A scope of work that stops “quick extras”
Scope creep is not a personality problem. It is a document problem. If the PDF never said “one landing page, two revision rounds, stock photos not included,” then the extra page was never extra. It was undefined.
Minimum sections
- Outcome — one paragraph of what “done” looks like. Not activities. Result.
- In scope — bullets a stranger could count. “Homepage + 4 inner templates,” not “the website.”
- Out of scope — the list people skip and then need. Copywriting, photography, extra languages, infinite stakeholder reviews.
- Revisions — number of rounds, who consolidates feedback, deadline to send it.
- Client duties — assets, access, a single decision-maker. Delay here delays the calendar, not your rate.
- Change orders — anything outside the bullets is a written add-on with a price before work continues.
- Money and kill fee — deposit, remaining invoices, what happens if they pause or cancel after you blocked the month.
The sentence that earns its keep
“Work outside this list is a change order. I will price it before I start it. Silence is not approval to expand the job.”
Say it once, in writing. Then actually send the change order. The template is in the Client Close Kit. A blank copy of the structure is below; it is not legal advice and it is not a substitute for a contract in your country.
Bare outline you can paste
Project name · Parties · Outcome · In scope · Out of scope · Timeline · Revision policy · Client responsibilities · Fees and schedule · Change-order rule · Expiry date of the quote (14 days is enough).
Have a lawyer in your jurisdiction review anything you intend to enforce. Templates are a starting draft, not a court document.