How do I deal with work that wasn't part of the original scope?

Why is documenting scope changes important?

Scope creep can lead to unpaid work, delays, and frustration. If new tasks are not documented, clients may assume they were not included in the agreement.

Putting changes in writing prevents confusion. It also protects you if there is a dispute about what was originally promised. Most businesses do this through a change order or a contract amendment.

How should you handle added work?

Most businesses use a change order or contract amendment. A clear change order should include:

• A short description of the new task or deliverable.
• Updated timelines or milestones.
• Additional costs or rate changes.
• The date the new terms take effect.

This ensures both sides agree before extra work begins.

What to do next

• Review your contract for change order procedures.
• Respond to new requests in writing.
• Outline added costs and timeline changes clearly.
• Get written approval before starting extra work.

What to consider in your specific situation

While these general steps work for many projects, the right approach for you can depend on several factors:

• The terms and structure of your original contract or proposal.
• How detailed the original scope of work was written.
• State or local laws that apply to service contracts in your industry.
• Your business model—fixed-fee, hourly, retainer, or milestone-based.
• Any past emails, messages, or revisions that affect what was "agreed to".
• The client's expectations, risk tolerance, and history of change requests.

Taking time to think through these pieces can help you choose the clearest and fairest next step for your business. If you want personalized help, consider getting support through Rocket Copilot or through a Legal Pro.