Have you ever started a project that seems to just get bigger and bigger? Lately, I have been in the midst of a home renovation project.  First, I was planning to get a new deck, then to renovate a bathroom and laundry room, and then I needed a new bedroom with a new closet, and suddenly the whole house is getting renovated!

This is called scope creep, and it is common in contracting projects like home renovations or even software implementation, but it happens in all sorts of projects.  For example, scope creep is when you sign on with a new client with the agreement that you will manage the finances, and then suddenly they want you to take on the HR side of things as well.  This can be good; your team may get more hours and more pay, but at other times these tasks may simply not be worth your time, especially if you are being paid a flat rate for a project.  Scope creep can be a problem from the other side as well.  If you are paying for a project and the project keeps increasing in size and scope, suddenly you may be on the hook for more money than you expected, or the project might take a lot longer than originally planned.

Sometimes scope creep is avoidable.  Sometimes you can simply set limits on what you are willing to do or pay for in this project.  But sometimes scope creep is simply unavoidable.  Take my house for example: when they ripped out my bathtub, they tried moving some of the piping to attach it to the new washing machine.  They noticed that the pipes were heavier than they were supposed to be, and it turns out that the pipes were 95% clogged!  They ended up replacing and rerouting the pipes.  That was not in the original budget, but if we did not replace the pipes, there would be a disaster later on when they clogged completely, and it would have been even more expensive to replace.

So, if scope creep cannot always be avoided, then what steps can be taken to manage it?  First, lay out the expectations very clearly.  What are the deliverables?  Discuss the payment plan as well.  Is it a flat rate?  Then, if there are any changes that have to be made, discuss the need for a change order to alter the budget.  When scope creep occurs, it is important to maintain communication and give clear written instructions and detailed designs to minimize misunderstandings.  Understand that when the scope changes, the price and the timeline may have to change as well.  You should also consult experts!  Experienced people should know whether the changes are necessary or beneficial overall.  Also, keep in mind the requirements of the states where you are located and make sure that you are following rules and regulations, and that you are prepared for any taxes as well.

So, now you are prepared for any changes that may occur while you are working on projects!  And while scope creep may be daunting, it can also lead to moments of creative freedom and flexibility in projects.  When I was travelling in New Zealand, I was inspired by some of the showers that I saw there, and I was able to implement some of those ideas in my own bathrooms, given the flexibility of the project!