Scope creep clause: Copy, customize, and use instantly
Introduction
A scope creep clause defines how changes to the scope of a project will be handled to prevent unauthorized expansion or modification of the project’s scope. This clause ensures that both parties have a clear understanding of the work to be performed and the processes for requesting, approving, and managing any scope changes during the course of the project.
Below are templates for scope creep clauses tailored to different scenarios. Copy, customize, and insert them into your agreement.
Standard scope creep clause
This version outlines general scope management terms.
Any changes to the scope of the [specific project] must be agreed upon in writing by both parties. No work outside of the original scope will be undertaken without the written consent of the [Investor]. Any agreed-upon changes may result in adjustments to the project timeline and budget.
Scope creep clause with change order process
This version includes a formal change order process.
If either party requests a change to the scope of the [specific project], the [Company] will submit a change order outlining the nature of the change, any impact on the timeline, and a cost estimate. The [Investor] must approve the change order before work on the modified scope begins.
Scope creep clause with fee adjustment for scope changes
This version includes fee adjustments for scope changes.
Any changes to the scope of work requested by the [Investor] will result in a corresponding adjustment to the project fees. The [Company] will provide a revised estimate of the additional costs before the work begins, and the [Investor] will approve these costs in writing.
Scope creep clause with regular scope review
This version includes regular scope reviews.
Both parties agree to review the project scope at regular intervals (e.g., monthly). Any changes or additions to the project scope identified during these reviews will be documented and require written approval from both parties before being incorporated into the project.
Scope creep clause with notification of scope changes
This version includes notification requirements for scope changes.
The [Company] will immediately notify the [Investor] if any work outside of the agreed-upon scope is requested or required. The [Investor] must approve such changes before any additional work is commenced.
Scope creep clause with budget impact for scope changes
This version includes budget impacts for scope changes.
Any scope changes that result in increased costs will be agreed upon by the [Investor] before work begins. The [Company] will provide a revised budget reflecting the increased costs, and any additional fees will be billed to the [Investor] as per the agreed-upon terms.
Scope creep clause with project timeline impact
This version includes timeline impacts for scope changes.
If there are any changes to the project scope, the [Company] will assess the impact on the project timeline and provide the [Investor] with a revised completion date. The [Investor] must approve the new timeline before the work on the modified scope proceeds.
Scope creep clause with documentation for scope changes
This version includes documentation for scope changes.
All changes to the project scope must be documented in writing and signed by both parties. This documentation will include a description of the change, the reasons for the change, and any associated adjustments to the budget or timeline.
Scope creep clause with prior approval for scope increases
This version requires prior approval for scope increases.
No increase in the scope of the [specific project] will be accepted without the prior written approval of the [Investor]. Any proposed increases in scope will be reviewed, and a new agreement on costs and deadlines will be established before proceeding.
Scope creep clause with work outside of scope not reimbursed
This version excludes reimbursement for out-of-scope work.
Work performed outside the scope of the [specific project] will not be reimbursed unless explicitly approved in writing by the [Investor]. The [Company] will not be compensated for any out-of-scope work unless a change order has been agreed upon.
Scope creep clause with impact on performance metrics
This version includes impacts on performance metrics.
Any changes to the scope of the [specific project] that affect the project’s performance metrics, deliverables, or objectives will require the [Company] to submit a revised performance plan, which must be approved by the [Investor].
Scope creep clause with payment adjustments for scope changes
This version includes payment adjustments for scope changes.
If the project scope is modified, the [Company] and the [Investor] will agree on an adjustment to the payment schedule, reflecting the changes in scope. The revised payment schedule will be provided for approval before any additional work begins.
Scope creep clause with early warning for scope changes
This version includes an early warning system for scope changes.
The [Company] shall notify the [Investor] in advance if any changes to the scope of the project are anticipated. The [Investor] will review and approve any proposed changes before they are implemented to avoid scope creep.
Scope creep clause with added work within original budget
This version includes added work within the original budget.
Minor changes or additions to the scope of the project that do not significantly alter the project’s cost or timeline will be considered part of the original scope and will not require additional approvals or budget increases.
Scope creep clause with client-driven scope changes
This version covers client-driven changes.
