Scope of Work

What This Clause Does

The scope of work is the most important clause in a freelance contract — it defines the project boundary. Everything inside the scope is included in your price. Everything outside it is a change order (additional cost). A vague or incomplete scope is an invitation for scope creep: the gradual expansion of project requirements without a corresponding increase in pay.

Be as specific as possible: list deliverables, formats, number of revision rounds, what's included and what isn't. If the client wants something outside the defined scope, you want the contract to clearly entitle you to quote separately for that work.

What This Looks Like in a Contract

"Contractor shall provide the following services: [specific list of deliverables, e.g., three website page designs, two rounds of revisions, final files in PSD and PNG formats]. Services not listed above are outside the scope and subject to a separate written change order."

Red Flags to Watch For

• Scope defined as 'such services as Client may request from time to time'
• No limit on revision rounds
• Deliverables described only by category ('design work', 'development') with no specifics
• Project scope can be expanded by oral instruction without a written change order

Negotiation Strategies