When requirements change.
WHY IT MATTERS
Scope change is the most common cause of disputes and overruns.
WHAT CAUSES IT
You think of something new The requirement was unclear Something turns out to be harder than expected
WHAT TO AGREE IN ADVANCE
That changes are quoted separately before work begins How changes are requested and approved What happens to the timescale
THE PROCESS THAT WORKS
You request a change They quote the cost and time impact You approve or decline Work proceeds
WHY IT MUST BE WRITTEN
Verbal change requests are the origin of most disputes about final invoices.
WHAT TO AVOID
"While you are in there, could you also..."
That is a change request, however casually made.
WHAT A GOOD DEVELOPER DOES
Tells you when a request is outside scope, before doing it.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND FREQUENTLY
Accept that it costs money and time.
Or spend longer on the brief before starting.
