---
title: "Prevent Scope Creep with SMART Goals "
url: "https://pro.houzz.com/pro-learn/blog/prevent-scope-creep-with-smart-goals"
datePublished: "2020-10-05T20:50:00+0000"
dateModified: "2024-12-10T08:31:50+0000"
author: "Hope Dorman"
topics:
  - "Business Management"
  - "Blog Post"
---

Houzz Pro Learn > Business Management

# Prevent Scope Creep with SMART Goals

To prevent scope creep, set a clearly defined scope of work - which you can develop with business consultant Peter Drucker’s concept for setting S.M.A.R.T. goals.

Project management software can make it easier for you to establish the scope of work and communicate it to clients. With Houzz Pro, you can mitigate scope creep or easily process change orders to capture revenue if a change does need to occur. [Learn more here](https://www.houzz.com/houzz-pro/pricing).

**SPECIFIC**

Discuss with the decision-makers what is and what is not included in the project.

**EXAMPLES:**

What areas of the home are and are not in the project? What materials will you include? What existing pieces will stay? Who is the key decision-maker on material selections?

**MEASURABLE**

Quantify in numbers and sizes what you’ll be changing about the home. Use [Houzz Pro](https://www.houzz.com/houzz-pro/pricing) to make detailed, easy-to-read estimates.

**EXAMPLES:**

How many square feet of flooring will you install? How many windows and doors will you replace?

**ACCEPTABLE**

Ensure that both homeowner and professionals involved in the project agree on the proposal. Collect a signature with your homeowner’s approval after sending the estimate via [Houzz Pro](https://www.houzz.com/houzz-pro/pricing).

**EXAMPLES:**

Does the homeowner agree with your terms? Is the homeowner willing to sign the contract?

**REALISTIC**

Use your prior knowledge to set timelines that can accommodate all aspects of the project, and factor in contingencies for possible delays.

**EXAMPLES:**

How long will it take for custom furniture to arrive? How many workers can you schedule at one time? Will the homeowner’s budget match their wishlist?

**TIME-BOUND**

Include a schedule or project calendar that identifies important events and deadlines. Houzz Pro’s Timeline tool keeps your clients up-to-date.

**EXAMPLES:**

What are the target completion dates based on project phases? When are deliverables due? When must orders be placed, which determines when homeowner decisions are due? When are payments due?

Houzz Pro

## Houzz Pro offers lead management, easy and accurate estimates, online payments & more.

[Learn How](https://www.houzz.com/pro)

- Business Management
- Business Management

Hope Dorman is a Content Marketing Senior Associate based in Orange County, California. She loves timeless design, creative space solutions, and getting inspiration from Houzz to keep crafting her home.

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