If the [Investor] requests changes to the scope of the project, these changes must be submitted in writing. The [Company] will assess the impact of these changes on the timeline and costs and will provide the [Investor] with a revised project plan for approval.
Scope creep clause with allowance for unforeseen changes
This version includes an allowance for unforeseen changes.
The [Company] acknowledges that unforeseen changes may occur during the project. The [Investor] will allow for a [X]% variation in the project scope to accommodate minor, unanticipated changes, provided that these changes do not significantly affect the overall project objectives.
Scope creep clause with suspension of work for unauthorized scope changes
This version includes suspension of work.
The [Company] reserves the right to suspend work if scope changes are made without the prior written approval of the [Investor]. No work outside the approved scope will be undertaken until proper authorization is given.
Scope creep clause with impact on project resources
This version includes impact on resources for scope changes.
Any scope changes will require an adjustment in resources, including personnel, materials, and technology. The [Company] shall provide the [Investor] with an updated resource allocation plan if scope changes are approved.
Scope creep clause with client approval for additional work
This version includes client approval for additional work.
The [Company] will only undertake additional work that is outside the agreed-upon project scope if the [Investor] provides written approval, along with an agreement on revised budgets and timelines.
Scope creep clause with exception for emergency scope changes
This version includes an exception for emergency scope changes.
In emergency situations where changes to the project scope are required for safety or legal reasons, the [Company] may proceed with the necessary changes without prior written approval. The [Company] shall notify the [Investor] as soon as possible and seek approval for the changes.
Scope creep clause with additional work documented
This version requires additional work to be documented.
Any additional work performed outside the original project scope must be documented and signed off by both parties. This documentation will include a description of the new work, associated costs, and revised timelines.
Scope creep clause with approval process for scope changes
This version includes an approval process for scope changes.
Any proposed changes to the scope of the project must be submitted in writing to the [Investor] for approval. The [Investor] will review the scope change request and may accept, modify, or reject the proposal within [X] days of receipt.
Scope creep clause with cost implications for expanded scope
This version addresses the cost implications of scope changes.
If the scope of the project is expanded beyond the agreed-upon terms, the [Company] will provide the [Investor] with an updated cost estimate for the additional work. The [Investor] must approve these costs before any additional work is performed.
Scope creep clause with a cap on scope expansion
This version includes a cap on scope expansion.
The [Investor] and the [Company] agree that the project scope may not exceed [X]% of the original scope without a formal agreement to adjust the project budget and timeline. Any additional work beyond this cap will require a renegotiation of the contract terms.
Scope creep clause with increased timeline for expanded scope
This version includes an increased timeline for expanded scope.
If the project scope is expanded, the project timeline will be extended by a reasonable period based on the size and complexity of the added work. The [Company] will provide a revised timeline and seek approval from the [Investor] for the adjusted schedule.
Scope creep clause with project review meetings for scope changes
This version includes project review meetings for scope changes.
The [Company] and the [Investor] will hold regular project review meetings to assess the progress and any potential scope changes. Any scope alterations discussed during these meetings will require written agreement from both parties before implementation.
Scope creep clause with incremental scope changes
This version includes incremental scope changes.
Minor and incremental changes to the project scope, not affecting the overall budget or timeline significantly, may be approved by the [Investor] via email or written consent without requiring a formal change order.
Scope creep clause with exclusion of non-approved work
This version excludes non-approved work.
Any work performed outside the agreed-upon project scope, which has not been approved in writing by the [Investor], will be excluded from reimbursement and will not be considered part of the project.
Scope creep clause with fixed costs for additional work
This version includes fixed costs for additional work.
Any additional work required due to scope changes will be billed at fixed rates as outlined in Schedule A of this Agreement. The [Company] will provide the [Investor] with a detailed breakdown of costs before proceeding with the additional work.
Scope creep clause with client consultation for major scope changes
This version includes client consultation for major changes.
For any significant scope changes that may impact the project’s budget or timeline by more than [X]%, the [Company] will consult with the [Investor] before proceeding. A new agreement must be reached on both cost and schedule before work begins.
Scope creep clause with re-negotiation for substantial scope changes
This version includes re-negotiation for substantial changes.
