If you’re in the market for a contractor to undertake your latest home renovation, you’ve likely begun to do your homework to discover what to expect, what kind of questions you need to ask, and yes, even how to avoid the costly mistakes and headaches we’ve all heard about from friends and family. At Peak Improvements, we value building solid relationships with our clients just as much we value providing exceptional results on every project. That’s why transparency and communication will always be at the heart of what we do. With that in mind, let’s talk about one of the most daunting prospects a homeowner or contractor can face when completing a project: scope creep.
Whether this is your first time renovating your home or you’re a seasoned expert, you’ve likely come across the term “scope creep” buried somewhere among the many cautionary tales and informative pieces out there. While scope creep is often associated with worst case scenarios and costly delays, the term simply refers to any factors or circumstances that contribute to the project exceeding expected delivery terms, either in terms of time for completion or budget. Regardless of the scale of the delay, this experience can be frustrating for both parties involved. Below are 3 leading causes of scope creep and how to prevent them.
1. Poor Communication Between Contractors, Sub-Contractors, And Owners
Clear communication at every stage of a project is absolutely vital when it comes to ensuring a smooth renovation process. From small updates to large scale overhauls, it’s important to make sure that everyone is on the same page and has a constant dialogue about progress and any difficulties that may arise. You can help facilitate clear communication from day one by:
- Have a clear and detailed contract that itemized the materials to be installed and the scope of work needed to complete the renovation.
- Knowing who your points of contact are, and who they will be conversing with for any outside work.
- Having accurate documentation of each conversation, especially when changes are discussed.
- Working with contractors that build transparency into their process. For example, at Peak Improvements, we give homeowners access to software that allows you to view the status of each part of the project from start to finish
2. Major Changes To The Scale Or Function Of Projects
Sometimes, despite even the most thorough of efforts, the overall scope of your project needs to change to accommodate new information, requests, or even a sudden change of plans. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to decide they want to extend the amount of work done in key areas of the home, especially where kitchens, main floor, or master suite renovations are concerned. Should this be the case with your project, there should be a clear plan in place that addresses why the changes are being made, how they will be dealt with, as well as a solid commitment to your new projected end date.
Did you know? Peak Improvements offers homeowners a guaranteed price NO surprise contract that means you never have to worry about sudden price changes! Learn more here.
3. Inexperienced Contractors
Interviewing potential renovation teams is a key step in preventing headaches and heartbreaks. Choosing a contractor without the right kinds of experience can lead to significant problems including:
- Lack of proper documentation and certification
- Poor transparency throughout the build
- Insufficient access to necessary resources, leading to increased costs and delays.
At Peak Improvements, we’re not afraid to address the risk of scope creep and to ensure your project is free of delays or unexpected costs. Contact our team to learn about our proven six step process as well as our guaranteed price, no surprise contract today!
