That scope creep problem I ignored for 2 months before fixing it

I had a landscaping client in Denver who kept adding little things to our contract a few trees here a paver path there. I figured it was fine until I realized I had spent 40 extra hours over those 2 months with no pay bump. Has anyone else dealt with a client who treats scope creep like it's just part of the deal?

3 comments

3 Comments

sethm587d ago

Ah, man, that's a tough spot and I've been there myself. You can't let those little things slide because they add up fast. You gotta set a hard rule with yourself and the client: any change outside the original contract gets a written change order before you touch it. I do it same day, even if it's just a quick text saying "Okay, per our talk, the extra tree and path will be $X. Please confirm and I'll add it to the schedule." That way they know it's real and you're not just being difficult. It's not about being rude, it's about protecting your time and your business. If they push back, that's a red flag that they don't respect your work.

finley_smith7d ago

Lol @sethm58 is spot on. I'd just start sending a change order for every tiny thing, even if it's just "moved a shovel 3 inches to the left, that'll be $50." Watch how fast they start managing their own expectations.

-1

david_palmer7d ago

Did you catch that article about how some contractors call scope creep "the free upgrade trap"? I read it last week, said most small jobs end up costing 30% more than the original quote because guys don't want to seem difficult. Your Denver client sounds exactly like that - they treat your time like it's unlimited. One landscaper I heard about started sending a change order for every single extra tree or path the same day, even if it was just a text estimate. You let it slide for 2 months so now they think that's normal. Gotta hit them with a signed paper for every new thing no matter how small.