable completion of each deliverable. This protects both parties and ensures smooth project execution.

For our web development example, these items could look like this. Remember, you don’t need much more than a list, but you can include icons to make the sections easier to read:

Made with Visme Presentation Maker

 

Step 8: Explain The Expected Payment Structure

Nobody wants confusion about money, no matter how big or small a project is. That’s why it’s critical to clearly explain the payment terms and conditions so there are no doubts along the way.

It’s important to cover all eventualities and possibilities to avoid any problems down the line. This includes things like late fees, overtime and licensing rights.

This is what would apply for our example project:

Made with Visme Presentation Maker

 

Step 9: Provide Change Management Instructions

Even the most detailed SOW documents will encounter changes during project execution. Having an effective change management process protects both parties and keeps the project on track when you need to make modifications.

This section can be simple or very complicated, depending on your company guidelines. The idea is that you provide the exact steps to ask for a change and explain how these can impact the overall project scope, timeline and budget.

Here’s a simple example.

Made with Visme Presentation Maker

 

Step 10: Share With the Client

The final step is getting your SOW in front of the client for review, feedback and approval. How you share and manage this process can significantly impact your professional image and project success.

Of course, you have several options. They include:

• Digital sharing with a live link that enables on-document feedback and annotation.
• A traditional PDF document sent via email.
• In-person or virtual presentation with the client.

When you send the SOW, clearly communicate your expected timeline for client review. Specify how feedback should be provided and include your contact information for questions. Set a deadline for SOW approval to maintain momentum.

After the agreed-upon time is up and you haven’t heard back, send a follow-up message. Once approved and signed, send a final copy to all the stakeholders.

Pro Tip: Use the analytics feature to track engagement in your SOW. If a client hasn't opened the document after 48 hours, it's appropriate to follow up and ensure they received it. If they've viewed it multiple times without responding, they may have questions that need addressing.

 

4 Best Tools to Create an SOW Template

Once you create one SOW, you don’t need to start from scratch the next time. You can simply use the first one as a template. But which tool is the most helpful for this purpose? I compare four different tools you can try right away.

	Overview	Top Features	Best For	Who is it for?	Pricing	G2 Rating
Visme	Unified content platform for creating professional documentation (like SOWs) with templates, AI assistance and collaboration tools.	Vast template library, AI Document Generator, Brand Wizard, Analytics, Interactive elements, Workflows, Content Management	Professional documents with visual appeal and brand consistency.	Business owners, enterprises, teams and freelancers.	Free plan available, Premium from $12.25/month	4.5/5 (438 reviews)
ClickUp	Project management platform with SOW templates and task assignment capabilities.	Template library, Task assignment, Team collaboration, Project tracking, and Different progress views.	Teams who need to integrate SOW creation with project management.	Remote teams, Project managers.	Free plan available; Unlimited from $7/month	4.7/5 (10,403 reviews)
Confluence / Atlassian	Knowledge management platform with collaborative document creation.	Real-time collaboration, Version control, Integration with the Atlassian suite, Template library.	Teams already using Atlassian products who need collaborative SOW documentation.	Development teams, enterprise organizations.	Free for up to 10 users; Standard from $6.05/month	4.7/5 (3,942 reviews)
PandaDoc	Document automation platform focused on legally-binding agreements	E-signature integration, Contract templates, Approval workflows, Payment collection	Organizations needing legally-binding SOWs with signature workflows.	Sales teams, legal departments, service providers.	Essentials from $19/month.	4.7/5 (2,909 reviews)

 

Visme

G2 Rating: 4.5/5 (438 reviews)

Visme is a unified content platform where you can create and manage SOWs with your team or your own if you’re an independent contractor. There are several pre-designed templates for you to choose from but you can also use Visme AI to help you get off on the right foot right from the start.

What I personally like about Visme is that I can create all business communication documents in one place, not just SOWs. Then, once I’ve created each one, I can save it as a template for my team to use later on. This is a big time saver and it avoids any guesswork about brand guidelines or what fonts to use.

