Why a Defined Scope of Work Matters
One of the biggest challenges in project scheduling occurs when the full scope of work and design choices haven’t been finalized before the project starts. Many clients don’t realize how their decisions impact timelines, multiple disciplines, labor, and budget costs. Below are some common scenarios illustrating how scope changes can affect your construction project.
Unexpected Design Changes and Their Impact
Example 1: Last-Minute Changes to Vanity Mirrors
“Hey John, I found these great mirrors online that I decided we’ll use in the master bath project.”
While this may seem like a simple change, these mirrors incorporate LED lighting and require wiring inside the wall. Additionally, they aren’t flush-mounted, meaning the wall must be opened and reframed. Often, the wall behind a vanity contains vent piping for sinks, which means:
- The wall may need to be opened and reframed.
- Electrical wiring must be modified to meet lighting requirements.
- Vent lines may need to be moved.
If these changes were not included in the original scope of work, additional time, labor, and materials will be required—leading to unexpected costs and project delays.
Example 2: Switching to Sconces for Bathroom Vanity Lighting
“I found these great sconces that we’d like to use for the bathroom vanity lighting.”
While sconces can be a great design choice, they may conflict with existing layouts for medicine cabinets, mirrors, and sink placement. Consider a typical double vanity setup where:
- One sink is close to an end wall.
- A 36” vanity has the sink centered at 18” from the wall.
- A 24×36” mirror is centered over the sink, leaving only 6” from the mirror’s edge to the wall.
That last 6” often contains significant framing, and modifying it for new sconces could require structural adjustments. Additionally, proper placement of lights, mirrors, and sinks must be determined, potentially adding extra framing, electrical work, and drywall modifications. These unexpected changes can extend the timeline and increase costs.
Example 3: Unclear Plumbing Fixture Selections
“We were not clear on our plumbing fixtures when we wrote the scope of work.”
If the original scope of work specified a simple valve and showerhead replacement, but you later decide to upgrade to a diverter valve, handheld shower, and rain head, it significantly changes the plumbing requirements. This new setup is:
- More expensive for the plumber to install.
- Requires additional piping and modifications.
- Likely to extend the project timeline.
The Cost of Last-Minute Changes
These are just a few examples of how not having a clearly defined and signed scope of work can cause project delays and unexpected costs. The more changes made after construction begins, the longer the project will take, and the more your budget will be impacted.
Even what seems like a small change can lead to significant time and financial consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to work with your contractor to ensure that all design decisions are made upfront, minimizing surprises and keeping your project on track.