Avoiding disputes with Variations

It’s no secret that building can often be a bit of an experiment.
With so many factors out of your control – like the weather and changing site conditions – things can’t always go to plan.
If this happens, having a good process for requesting and documenting variations is vital.

What is a variation?

Variations are a change to the scope of works under a contract. Generally, this only relates to changes to the design.
However, in reality, many things can escalate your costs including:

• Change in the construction sequence
• Site conditions
• Delays
• Buildability issues

These factors will only be variations if your contract sum set out the baseline assumptions for your contract sum!

What else is important with variations?

1. Site instruction – documenting a written site instruction from the Principal or Head Contractor
2. Issuing a variation notice under the contract
3. Communicate the costs and that you believe the work constitutes a variation
4. Record evidence in timesheets, photos, invoices of additional costs
5. Watch out for time bars – issue your variation notices promptly

If unsure, consult with us on how to negotiate your contracts, set up templates for documenting variations or if you are in a payment dispute.