Looking for advice on this situation. Client Added 40% More Work to Fixed-Price Project - Wants No Extra Pay Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Details: I'm in a situation where I need to understand my legal options. Has anyone dealt with something similar?
The enforceability of this clause depends heavily on your state's law and the specific language used. I'd recommend having an attorney review the exact wording before taking action.
Always get contract modifications in writing. Verbal modifications are theoretically enforceable in some situations but nearly impossible to prove. A quick email confirmation costs nothing and saves everything.
The UCC governs sale of goods contracts; common law governs services. The rules are different. Make sure you're looking at the right framework for your situation.
In my experience, most contract disputes settle before trial. The key is having strong documentation of the original agreement and any modifications. Email trails are your best friend.
The enforceability of this clause depends heavily on your state's law and the specific language used. I'd recommend having an attorney review the exact wording before taking action.
In my experience, most contract disputes settle before trial. The key is having strong documentation of the original agreement and any modifications. Email trails are your best friend.
The UCC governs sale of goods contracts; common law governs services. The rules are different. Make sure you're looking at the right framework for your situation.
Update: Thanks everyone for the guidance. I consulted with an attorney and we're moving forward. The advice here helped me understand what questions to ask and what to expect. Will update when there's a resolution.
Classic scope creep situation. I quoted $15K for a website build with a detailed scope document. Client signed. Over 4 months, they added a booking system, a member portal, email automation, and an inventory tracker — none in the original scope. I accommodated the first few changes, but now I'm 3x over budget. Client claims everything was 'implied' in the original scope. I've stopped work pending a change order. Am I exposed to breach of contract claims?
@FreelanceDev_Rachel — If you have a written scope document that the client signed, you're in a strong position. The additions you describe are clearly outside a standard website build. Key points: (1) The scope document IS the contract definition of the work. Features not listed are not included. (2) Verbal requests to add features don't modify a written contract unless your agreement has a verbal modification clause (most don't). (3) Stopping work pending a change order is a reasonable response to a scope dispute, not a breach. (4) Document every additional request in writing, including when it was made and what you communicated about scope/cost. Send a formal change order for the additional work with pricing. If the client refuses, complete the original scope and deliver.
This is why every project contract should include: (1) a detailed scope with explicit exclusions ('The following are NOT included...'), (2) a change order process that requires written approval before additional work begins, and (3) a clause stating that work beyond the original scope will be billed at [hourly rate]. Learn from experience — I lost $40K on scope creep early in my career before implementing these protections.