Do you struggle to fully define the scope of your project? The best place to start is a Work Breakdown Structure. A work-breakdown structure (WBS) breaks down a project into smaller deliverable components. It is a key project resource that organises the project into manageable sections. The more clearly the scope of the project is defined before the actual work begins, the more likely the success of the project. Using a standard approach ensures consistency across all of your projects and can be used for tendering, estimating, scheduling and controlling the project.
Standardised Work Breakdown Structure for Construction Projects
| Image | WBS | Description |
|---|---|---|
 | Preliminaries | Site Accommodation and Storage, Welfare Facilities, Project Management, Site Management, Scaffolding, Small Tools, Specialist Plant and Equipment |
 | Substructure and Drainage | Foundations, Floor Slab, Insulation, Masonry below DPC, External Drainage, Soakaways |
 | Superstructure | Structural Steelwork, Structural Timberwork |
 | External Walls | Masonry above DPC, Cladding, Render, Lintels, External Boundary or Garden Walling |
 | Roof | Roof Structure, Roof Coverings, Flashings, Guttering and Rainwater Pipework |
 | External Windows & Doors | External Windows, External Doors |
 | Internal Walls and Doors | Internal Masonry Walls, Internal Partition Walls, Lintels, Internal Glazed Walls, Internal Doorsets and Casings |
 | Internal Finishes | Screeding, Plastering, Painting, Tiling, Carpets |
 | Internal Joinery | Kitchen, Architrave, Skirting, Railings |
 | Plumbing | Water Distribution System, Boilers, Wastewater Disposal System, Sanitaryware, Radiators, Sprinkler System, Wet Underfloor Heating Systems |
 | Mechanical | HVAC, Air Source Heat Pumps, Ground Source Heat Pumps |
 | Electrical | Small Power, Lighting, Earthing, Electric Storage Heaters, Solar Panels, Electric Underfloor Heating |
 | Landscaping | Turfing, Planting, Paving, Tarmacadam, Fencing |