Scope Creep and Change Orders in Freelance Contracts
How to define scope, handle scope creep, and use change orders so you don't work for free.
Scope creep—when the client keeps asking for "small changes" or "one more revision" that weren't in the original deal—is one of the biggest headaches for freelancers. If the contract doesn't define scope clearly, you can end up doing weeks of extra work for no extra pay. Here's how to define scope in your contract, handle scope creep, and use change orders so you're paid for additional work.
Define scope clearly
Before you sign, the contract should describe what you're delivering: (1) Deliverables—what exactly are you producing? (e.g. "3 blog posts of 800–1000 words each," "logo in 3 formats," "website with 5 pages"). (2) Revisions—how many rounds of revisions are included? (e.g. 2 rounds). (3) Out of scope—what's not included? (e.g. "additional pages, copywriting, ongoing support"). The more specific, the better. If the contract says "website design" with no detail, the client might assume unlimited pages and revisions. Push for a clear scope of work (SOW) or statement of work that lists deliverables, revision rounds, and exclusions. Put it in the contract or attach it as an appendix.
Handle scope creep
When the client asks for something that wasn't in the original scope—an extra page, another round of revisions, a new feature—you have options: (1) Say no. "That's out of scope for this project. We can add it as a change order for an additional fee." (2) Change order. Agree on the additional work and the additional fee. Put it in writing (email is fine): "Additional scope: [description]. Additional fee: [amount]. Payment due [when]." (3) Swap. If they want to add X, offer to remove Y to keep the total the same. Don't do extra work for free "just this once"—it sets a precedent and you'll keep doing it.
What to look for in the contract
- Scope of work. Is there a clear list of deliverables? How many revisions? What's excluded?
- Change order process. Does the contract say that additional work requires a written change order and additional fee? If not, add it: "Any work outside the agreed scope requires a written change order and additional payment."
- Acceptance. When is the work "done"? Is it when you deliver, or when the client approves? If it's "when the client approves," add a deadline: "Deemed accepted 7 days after delivery if no written feedback." Otherwise the client can sit on it and delay payment—or keep asking for "small tweaks" forever. BeforeYouSign can highlight scope and change order language in your contract so you know what you're agreeing to before you sign.