What is a common purpose of the paperwork that should be completed before starting work on a project?

The primary purpose of the paperwork completed before starting work on a project is to outline the scope of work. This step is crucial because it provides a detailed description of the project’s objectives, tasks, deliverables, and deadlines. By defining the scope of work, all parties involved have a clear understanding of what is expected, which helps ensure that the project is executed effectively and efficiently. This clarity reduces the risk of misunderstanding, helps manage client expectations, and serves as a foundation for planning and resource allocation.

While establishing a budget, analyzing project risks, and determining labor costs are important aspects of project management, they tend to be secondary components that stem from having a well-defined scope. The scope informs the budget by elucidating the necessary resources, outlines the potential risks associated with the tasks defined, and ultimately affects labor costs based on the jobs that need to be completed. Therefore, outlining the scope is the foundational step that supports all other planning elements.