Stop Scope Creep with One Meeting

Scope creep isn’t a mystery—it’s math, choices, and timing. Chris and Phil break down how projects quietly grow, how to protect your budget without gutting the design, and where to spend now vs. later. We cover square-foot cost realities (Southern Maine context), why basements and garages aren’t “free,” how to align program to budget, when to bring a builder in, and the critical fork where you either cut scope or raise budget. Plus: a Classic Bramble to keep things civilized.

Video Notes:
00:00 Welcome & scope creep defined
02:02 Cocktail: Classic Bramble
05:51 Why projects grow beyond plan
09:38 Program exercise: rooms, office & garage
14:45 Square footage reality check
17:40 Basements & garages aren’t “free”
21:54 Program–budget method (checklists & meetings)
28:33 Contingency & finish tiers
38:58 Fork in the road: cut scope or raise budget
55:53 Price updates, escalation & communication

Find Our Hosts:

Chris Briley @BRIBURN

Phil Kaplan @KaplanThompsonArchitects

Email: [email protected]

Podcast Produced @Motifmediaco