Templates / Web Developer

Web Developer scope of work template

Dev scope creep is sneaky because every ask sounds like "just a checkbox". Then the checkbox needs a database column, an API change, an email and a settings page. List the features and the edge cases you are not doing.

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Scope of work

[Project name]: custom web app feature build

Web Developer: [Your name]Client: [Client name]Date: [Date]

Deliverables

Build the features listed in the spec doc dated [date], nothing else
Deploy to the client's existing hosting [Vercel / AWS / etc.]
Basic automated tests for the core flows listed in the spec
Code pushed to the client's repo with a README for setup
Bug fixes for issues found in the 14 days after launch, if the bug is in the delivered features

Revisions

Changes to how an agreed feature works after it is built count as new work. Bugs in delivered features are fixed free for 14 days.

Not included (out of scope)

New features or integrations not in the spec
Migrating data from old systems
Design work (client provides designs or a UI kit)
Paid third party services, API keys or hosting costs
Performance work beyond the agreed targets
Support or on-call after the 14 day window

Anything not listed under Deliverables is out of scope. If you want it, I will send a short change order with the price and the timeline impact. Work on it starts once you approve.

Timeline

Week 1: setup, data model, auth
Weeks 2 to 3: features
Week 4: testing, fixes, deploy

Dates assume feedback within 2 working days. Late feedback moves the dates by the same amount.

Payment

40% upfront, 30% at feature complete, 30% at launch. Extra work billed hourly as approved change orders.

Approval

Client approval

Date

Template from Scopease, scope locking for freelancers

A Google Doc doesn't stop anyone. In Scopease the client approves this scope through one private link, every extra ask becomes a priced change order, and the invoice builds itself from approved work. Free for your first project. First 10 new signups get 6 months of Pro free, automatically.

Start free Have us set it up for you ($79)

The scope creep every web developer hears

"Can users also log in with Google?"

Why it is not free: OAuth setup, consent screens, account linking and edge cases. It is a feature.

How to price it: 4 to 8 hours, priced before you touch it.

"Can you switch it to a different framework?"

Why it is not free: A stack change after you started is a partial rewrite.

How to price it: Fixed price change order with a new deadline.

"Can you just export everything to CSV for the team?"

Why it is not free: Exports need filters, permissions and formatting. Nobody wants the raw table.

How to price it: 3 to 5 hours.

Turn the next ask into a change order

Here is one already filled in for a typical web developer job: add google login and account linking for existing users, 6 hours at $75/hour. Change the numbers to yours and send it.

Open this change order (free)

Not sure what the freebies already cost you? Run your numbers in the scope creep calculator.

Questions

What should a web developer scope of work include?

The exact deliverables, how many revision rounds and what counts as a round, a clear out of scope list, the timeline, and payment terms. The out of scope list does most of the work when the client asks for extras.

How do web developers handle scope creep without losing the client?

Point back to the approved scope, then send a short change order with the price and the new date. Start the extra work only after the client approves it. Most clients are fine with it when it is written down from day one.

Is this template free to use?

Yes. Copy it, edit it, send it. No signup. It is not legal advice, so for big contracts have a lawyer look at your terms.

Templates for other freelancers

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