Some of Visme’s top features include:

• AI-powered document generation, not just for SOWs but for many types of business communication, including reports, proposals, presentations and much more.
• Professional template library covering hundreds of industries and use cases. All are completely customizable manually  or with help from AI
• Brand consistency tools like the Brand Wizard, brand color themes, the brand kit, branded templates and dynamic fields.
• Real-time collaboration in both the whiteboard and editor, including feedback tools for commenting and annotating.
• Interactive elements, including clickable buttons, hover effects and embedded media.
• Analytics and tracking with a comprehensive dashboard that you can skim easily and analyze.
• Export options to live links, PDF, HTML and PowerPoint formats.

Pros:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface that’s easy to use even for non-designers.
• Excellent visual design capabilities with thousands of design elements and editing features.
• Strong branding tools for consistent professional appearance, including content management solutions like workspaces, media libraries and folder organization.
• AI assistance to speed up document creation from start to finish.

Cons:

I’m a little biased here, so I’d like to say that there are no negatives to Visme, but some people might find these as obstacles:

• Limited legal-specific functionality compared to contract platforms.
• Requires a paid subscription for full feature access.

 

ClickUp

G2 Rating: 4.7/5 (10,403 reviews)

ClickUp is a project management platform where you can organize, manage and track projects as they progress. Creating SOWs with ClickUp is relatively simple. Open their provided template and fill in the information in the placeholders. Then, you can assign team members to take care of specific tasks.

I’ve used ClickUp as part of a team and found it a bit confusing at times. There are a lot of customization options and if you’re not an expert it can be cumbersome. I wasn’t sure if you could download a finished SOW with ClickUp, but when testing, I discovered that you can download a copy as a PDF, markdown or HTML file.

Top features in ClickUp include:

• Integral project management with automatic task creation from the SOW deliverables list.
• AI-powered SOW generator that creates documents from project briefs.
• Custom template builder for standardizing organizational SOW formats.
• Team collaboration tools with real-time editing and comment threads.
• Goal tracking and milestone management are directly linked to SOW objectives.
• Extensive third-party integrations with tools like Slack, Google Drive and Zoom.

Pros:

• Eliminates the need for separate project management tools after SOW approval.
• Robust free plan supports small teams without budget constraints.
• Automatic conversion of SOW tasks into actionable project items.
• Detailed reporting capabilities for tracking project performance against SOW commitments.

Cons:

• The interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming for new users.
• Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set and customization options.
• Primary strength is project management rather than professional document creation.

 

Confluence / Atlassian

G2 Rating: 4.7/5 (3,942 reviews)

Confluence excels at collaborative documentation, making it ideal for teams that include multiple stakeholders contributing to SOW development. The platform integrates well with other Atlassian products like Jira for project tracking.

This app is definitely not for freelancers or small businesses. It’s more of an expert platform for business and enterprises.

Most likely, the statement of work you’d make in Confluence would be for an internal project.

What I found helpful is that each section is clearly labeled and includes instructions on what to include.

These are Confluence’s top features:

• Real-time collaborative editing with simultaneous multi-user access.
• Comprehensive version history with detailed change tracking and rollback capabilities.
• Advanced page templates with dynamic content and automated formatting.
• Deep integration with Jira for linking SOW requirements to development tickets.
• Structured content organization with spaces, page hierarchies and cross references.
• Macro system for embedding charts, calendars and external content.

Pros:

• A robust permission system that controls document access and editing rights.
• Strong audit trail capabilities that help with compliance and legal requirements.
• Reliable performance and uptime backed by an enterprise-grade infrastructure.

Cons:

• Limited visual design capabilities compared to dedicated design platforms.
• Requires investment in the broader Atlassian ecosystem for maximum value.
• It can get expensive for large teams with lots of feature requirements.
• Learning curve for those without knowledge of wiki-style documentation.

 

PandaDoc

G2 Rating: 4.7/5 (2,909 reviews)

PandaDoc specializes in creating legally binding documents with built-in signature capabilities. It’s handy for SOWs that require formal approval workflows and payment integrations.

Editing a document in PandaDoc is pretty straightforward. What makes it super easy is how text boxes and visual elements automatically click into position when you drag them around.

There’s no need to line them up manually or create margins. This makes it easy to create documents fast, but it takes away a certain level of creativity that Visme offers you.

Take a look at PandaDoc’s top features:

• Native e-signature functionality for legally binding digital signatures.
• Payment collection integration supporting credit cards, ACG and other online payment methods.
• Approval workflows with customizable review sequences and notifications.
• Template library with legally reviewed document structures and clauses.
• CRM integration with Salesforce and HubSpot.
• Document automation with merge fields, conditional logic and dynamic pricing.

