Client demanding "just a few tweaks" but it's 20+ hours of extra work - contract says project is "complete"

I'm a freelance web designer. I completed a website project for a client - delivered everything in the scope of work, got their approval, and sent the final invoice.

Now they're saying they want "a few small tweaks" before they'll pay. I asked for specifics and they sent me a list of changes that would take at least 20 hours: complete redesign of two pages, new functionality that was never discussed, additional content sections, etc.

My contract says I include "two rounds of revisions" which we already completed. It also says the project is considered complete when deliverables match the scope of work, which they do.

They're saying the tweaks are "implied" and that I should do them as part of "good customer service." They haven't paid the final $3,500 yet and now I'm worried they won't pay at all.

What are my options here? Do I have to do the extra work or can I demand payment for the completed project as-is?

Thank you. That's helpful to know I'm on solid legal ground.

My concern is that they're a bigger company and could just refuse to pay and drag this out. What happens if I demand payment and they just ignore me? Do I really have to sue them over $3,500?

Also, I'm worried about my reputation. They've hinted they might leave bad reviews if I don't do teh extra work. Is that legal for them to do?

I learned this the hard way after getting burned on three different projects.

Now my contracts explicitly include:

• Detailed scope of work with specific deliverables listed
• Definition of what counts as a "revision" vs. new work
• Change order process with minimum fees
• Late payment penalties (1.5% per month)
• Right to remove/disable work if final payment isn't made within 30 days

The "right to disable" clause has been huge. Clients pay real fast when they realize you can take the website down for non-payment.

For your current situation - stick to your guns. You did the work, you deserve to be paid.

I'd give them a week to respond to the change order. After that, send a polite follow-up saying you'll consider the additional work declined if you don't hear back within 48 hours.

Don't let it linger for weeks. I've had clients come back 3 months later expecting me to drop everything for their "small changes" at the same price. Setting a clear deadline upfront prevents that.

Just want to say thank you for this thread! I'm dealing with somethign similar right now and the itemized breakdown approach is exactly what I needed. Client sent me a list of 14 "quick tweaks" that would have taken me 25+ hours. Sent them a proper quote and suddenly only 3 of them are actually important lol