Question
How do I deal with work that wasn't part of the original scope?
What should I do when a client keeps adding new tasks that increase my time and costs?
Answer
When a client adds tasks that were not part of the original scope, you should not treat them as free extras. While contracts can sometimes be modified orally, it is a good idea to have new work be documented and agreed to in writing before you move forward.
Handling scope changes clearly helps protect your time, your payment, and the working relationship.
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.
At Rocket Lawyer, we follow a rigorous editorial policy to ensure every article is helpful, clear, and as accurate and up-to-date as possible. This page was created, edited and reviewed by trained editorial staff who specialize in translating complex legal topics into plain language, then reviewed by experienced Legal Pros—licensed attorneys and paralegals—to ensure legal accuracy.
Please note: This page offers general legal information, but not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask a Legal Pro.
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Disclosures
- This page offers general legal information, not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask a Legal Pro.