If the project scope expands by more than [X]%, the [Company] and the [Investor] will renegotiate the contract, including the budget and timeline, to reflect the changes to the scope. Both parties must agree on the revised terms in writing.
Scope creep clause with requirement for written scope change request
This version requires a written request for scope changes.
Any changes to the project scope must be requested in writing by the [Investor] or [Company] and include a description of the desired changes, any anticipated impact on cost or timeline, and justification for the changes.
Scope creep clause with cost approval for additional resources
This version includes cost approval for additional resources.
If additional resources (personnel, equipment, or subcontractors) are required due to scope changes, the [Company] will submit a cost estimate for these resources to the [Investor] for approval before any additional resources are engaged.
Scope creep clause with limitation on scope changes
This version limits scope changes.
The scope of the [specific project] shall not be expanded beyond the original specifications unless mutually agreed upon by both parties in writing. Any expansion will require an amendment to this Agreement.
Scope creep clause with tracking of additional scope costs
This version includes tracking of additional scope costs.
The [Company] shall maintain accurate records of any costs incurred due to scope changes, including labor, materials, and third-party services. These records will be made available to the [Investor] upon request.
Scope creep clause with authority for scope approval
This version includes authority for scope approval.
The [Investor] holds the exclusive authority to approve any scope changes that may affect the budget or project timeline. Any changes made without the [Investor]’s approval will not be reimbursed and may be subject to penalties.
Scope creep clause with no work performed without written approval
This version includes no work performed without approval.
No additional work will be performed outside the approved scope unless authorized in writing by the [Investor]. The [Company] will be reimbursed for such work only if it has received prior approval and agreed-upon terms.
Scope creep clause with impact on project deliverables
This version includes the impact on deliverables.
Any scope changes that result in delays or modifications to the project’s deliverables will be documented, and the project deliverables will be revised accordingly. The [Investor] must approve any changes to the deliverables before the project progresses further.
Scope creep clause with tracking and reporting of out-of-scope work
This version includes tracking and reporting for out-of-scope work.
The [Company] agrees to track any out-of-scope work performed and provide the [Investor] with a report of such work, including the costs and reasons for the additional work. No payment for out-of-scope work will be made without prior approval.
Scope creep clause with requirement for updated project plan
This version requires an updated project plan.
In the event of any scope changes, the [Company] will provide the [Investor] with an updated project plan, including revised timelines, budget estimates, and new deliverables. Both parties must approve the updated plan before any changes are implemented.
Scope creep clause with project adjustment for unforeseen technical requirements
This version includes project adjustments for technical changes.
If unforeseen technical requirements arise during the course of the project, the [Company] shall notify the [Investor] and provide a proposal to address these changes, including an adjusted timeline and budget.
Scope creep clause with approval for all extra tasks
This version includes approval for all extra tasks.
The [Company] will not perform any additional tasks beyond the approved scope unless the [Investor] provides written approval. The [Investor] may approve additional tasks by providing an updated project schedule and budget.
Scope creep clause with exception for minor changes
This version allows for minor changes.
Minor changes to the project scope that do not significantly impact the budget or timeline may be approved verbally. However, all substantial changes must be documented and signed by both parties.
Scope creep clause with change request forms
This version includes change request forms.
Any change to the scope of the project must be requested using a formal change request form, which must include a description of the change, impact on the project, and a proposed cost adjustment. The [Investor] will approve or reject the form in writing.
Scope creep clause with impact on project timeline and fees
This version includes impact on both timeline and fees.
Any changes to the project scope will directly affect both the project timeline and fees. The [Company] will submit a revised project plan and cost estimate to the [Investor] for approval prior to proceeding with the changes.
Scope creep clause with cumulative effect of multiple changes
This version includes the cumulative effect of changes.
If multiple minor changes are requested by the [Investor], their cumulative effect on the project budget or timeline will be reviewed. If the cumulative effect exceeds [X]% of the original budget or timeline, a new agreement will be negotiated.
Scope creep clause with monthly updates for scope changes
This version includes monthly updates.
The [Company] will provide the [Investor] with monthly updates on any scope changes or potential scope changes, detailing how they affect the project timeline and budget.
Scope creep clause with client’s responsibility for scope definition
This version includes the client’s responsibility for scope definition.
