Every builder knows and dreads one aspect of their trade that consistently blows the budgets and timeframes of their projects. Scope creep doesn’t have to be a project inevitability, however.
Learn how you can better insulate your company and yourself from the perils of scope creep on your construction projects.
Define your mission
Just as with the military, each project is a mission to be accomplished. But it first must be defined clearly and with specificity. It is far better to be meticulously specific than arbitrarily vague about important project details.
Include small discrepancies in your budget
It happens. Clients said “beige” but meant “ecru” or must have another floor outlet in the living room. A small acquiescence here and there, but these things add up. So, budget for these minor alterations.
Have a process for proposed changes
One thing project managers will guarantee is that clients change their minds all the time. Contractors who want referrals and repeat business try to accommodate their clients’ changes when possible.
But it’s not always possible to make those changes and still stay on time and within budget. That’s why having a Proposed Changes form ready to download and print is so handy. Clients may still insist on their changes but will at least be reminded of how the price will increase. It also gives you a paper trail showing the client’s agreement at each phase of a changing project.
Beat scope creep back with ironclad contracts
The bottom line is that your best defense against scope creep is the contract you and your client both sign. Take the time now to draft the contracts and other business documents you need for the building industry.