A work order (WO) is how a contractor engages a subcontractor or piece-rate team for a defined job, such as plastering of Block A or waterproofing of terraces. It lists the items, units, estimated quantities and rates, the start and finish dates, payment terms, retention, any advance, and who supplies material.
It is to a subcontractor what a purchase order is to a supplier: the agreed reference for every RA bill that follows. Bills claiming items or rates that are not in the work order should not be paid until an amendment is approved.
Write the scope tightly. Disputes usually come from what the work order did not say, such as who provides scaffolding, water or curing, and how wastage is treated. Both sides should sign it, and any later change to scope or rates should be issued as a written amendment.
Example
Illustrative: WO for internal plastering, 4,000 m² at ₹150 per m² labour-only, estimated value ₹6,00,000, material by main contractor, retention as per the work order terms.
Subcontractor management in CivilPilot
Work orders, progress, RA bills, retention and advances for every subcontractor, with a portal they can use.
