Your downtown project is two months from completion, but the client just called. They want to make a “few” changes. The immediate concern is whether their proposed changes will still fall inside your initial project scope. Managing changes inside the scope of a construction project is easier than ever with technology, but there are still potential fallouts to avoid. Even successful projects can be drastically over budget and out of scope if not properly managed. For example, the Sydney Opera House went over budget 16 times and cost four times more than the original proposal. There are several key measures to put in place to prevent scope creep and complete a well-managed project.
Document and verify proposed changes with all involved parties
First, with your client clearly document the proposed changes they wish to execute. Be as specific as possible, noting any additional materials or personnel required to complete the newly proposed changes. Evaluate their requests against the current project scope to ensure their requests can be appropriately implemented. All project change orders should be written and mutually signed. Each party should retain a signed copy of the proposed changes for future reference.
Expanding project scope through client changes
If your client requests changes that fall outside of your current project scope, you need to address the proposed scope change at the first opportunity. Detail how the proposed changes will expand beyond the current project scope and provide an amended proposal to include the proposed changes and any update on deliverables and project phase completion deadlines. Any agreed-upon changes must be clearly documented and verified by signatures from both parties before implementing the new project scope.
Use reliable progress-monitoring elements to track project scope
All construction projects require a reliable monitoring process to track project progress. How can you confirm that your project is on time? How can you prove to your clients that the changes they requested are being implemented in the manner and timing you mutually agreed upon? The right construction camera system can provide wide-angle, ultra-high-definition panoramics of a job site up to 50 megapixels in quality. Fixed-camera systems have more limitations than a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera with a robotic arm, but fixed cameras can still present a reliable viewpoint for monitoring job-site progress and any potential incidents.
Our TrueLook camera systems feature live video streaming capabilities with user access from any device at any time. We also include a multi-project dashboard, email and social sharing capabilities, photo galleries with document notes, automated updates and more. Motion-activated security video recording helps keep job sites safe at any hour, day or night, and gives you peace of mind throughout the project. Click here to learn more about TrueLook or contact our TrueLook team to start a conversation today.
