Construction Law
The Causes of Scope Creep and What to Do About Them Part 1
The scope of work is a portion of the contract that covers and clarifies everything required to complete a project as well as the core responsibilities of each party on a project. In essence, both parties are “agreeing” to what they are and are not responsible for, which means that the document also serves as a tool for guidance and accountability. Problems arise, however, once a project begins and the scope of work is either unclear or changes are made to the scope.
If changes become continuous and uncontrolled, this is known as scope creep. Our Tallahassee construction law attorneys will tell you some of the common causes of scope creep and how to avoid them. Read part two to learn more.
A Poorly Defined Scope
A scope that is unclear and lacking details is a breeding ground for disputes. During the planning stages, spend time managing expectations, communicating the vision, and creating a scope that is precise.
Mismanaging the Scope and Requirements
Project changes can grow as the project progresses. Since it is easy to stray from existing requirements, it is important to control the number of stakeholders and ensure they monitor, authorize, and manage scope requests and changes.
Perfectly-Timed Collaboration
Ongoing communication is needed to keep the project on track. This is true for avoiding scope creep as well. Do not wait until the final hour of project completion to request feedback from the customers because you will risk delivering a subpar product or the customer may request changes that could cause a delay in completion.
Lengthy Projects
The longer the project, the more likely scope creep will occur because parties will have more time to refine their ideas based on competition or changing business needs. Additionally, long projects may need to be organized into sub-projects with tighter timelines.
If you would like to speak with one a Tallahassee construction law attorney, please contact us at 850.213.1295, or submit our contact request form.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.