How can a handyman prevent scope creep before work starts?

Q: How can a handyman prevent scope creep before work starts?

Direct answer: Prevent 'surprise' work by doing a 5-minute scope walk-through and writing down exclusions before you touch tools. Practical steps Do a scope walk: Tour the work area and ask what success looks like to the client. Write exclusions: List what is NOT included (paint, haul-off, patching, permits, etc.). Set change-order rule: Any added request gets priced and approved in writing before continuing. Next step: Add an 'Included / Not included' section to every estimate and text it before arrival.

Question

Accepted Answer

Direct answer: Prevent 'surprise' work by doing a 5-minute scope walk-through and writing down exclusions before you touch tools.

Practical steps

Do a scope walk: Tour the work area and ask what success looks like to the client.
Write exclusions: List what is NOT included (paint, haul-off, patching, permits, etc.).
Set change-order rule: Any added request gets priced and approved in writing before continuing.

Next step: Add an 'Included / Not included' section to every estimate and text it before arrival.