Pros:

• Complete contract lifecycle management from creation to signature to payment.
• Professional appearance with clean, business-focused document layouts.
• Automated reminders and follow-ups that reduce manual administrative work.
• Reliable infrastructure designed specifically for handling sensitive business documents.

Cons:

• Limited design flexibility and customization options for document appearance.
• Primarily optimized for contracts rather than broader project management integration.
• Advanced workflow features require significant setup time and training-
• May include unnecessary complexity for simple SOW requirements.

 

Best Tips & Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an SOW

Now that you know how to create an SOW and have discovered some useful templates, here are some best practices and mistakes to avoid.

Tips for Creating Statements of Work

I talked to project managers online and collected some of their best tips.

Split Project Into Phases and Create SOWs for Each

The practice of breaking up a project into phases is already best practice.

However, for extensive projects, it’s sometimes better to create an SOW per phase.

The main idea is to separate the work into sections that are easier to manage and keep track of.

Ben Aston, CEO of The Digital Project Manager, suggests the following:

“Don’t scope what you don’t know. Rather than trying to create a SoW for an entire project, split the project into phases, and develop separate SoWs for each phase as the project progresses.”

Write and List Clear And Specific Assumptions

Assumptions can be hidden landmines that destroy project success. This happens when they aren’t explicitly stated and agreed upon.

Ted R, Project Execution Advisor at UpperEdge:

"Assumptions should be leveraged for additional clarity and transparency in all facets of the program. The Assumptions section in an SOW provides what assumptions both parties agree to in order for the work to be performed. Your first takeaway is that both parties agree.”

Sign Off on the Statement of Work

A signed SOW, over a non-signed one, turns your project agreement into a legally binding commitment that protects both parties and provides recourse if issues arise.

Alex Solo, lawyer and founder of Sprint Law, had plenty to say about the importance of signing an SOW before starting the actual work.

“Signing on agreed terms in a well-crafted SoW keeps your business relationships smooth, professional and legally protected from day one. A well-drafted SoW isn’t just legal “red tape” – it’s a risk management tool to keep your business running smoothly and maintain positive relationships. Because realistically, trying to recover losses or defend your business in court without a strong (and signed) SoW and contract can be time-consuming, expensive, and often unsuccessful.”

 

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Statement Of Work

Now, regarding mistakes to avoid, it’s important to remember that even experienced project managers can fall into common SOW traps that lead to scope creep, budget overruns and client disputes.

Learning from these frequent mistakes can save you time, money, and professional relationships.

Being Vague Or Unclear on Project Requirements

According to the Standish Group's 2024 Chaos Report, 31% of projects fail due to unclear requirements and poor communication, issues that a well-written SOW should prevent.

Ambiguous language is one of the enemies of successful projects. Instead of writing “high-quality website,” specify “website that loads in under 3 seconds and displays correctly on all major browsers.”

Avoid this mistake throughout every section of the SOW. Don’t be vague at any point. In fact, when you send the SOW to the client, advise them to ask if they have any doubts.

Failure to Define Acceptance Criteria

Failing to specify exactly what constitutes as “complete” work leads to endless revisions and client dissatisfaction. When these aren’t clear, projects can end up failing and costing everyone tons of money. Be specific about quality standards and approval processes.

The statistic I shared above applies to this as well!

Forgetting The Change Management Plan

Without a definite process for handling changes, even minor adjustments can derail your project timeline, scope, and budget. If you don’t explain how to change something in the project's progress, it leads to confusion and chaos. Always include detailed change management procedures.

 

Standard of Work FAQs

 

Create Professional Client Documents & More with Visme

Creating effective and complete SOWs is essential for project success.

Remember to choose the right SOW for your project, and include all crucial sections from scope to payment terms. And always have a change management process. Regardless of your industry or project size, a comprehensive SOW serves as a roadmap to success.

Whether you’re in need of a statement of work template for software development or one for construction, Visme has several template options to choose from. We combine the power of professional document creation with intuitive design and collaboration tools that help you create SOWs that streamline your project lifecycle.

Explore our project management solutions and discover all the tools that will help you deliver projects on time, within budget and according to specification.