A scope of work outlines the specific area where work will be completed during a project. It defines what the project will cover, and just as importantly, what it won’t. The scope of a project plays a crucial role in preserving your community's reserves. Define it too narrowly, and you risk leaving issues unresolved, while an overly broad scope can lead to unnecessary work and costs. When planning projects and evaluating proposals, associations should consider several essential factors to ensure the project scope aligns with your community’s needs and budget.
What is Scope Creep?
Scope creep happens when a project's scope changes or increases beyond the original plan. This often results in increased costs and delayed deadlines.
Repair vs. Replacement
A common budget issue is deciding between repairing or replacing building components. Repairs can often solve the problem at a lower cost while premature replacements add unnecessary expenses.
Expertise Matters
Hiring a knowledgeable contractor can make a world of difference to your community’s project outcomes. Careful assessment by a contractor with the right expertise ensures you only spend on what’s necessary, helping avoid financial strain. Without knowledge of construction and waterproofing, it can be difficult to narrowly define the scope in order to avoid scope creep.
Work Protocol
Inquire about a contractor's approach to completing the required work. They should be able to give you a step-by-step process they will use to complete your project. It's essential to confirm that their methods adhere to industry standards. Following these standards is critical to correcting issues and ensuring proper waterproofing. Neglecting waterproofing can result in ongoing water intrusion and further damage.
Investing in Longevity
Using high-quality materials may cost more initially, but it extends the life of the work and prevents frequent repairs, ultimately saving you money. Investing in quality and getting the project done right the first time helps avoid added expenses down the line.
Warranties
Warranties are essential for protecting your investment against defects and unexpected expenses, offering long-term financial security. Be sure to carefully evaluate each bidder's warranty terms. For example, an NDL (No Dollar Limit) warranty covers 100% of replacement costs throughout the warranty period. This ensures the manufacturer or contractor will bear the full cost of any repairs or replacements if a workmanship or material issue arises. In contrast, a prorated warranty gradually decreases in coverage, leaving you responsible for a greater share of costs as time goes on. Understanding these terms can help you choose the warranty that best safeguards your reserves. (Learn more about the ins and outs of warranties here.)
A Well-Prepared RFP
Scope creep often starts during the planning process. When creating a Request for Proposals (RFP), it's important to clearly define the scope, materials and warranties to prevent hidden costs. This should also include a requirement for a lump sum bid so you know the full cost of the project from the beginning. Transparent contracts with upfront fees minimize the risk of change orders and unexpected expenses. To learn how you can create a comprehensive RFP, check out this blog post from our sister company.
Right-Sized Projects
Getting the scope right at the start of a project is key to avoiding scope creep.
Our “right-sized” projects will help you avoid scope creep while addressing both the root cause and the symptoms. Our work protocol focuses on correcting and waterproofing your building components so they can stand the test of time. We help you prevent unnecessary expenses by ensuring our outlined scope of work aligns with your specific needs.
Planning a repair or replacement project? Our team of experts is equipped to get the job done right. Each of our team members uses their unique skillset to ensure every step of your project is done properly, protecting your building with long-term solutions. Contact us to schedule a free consultation, which includes an initial inspection of your property.
