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Component Manufacturing dverti$ dverti $ er
Don’t Forget! You Saw it in the
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December 2025 #17317 Page #116
Design Connections
What Does Scope Creep Look Like in Truss Design? Geordie Secord, Senior Recruiter TheJobLine.com – Canada
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nlike software or construction projects where scope creep is often tied to timelines, in component manufacturing it usually shows up as added deliverables without added compensation. Here are some common examples:
Extra trusses not on the original plans Maybe the framer calls and says, “Can you throw in extra trusses to cover for the mechanical units that were just added?” It sounds simple, but those extras take time to design, produce, and deliver.
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Including parapets or other details in trusses when not specified Parapets can add complexity to design and fabrication. If they weren’t in the original scope, you’re absorbing extra work without extra pay.
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Providing bracing material Bracing material is usually assumed to be part of the loose lumber or framer’s responsibility, but some shops include it “to be helpful.” Helpful for them, costly for you.
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Offering engineering services beyond your role If the building engineer should be handling certain calculations or certifications, don’t let that responsibility slide onto your desk without proper compensation.
Each of these examples might feel like a small concession, but they add up—especially when multiplied across dozens or hundreds of jobs.
Why Does Scope Creep Happen? From my experience, scope creep usually comes from good intentions. We want to keep customers happy. We want to be seen as helpful and responsive. Sometimes, we’re afraid that saying “no” will cost us future business. We’re afraid that if we say no to the customer our competitor might say yes and land the current project while gaining an inside track on future work.
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