How to Manage ‘Scope Creep’
A Houzz Industry Marketing webinar looks at ways project creep can hurt your business and how to keep it from happening
When the scope of a project unexpectedly changes, it can throw a major wrench — or hammer or entire toolbox — into your work as a home professional. “Scope creep” can lead to delays and lost profits, among other headaches. But as Nina Kearney of the Houzz Industry Marketing team explains in “How to Manage Scope Creep,” the detailed webinar we’re sharing again here, it’s avoidable if you plan ahead and get creative. Here are a few of the major takeaways the webinar covers. Watch the full presentation below.
Why Does It Happen?
A lot of factors can lead to scope creep. It might be that the original scope of the project wasn’t clearly defined. It might be that a client is indecisive or has continued to collect project ideas as the work has progressed. It might be a matter of miscommunication. Whatever the reason, it’s an issue that can be prevented or addressed in several ways.
A lot of factors can lead to scope creep. It might be that the original scope of the project wasn’t clearly defined. It might be that a client is indecisive or has continued to collect project ideas as the work has progressed. It might be a matter of miscommunication. Whatever the reason, it’s an issue that can be prevented or addressed in several ways.
Some Ways to Stop Scope Creep
The webinar breaks down a number of smart approaches to handling scope creep. Here are just a few:
Build in a safety net. Some pros swear by building in a contingency budget, typically 10 to 20 percent of the project cost, to dip into when surprises pop up.
Keep clients in the loop. Regular project updates with clients can keep them engaged, excited for the original planned work and aware of how their money is being spent along the way.
“We find the communication aspect of large renovations or builds is first secured in detailed quotes and estimates, then concreted into place with great client communication and cost meetings to allow clients to see where the money is going,” a team member from Ican Construction & Renovation is quoted as saying in the webinar.
Enlist a designer’s help. If you’re a designer, or you have one on staff, talking through all the specific elements that will go into a project with a client ahead of work getting underway can help keep things on track. If you don’t have a designer on your team, offer to connect your client with one.
“Designers can be instrumental in pushing the project forward, especially in the early stages of decision making,” says a team member at Blake Design. “I know lots of builders who have a list of preferred designers that they work with and recommend their clients hire. Designers can help lay out the scope and avoid the change orders when clients are indecisive or don’t think about all of the elements on their project.”
Your turn: Tell us in the Comments how you keep scope creep in check.
More on Houzz
3 Finance and Pricing Tips From Savvy Pros
How to Set Better Business Goals for the New Year
The webinar breaks down a number of smart approaches to handling scope creep. Here are just a few:
Build in a safety net. Some pros swear by building in a contingency budget, typically 10 to 20 percent of the project cost, to dip into when surprises pop up.
Keep clients in the loop. Regular project updates with clients can keep them engaged, excited for the original planned work and aware of how their money is being spent along the way.
“We find the communication aspect of large renovations or builds is first secured in detailed quotes and estimates, then concreted into place with great client communication and cost meetings to allow clients to see where the money is going,” a team member from Ican Construction & Renovation is quoted as saying in the webinar.
Enlist a designer’s help. If you’re a designer, or you have one on staff, talking through all the specific elements that will go into a project with a client ahead of work getting underway can help keep things on track. If you don’t have a designer on your team, offer to connect your client with one.
“Designers can be instrumental in pushing the project forward, especially in the early stages of decision making,” says a team member at Blake Design. “I know lots of builders who have a list of preferred designers that they work with and recommend their clients hire. Designers can help lay out the scope and avoid the change orders when clients are indecisive or don’t think about all of the elements on their project.”
Your turn: Tell us in the Comments how you keep scope creep in check.
More on Houzz
3 Finance and Pricing Tips From Savvy Pros
How to Set Better Business Goals for the New Year
Scope creep lives up to its name when the scope of a project creeps beyond the original plans. It’s a common issue, and it can wreak havoc on a project budget or timeline, not to mention affect other projects a pro is working on when additional work needs to be done unexpectedly. Of the 46 percent of renovating homeowners who reported that they had gone over budget on their 2017 projects in the 2018 Houzz & Home Study, 31 percent cited changing the project scope or design as the top reason for the increased expense.
See more stories for pros on Houzz