Scope gap analysis for electrical subcontractors

Electrical subs checking plan notes and specs for scope that didn't make it into their bid.

Electrical scope disputes usually trace back to ambiguous language nobody caught before the bid went out — 'run wire' meaning different things to different people once the walls are open. In a slow bid market, an electrical sub can't afford to eat a scope gap that a second read would have caught.

My contract says they will install 2 new wall outlets at wall locations and also 'run wire for an outlet on the island.' The contractor is now saying running the wire doesn't include actually installing the outlet.

an electrical contractor on r/HomeImprovement

Bid day, electrician quotes were coming in astronomically high and sent the project over $50+ million range. We pulled the plug after 3 months of work. Stung like a bitch, day before the bid too.

an electrical subcontractor on r/estimators

How it works

01

Paste the spec section or scope language in question

The exact wording that's ambiguous — not a general description of the job.

02

Get flagged ambiguity and commonly missed electrical scope

Boundary items like fixture-versus-rough-in, and code-required items that aren't itemized.

03

Quote it explicitly, before it's a dispute

Write the scope so 'run wire' and 'install' aren't left open to interpretation.

Next step

Free, runs in your browser, no signup.

Scope Gap ScannerFree

Paste plan notes or spec sections. Flagged gaps, commonly missed items, and code requirements nobody called out.

Open →

Beyond this page

The tool catches it on one bid. The Estimate Review ($12,000 one-time) finds the pattern across your process.