How to Identify a Variation Order
To identify whether something qualifies as a variation order in a construction contract, you need to assess whether it changes the original scope, design, quality, quantity, or timing of the works specified in the contract.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify a variation order:
✅ 1. Check the Contract Scope (Drawings, BOQ, Specifications)
Compare the original contract documents with the new instruction or change. Ask:
👉 If yes — it’s likely a variation.
✅ 2. Look for Formal Instructions or Requests
Variations often come through formal communication like:
These should be written and ideally refer to specific contract clauses allowing changes.
✅ 3. Consider the Types of Changes That Count as Variations
Change Type |
Variation? |
|---|---|
Design change |
✅ Yes |
Quality/specification change |
✅ Yes |
Quantity increase/decrease |
✅ Yes |
Change in method or sequencing |
✅ Possibly (if affects cost or time) |
Acceleration or delay |
✅ Possibly (if instructed formally) |
Contractor’s own method change |
❌ Usually No (unless instructed/approved) |
✅ 4. Refer to the Variation Clause in the Contract
Most construction contracts (e.g. FIDIC, NEC, JCT, etc.) have specific clauses that define what a variation is and how it should be handled.
Look for clauses like:
✅ 5. Has It Been Approved by the Engineer/Contract Administrator?
A variation order must usually be:
If you don’t have written instruction or approval, it may not be considered a valid variation — even if the work has changed.
✅ 6. Look at Cost and Time Implications
Ask:
If yes, it’s strong evidence of a variation — and may require a Variation Order and/or an Extension of Time (EOT).
Example Scenario:
🔧 MEP Variation Scenario Example
📌 Original Contract Scope (as per BOQ/drawings/specifications):
Electrical Works: Installation of LED light fixtures (Model A) in all office areas.
Quantity: 100 units
Location: 2nd and 3rd floors
🛠️ New Instruction Received:
The consultant instructs the contractor to install smart lighting fixtures (Model B) with motion sensors and dimmers instead of Model A.
❄️ HVAC Variation Order Scenario
📌 Original Contract Scope:
HVAC System Type: Ducted split AC system for a commercial office building.
Specified Equipment: Standard efficiency units (COP: 3.2), brand/model as per contract.
Coverage: All tenant office areas on Level 5.
🛠️ New Instruction / Site Condition:
During coordination, the client decides to upgrade to higher-efficiency inverter VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system for energy savings and modern zoning control.
🚿 Plumbing Variation Order Scenario
📌 Original Contract Scope:
Install UPVC drainage pipes for all internal soil and waste drainage lines in a residential building.
Pipe routing: To follow the drawings issued for construction (IFC).
Pipe size: 110 mm (for soil pipes), 75 mm (for waste pipes)
Manholes and cleanouts as per standard layout
🛠️ New Instruction / Site Condition:
After work begins on-site, the consultant issues a revised drawing requiring:
💡 Summary: How to Identify a Variation Order
Check |
Details |
|---|---|
Scope change? |
Compare with contract documents |
Formal instruction? |
Issued by client/engineer/architect |
Type of change? |
Design, quantity, quality, method |
Contract clause? |
Refer to variation clauses |
Approval status? |
Must be authorized |
Cost/time impact? |
Variation usually affects one or both |