Scope creep occurs when a project strays too far off task due to changes being made or extras being added beyond the original agreement on expectations. Often a client will see something minor they would like to change and request that it be adjusted. One or two incidents of this are typically not a problem, but oftentimes such occurrences snowball and the amount of time spent working on a project ends up putting you over-budget.
Scope creep can cause difficulties for both the contractor and the client. The contractor will feel stressed and overworked because they are doing more wore than they were prepared to do. The client might feel dissatisfied when they ask for something extra and the client is unable to deliver.
There is one easy, simple solution: procure a well-written contractor agreement that clearly defines the scope of the project. Include what you are and are not willing to do, and where you are flexible. Clearly stated contracts let clients know what to expect and when. They also detail how work will be delivered and what corrections or changes can be made, if any. This ultimately results in a less stressful life for the independent contractor and more satisfaction and value for the client.