The [Investor] is responsible for clearly defining the project scope. If the scope is not clearly defined or results in changes during execution, the [Investor] will bear the costs of any subsequent scope changes.
Scope creep clause with escalation procedure for significant scope changes
This version includes an escalation procedure for significant changes.
If a scope change exceeds [X]% of the original project scope, it will trigger an escalation procedure. Both parties will meet within [X] days to review the change and determine an appropriate course of action, including budget and timeline adjustments.
Scope creep clause with client notification for minor scope modifications
This version includes notification for minor modifications.
The [Company] will notify the [Investor] of any minor modifications to the scope of the project. These modifications will not incur additional costs or delay the project unless explicitly agreed upon by both parties.
Scope creep clause with cost-effective alternative for scope changes
This version includes cost-effective alternatives for scope changes.
If scope changes are required, the [Company] will propose cost-effective alternatives where possible, including options for reducing costs while still meeting the project objectives. The [Investor] must approve any proposed changes.
Scope creep clause with project timeline buffer
This version includes a timeline buffer.
The [Company] will add a [X]% buffer to the project timeline to accommodate potential scope changes. This buffer is to address unforeseen issues and minor scope adjustments without the need for further approval from the [Investor].
Scope creep clause with impact assessment for scope changes
This version includes impact assessment for scope changes.
Before any scope changes are made, the [Company] will conduct an impact assessment that evaluates the effect of the change on the project’s timeline, costs, and deliverables. The assessment will be submitted to the [Investor] for approval.
Scope creep clause with financial controls for scope changes
This version includes financial controls for scope changes.
The [Company] shall establish financial controls to monitor and manage any scope changes. Changes that exceed [X]% of the original budget must be approved by the [Investor] and be accompanied by a revised financial plan.
Scope creep clause with provision for value-added scope additions
This version includes value-added scope additions.
Scope changes that add significant value to the project, such as improving functionality or enhancing deliverables, will be considered for inclusion in the project plan. The [Investor] will determine the fair compensation for such value-added scope additions.
Scope creep clause with written consent required for scope modifications
This version requires written consent for modifications.
No scope modifications will be made without written consent from both parties. This written consent must include a description of the change, any expected cost increase, and an updated project timeline.
Scope creep clause with automatic review of scope changes after [X] days
This version includes an automatic review after a specified period.
Any scope changes made by the [Investor] or [Company] must be reviewed automatically after [X] days to assess their impact on the project. A formal review will be conducted, and necessary adjustments to the budget and timeline will be made.
Scope creep clause with predefined scope limits
This version includes predefined scope limits.
The [Company] and the [Investor] agree on a predefined scope for the [specific project]. Any additions or changes to the scope beyond these limits must be documented and agreed upon before proceeding.
Scope creep clause with clear allocation of scope change costs
This version includes clear allocation of costs.
The [Company] agrees to allocate any costs incurred due to scope changes to the [Investor]. The [Investor] agrees to pay for any additional costs that arise as a result of changes to the project’s original scope, after written approval.
Scope creep clause with predefined change request form submission process
This version includes a predefined submission process.
Any proposed changes to the scope of the project must be submitted through the predefined change request form provided by the [Company]. The [Investor] will review the submission within [X] days and provide a written decision.
Scope creep clause with restriction on scope changes affecting critical path
This version restricts changes affecting the critical path.
Any changes that affect the critical path of the project must be approved by the [Investor] before proceeding. These changes will be assessed for their potential impact on the overall project schedule and will require a revision of the project’s timeline.
Scope creep clause with priority assessment for scope changes
This version includes a priority assessment for scope changes.
The [Company] will assess any scope change based on its priority. High-priority changes that are critical to the project’s success will be processed immediately, while low-priority changes will be reviewed in the following project phase.
Scope creep clause with clear documentation of scope change rationale
This version requires clear documentation of rationale.
All scope changes must be accompanied by clear documentation explaining the rationale behind the change. This documentation will include the reasons for the change, its potential impact, and how it aligns with the overall project objectives.
Scope creep clause with early identification of scope creep risks
This version includes early identification of scope creep risks.
The [Company] will identify potential scope creep risks at the beginning of the project and provide a strategy for preventing such risks. This strategy will be shared with the [Investor] for approval and monitoring throughout the project.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.