How To Stop Clients Demanding More for LessđŸ˜”â€đŸ’«

We've All Had That Client

They think they're running the show. Demanding extras for free. Treating you like their employee, not their builder.

And if you're a people pleaser like me, it's hard to push back.

But there's an easier way, and it doesn’t require you to be a hard-ass

Start Before They're Comfortable

Most builders wait until mid-project to set boundaries. By then, clients are far too comfortable asking for extras. It’s a recipe for conflict.

So set your ground rules during the quote stage, when they're still feeling you out.

Here are some strategies:

The Project Schedule

Before work starts, email your client a project schedule.

This will contain a daily schedule of which trades they can expect to turn up on each day.

This tells the client you’re working to an actual deadline (important when they ask for changes). But that’s not all...

Handling Extra Work Requests

When clients ask for work that’s outside scope:

  1. Immediately frame it as a paid extra. Start your reply with "That would be a variation..."
  2. Confirm they understand the extra cost
  3. Explain the potential impacts to the project timeline.
  4. Get it in writing.

Everything In Writing

Never do verbal deals. Ever. 

Always confirm by email or text:

  • Scope changes
  • Client requests
  • Price variations
  • Timeline impacts.

This protects everyone.

Now for my secret weapon...

The Welcome Pack

I send this with my deposit invoice. 

This shiny document does a helluva lot more than just impress new clients...

It outlines six key client expectations they need to respect during the project.

These include:

  • Agreeing to your communication plan
  • Finalising design choices by X date
  • Arranging payments by X date
  • Confirming they have read and understood your policy and process for variations.

This is important - it tells the client that a successful project is a two-way street.

But here’s what else it does...

It makes avoiding confrontation easy! 

If the client’s behaviour becomes an issue, all you have to do is refer them back to the expectations in your Welcome Pack.

The Payoff

Clear expectations means:

  • Fewer misunderstandings
  • No awkward conversations
  • Protected profit margins
  • Happier clients (yes, strong boundaries create trust and respect)

When everyone knows the rules, the game runs smooth.

 

Thanks for reading! 

 

- Josh

The Designer Builder

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