Scope creep is a phenomenon that can happen on construction projects. It can lead to the project taking too long to complete and costing more than expected. Scope creep occurs when changes are
made to a project, if there are changes in the budget or if new regulations come into effect after it has already begun. It also happens when stakeholders, such as clients or design professionals, request changes or additions to the original scope of work.
Construction scope creep is an issue that should be taken seriously as it can negatively affect both time and costs for any project.
To identify construction scope creep, one should first monitor the budget and keep track of costs. This step will help you identify if there are any changes in the original agreed-upon scope of work that is not budgeted for. If you notice any changes in the scope of work, then it is likely that there was some level of construction scope creep.
It's important to understand that construction project management is not just about managing the on-site materials and labor. It also includes managing how they allocate resources across projects. Additional, unnecessary components that are added to a project without the client's input can cause scope creep. Poor planning can cause this,
such as adding materials and/or labor, because you either underestimated the time needed for completion or didn't plan for any unforeseen events.
· The budget allocated for the project is not enough to complete it.
· The client wants more than what they originally agreed to.
· One of the stakeholders has changed their mind and wants more changes than originally agreed upon.
· The milestone dates are constantly being moved back, and the project will not be finished on time.
· The project was supposed to take the company X amount of money, but now it will take 3X more.
· The project was supposed to be finished on X date, but now it will be finished on X date instead.
· The scope changes are not documented in the contract.
Scope creep usually happens when there is a lack of clarity about the project requirements. It can also happen when there are changes in the client's expectations or demands during project development.
1) Functional Scope Creep: This type occurs when a new requirement or specification is added to the project with no offsetting reduction in other requirements. For example, if a client asks for an additional parking space but doesn't want to reduce their square footage requirement, this would be considered a functional scope creep.
2) Cost Scope Creep: This type occurs when new requirements increase the cost without any offsetting increase in value. For example, if a client requests a $1 million high-tech garage door opener instead of a cheaper mechanical garage door opener, this would be considered cost scope creep.
3) Schedule Scope Creep: This type of creep occurs when the project
schedule is extended by new requirements or specifications without any additional work. For example, if there is an additional requirement to install new windows in the building, the project schedule is extended to include this work.
4) Schedule Slippage: This happens when there is an unexpected change in the project timeline and a longer than expected time frame for completion. For example, a window installation contractor agreed to install windows on the 20th but unexpectedly finished on the 16th.
5) Schedule Variation: This happens when a project is completed ahead
of schedule or behind schedule than planned. For example, a window installation contractor agreed to install windows on the 20th but unexpectedly finished on the 16th.
6) Expected Schedule Variation: This happens when a project comes in
at budget and is completed more quickly than expected but takes longer than planned. For example, an organization might have planned to finish all of the work on a particular project by month's end, but it is completed a week before schedule.
7) Variation: This occurs when an organization takes longer than
expected to complete a project. For example, an organization may plan to complete a digital marketing campaign for three months, but it takes six months.
8) Resource: This happens when a project cannot be completed quickly
because of an overabundance or lack of resources. For example, a company might realize they need to hire more laborers but don't want to hire too many at once.
9) Unclear: This happens when the cause of the delay is unclear or not
given by the project manager.
10) Undetermined: This happens when the cause of the delay is not given by either team or project manager.
11) Other: This causes most delays and includes everything else,
including but not limited to; as a result, technical issues, miscommunication, a conflict between teams, and lack of resources.
One of the main reasons is that changes in scope are added to the contract without properly estimating their costs. You can prevent scope creep by ensuring that all parties involved know what is expected from them and what is not.
To avoid costly construction scope creep, here are some things that you can do:
· Review your project scope with your team and make sure that it is realistic
· Use an experienced estimator who will be able to estimate the cost of your project accurately
· Keep a close eye on your project management budget to avoid overspending
This can be done by clearly defining the scope of work, establishing a change management procedure, and using project management software. Avoid scope creep by using project management
software, such as GigOver. This software helps you track your project, monitor your budget, and forecast future costs.
GigOver also has a scope-creep prevention feature that alerts you when changes are made to the project scope so you can decide whether or not they are worth it. Try GigOver's project management software FREE today!