Customers often change during a commission, and it is not uncommon for a project to grow when customers have seen the positive changes in their home. However, if the work objectives increase, the cost should also increase ...
It covers the details
Missing some of the aspects of a job in the planning phase can end up costing you money, so it is convenient to have some work objectives exhaustive as part of your contract with the client, which both you and the client can consult during the order. Specify the paintings you are going to use (including color codes and costs), the number of hands, the preparations and the areas to be painted. If a client requests an extra task, you can easily explain the difference in price and change the cost of the project.
Value the advantages
Anything that is not included in your original work objectives should produce an increase in the cost of your project. Small favors, such as light sanding to prepare wood moldings, can strengthen your relationships with the customer. But it is important that clients value your time as a professional, and the extra hours you dedicate to a job, normally, you should charge them.
Communicate in advance
Avoid customer surprises by emphasizing any request that exceeds the original contract. A bill more bulky than expected can be a source of disputes, but if you explain that certain tasks will make the work more expensive before you start it, you can solve these problems before they occur. Keep track of the conversations with a polite email explaining exactly how much the additional cost will be reflected in the invoice, and ask the customer to tell you if you agree by email.
Stick to your goals
If a client thinks that additional work should be included in the cost of the project, refer to the work objectives. This is where the additional details will be of help. Anything that exceeds the objectives should cost more and, if it is large enough, it can be budgeted independently.
Be aware of when to step back
The last resort, of course, is to abandon the assignment. If your client's demands become unreasonable, do not be afraid to do so. On such occasions, although they are rare, it is important to have the possibility of making a partial invoice and having charged in advance to minimize losses.