PreForma · Alex Morrison · Risk Dashboard

04 Contract Clauses & Scripts

Tap any clause to see why it protects you, when to introduce it, and exactly what to say.

⚠ Note: These clauses are strategic templates. Verify with your legal counsel before use.

1Change-of-Scope Clause

Any change that modifies the project scope is billed at [hourly rate], with written confirmation and advance payment before commencement.

WHY THIS PROTECTS YOU

This client believes control equals quality. Every "small tweak" is a test of your authority. Without a written change-of-scope clause, they will keep expanding the project — and expect you to absorb the cost.

WHEN TO INTRODUCE IT

Present this clause before signing, not after a dispute arises. Frame it as your standard professional process — not a defense against them specifically.

WHAT TO SAY

“I include this in every contract — it protects both of us from scope drift. Every change gets documented and priced before execution. That way there are never any surprises.”

2Revision Limit Clause

Each phase includes a maximum of 2 revisions. Every third and subsequent revision is invoiced in advance at a fixed rate before execution.

WHY THIS PROTECTS YOU

Dominant clients don't change their minds because they're indecisive — they do it to test how much they can push you. A hard revision limit signals authority. Without it, you will do 10 revisions and invoice for 2.

WHEN TO INTRODUCE IT

Introduce during contract review. State the number explicitly — never say "a few" or "reasonable." Numbers command respect from this profile.

WHAT TO SAY

“This phase includes two revision rounds. If we need a third, it's billed at [rate] before I start. Clear limits actually speed up decisions — people choose faster when they know the clock is running.”

3Communication Protocol Clause

The client responds in writing within 48 hours. Delays extend timelines proportionally. The contractor is contacted exclusively through the designer.

WHY THIS PROTECTS YOU

This client will try to contact your contractor directly, skip the communication chain, and create parallel agreements you don't know about. This clause is your defense.

WHEN TO INTRODUCE IT

Mention at the first meeting — casually, as a workflow standard. Frame it as how your team works best, not a rule you're imposing.

WHAT TO SAY

“All communication runs through me — that's how I keep the project on track. If anyone bypasses that, I flag it immediately. It's not bureaucracy, it's how I protect your investment.”

4Phase Lock Clause

Each project phase requires written client sign-off before commencement of the next phase. No work begins without written confirmation.

WHY THIS PROTECTS YOU

Dominant clients make decisions fast — and then unmake them. A phase lock clause creates a paper trail that prevents them from restarting a phase you've already completed and billed.

WHEN TO INTRODUCE IT

Present as a project management tool, not a legal trap. Explain that it protects their investment as much as yours.

WHAT TO SAY

“Before we move to the next phase, I always get a written sign-off on what we've completed. It keeps the project clean and means we're always aligned before we spend another dollar.”