If you’ve been in the construction game for more than a hot minute, you’ve probably run into the dreaded beast known as scope creep. It starts out innocent enough — “Hey, while you’re here, can you just…” — and before you know it, you’ve sunk another day or two into work you never bid for.
Scope creep is a silent profit killer. It’s not the kind of thing that shows up in big red letters on a job site. It sneaks in under the radar — one little task at a time — and before long, your carefully built estimate is blown to bits.
How It Happens
A homeowner asks for “just a little extra” drywall in that back room. The site manager wants to add a couple more fixtures. Maybe a utility contractor digs a bit outside the original trench plan, and you’re stuck dealing with it. These things seem minor in the moment. But they add up fast — in labor, in material, and in time.
How to Spot It Early
The earlier you catch scope creep, the better. Keep your original bid handy and refer back to it when someone asks for something new. If the request wasn’t in the plan or the contract, hit the brakes. It doesn’t mean you say no — it means you renegotiate.
Set Expectations Up Front
A good contract spells out what’s included in the job — and maybe just as important, what’s not. Make it clear that any work outside the scope will require a change order. And when you say it, say it with confidence. You’re a professional, not a handyman doing favors.
Keep It on Paper
Verbal agreements lead to misunderstandings. Always document scope changes — what the change is, how much it costs, and who approved it. If you’re using ProfitDig (shameless plug), it’s easy to track all of that in one place. But even if you’re doing it old school, write it down and get a signature.
Charge What It’s Worth
If you’re going to take on more work, get paid for it. Don’t feel guilty. If a client wants more, they should expect to pay more. You wouldn’t walk into a hardware store and ask for a free shovel just because you’re already buying lumber.
Final Thought
Scope creep doesn’t have to wreck your margins — but only if you stay sharp, set expectations, and back up everything with paperwork. You don’t have to be a jerk about it. Just be firm, fair, and professional. Because at the end of the day, your time is money — and you’ve got to protect both.