If your client asks for extras.. what then?

This past week has really got me thinking about boundaries.

Building a legal firm from scratch is no joke, and I've learned a lot about managing my time. I've been putting in the work to ensure my clients succeed.

But in all this hustle, I've found myself missing out on family time—a resource you can’t replace with any amount of business success.

I’m starting to see that while it’s great to aim high, the real game-changer is protecting the time we have.

This isn’t just a personal lesson; it’s crucial in business too, especially if you're dealing with clients who might not always respect those boundaries.

Boundaries - What I Mean By Them

When you’ve been in web development for a while, you’ve probably heard this: "Could you just add one more feature?" or "What about adding a couple more pages?"

It sounds harmless, maybe even easy, but that one "extra" can quickly blow up. One “extra” feature can turn into ten, and before you know it, you’re pouring hours—maybe even days—into work that isn’t paying off, all just to keep clients happy.

Here’s the kicker: saying “yes” to these extras isn’t helping your business. In fact, it’s actually costing you.

Every hour you spend on unplanned work is an hour that could’ve been put into more profitable projects, personal growth, or—let’s be real—just having a night off with friends or family.

What’s the fix? Boundaries. Clear, straightforward ones.

When you promise a “website build,” that could mean a million things to different clients.

You know what you deliver, but your client might be picturing something totally different. Here’s how to set things straight and keep those lines from getting blurred:

1) Be Specific About What’s Included

Instead of saying, “I’ll create a website,” break it down. Say something like, “I’ll deliver a 5-page website with custom layouts, responsive design, and basic SEO setup.”

When clients see the specifics, they’re way less likely to ask for things to just be added in.

2) Anticipate Common Add-Ons

Think ahead about the features clients often think are included but usually aren’t. Is logo design part of the deal? How about setting up email? Do they expect ongoing maintenance?

Outline these from the start, marking which ones are included and which aren’t.

3) Approval Process for Extra Work

If a client brings up extra work, it’s not a hard “no,” but it’s not a free ride either. Politely remind them that it’s outside the original agreement and will come with extra costs.

For example:

Client: “Can you also add a blog section?”

You: “Sure! But since the blog wasn’t in our initial agreement, let’s chat about the extra time and fee required to add it.”

Good clients will respect your boundaries. If they don’t? Think about whether this is someone you want to work with long-term.

Putting it in Writing (and Don’t Feel Bad)

It's tempting to skip contracts, especially when you’re busy or trust the person. But I always say a clear contract is your best protection.

Don’t just include payment terms and timelines—lay out the scope of work too. Make sure to outline any limits on revisions and additional requests, and how those will be dealt with.

Charging extra shouldn't make you feel guilty. Good clients get quality work has a price. It’s not about being rigid; it’s about being real and keeping both your business and projects on track.

Keeping Your Boundaries: Why It’s Worth It

Bringing it back to the big picture: when you set and stick to clear boundaries, you’re not just guarding your time. You’re making sure you have the mental and financial resources to keep growing your business sustainably.

You’re not scrambling to keep up with free extras; you’re making space for new opportunities, creative ideas, and maybe even a bit more time for yourself.

Take it from someone who’s learning the hard way about respecting his time and energy: standing firm on your boundaries isn’t just good practice; it’s essential for creating a business that doesn’t wear you out.

So next time a client asks for “just one more thing,” take a moment. Ask yourself if it’s really worth it. And if it’s not part of the original agreement? Don’t hesitate to charge for it.

And if you need my help setting clear boundaries for your business with Contracts, just reply "BOUNDARY". I'll share with you steps that we can take to do this.