{"id":1931,"date":"2025-11-25T12:04:29","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T12:04:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rspqss.in\/?page_id=1931"},"modified":"2025-11-25T12:07:45","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T12:07:45","slug":"how-to-identify-a-variation-order","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rspqss.in\/index.php\/how-to-identify-a-variation-order\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Identify a Variation Order"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

How to Identify a Variation Order<\/h1><\/div>\n\n\n\n

To identify whether something qualifies as a variation order<\/strong> in a construction contract<\/strong>, you need to assess whether it changes the original scope, design, quality, quantity, or timing<\/strong> of the works specified in the contract.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify a variation order<\/strong>:<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u2705 1. Check the Contract Scope (Drawings, BOQ, Specifications)<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Compare the original contract documents<\/strong> with the new instruction or change<\/strong>. Ask:<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Does this change the\u00a0type of work<\/strong>,\u00a0materials<\/strong>, or\u00a0methods<\/strong>?<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Does it\u00a0add to<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0omit<\/strong>\u00a0part of the work?<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Does it\u00a0alter the dimensions, position, or detail<\/strong>?<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

\ud83d\udc49 If yes \u2014 it’s likely a variation<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u2705 2. Look for Formal Instructions or Requests<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Variations often come through formal communication like:<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Architect’s Instruction (AI)<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Engineer’s Instruction (EI)<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Client Request<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Site Instruction (SI)<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

These should be written and ideally refer to specific contract clauses allowing changes.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u2705 3. Consider the Types of Changes That Count as Variations<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/colgroup>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Change Type<\/p>\n<\/div><\/th>\n\n

\n

Variation?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/th>\n<\/tr>

\n

Design change<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n\n

\n

\u2705 Yes<\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>

\n

Quality\/specification change<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n\n

\n

\u2705 Yes<\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>

\n

Quantity increase\/decrease<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n\n

\n

\u2705 Yes<\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>

\n

Change in method or sequencing<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n\n

\n

\u2705 Possibly (if affects cost or time)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>

\n

Acceleration or delay<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n\n

\n

\u2705 Possibly (if instructed formally)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>

\n

Contractor’s own method change<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n\n

\n

\u274c Usually No (unless instructed\/approved)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u2705 4. Refer to the Variation Clause in the Contract<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Most construction contracts (e.g. FIDIC<\/strong>, NEC<\/strong>, JCT<\/strong>, etc.) have specific clauses that define what a variation<\/strong> is and how it should be handled.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Look for clauses like:<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>FIDIC 1999 Red Book:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Clause 13 (Variations and Adjustments)<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>JCT:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Clause 5.1 (Variations)<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>NEC:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Clause 60.1 (Compensation Events)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

\u2705 5. Has It Been Approved by the Engineer\/Contract Administrator?<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A variation order must usually be:<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Identified<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>via\u00a0RFI<\/em><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Measured\/valued<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Approved<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Instructed in writing<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t have written instruction or approval, it may not be considered a valid variation \u2014 even if the work has changed.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u2705 6. Look at Cost and Time Implications<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ask:<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Will this change affect the\u00a0contract sum<\/strong>?<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Will it impact the\u00a0project completion date<\/strong>?<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

If yes, it’s strong evidence of a variation \u2014 and may require a Variation Order<\/strong> and\/or an Extension of Time (EOT)<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Example Scenario:<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Original Contract:<\/strong>\u00a0Build a concrete wall 20m long, 3m high.<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Change:<\/strong>\u00a0Client instructs to increase height to 4m.<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Variation?<\/strong>\u00a0\u2705 Yes \u2014 change in quantity and scope.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

\ud83d\udd27 MEP Variation Scenario Example<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

\ud83d\udccc Original Contract Scope (as per BOQ\/drawings\/specifications):<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Electrical Works:<\/strong> Installation of LED light fixtures (Model A)<\/em> in all office areas.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Quantity:<\/strong> 100 units<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 2nd and 3rd floors<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f New Instruction Received:<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The consultant instructs the contractor to install smart lighting fixtures (Model B) with motion sensors and dimmers instead of Model A<\/em>.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Model B is more expensive<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Wiring needs to be modified<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Control system needs additional programming<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Delivery time is longer<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

\u2744\ufe0f HVAC Variation Order Scenario<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

\ud83d\udccc Original Contract Scope:<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

HVAC System Type:<\/strong> Ducted split AC system<\/em> for a commercial office building.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Specified Equipment:<\/strong> Standard efficiency units (COP: 3.2), brand\/model as per contract.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Coverage:<\/strong> All tenant office areas on Level 5.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f New Instruction \/ Site Condition:<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

During coordination, the client decides to upgrade to higher-efficiency inverter VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system<\/em> for energy savings and modern zoning control.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Requires change in equipment type and brand<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Requires additional refrigerant piping and controls<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Electrical load changes slightly (needs rechecking)<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Layout of indoor units and condensers also changes<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Civil works adjustments (slab opening for new pipe routing)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

\ud83d\udebf Plumbing Variation Order Scenario<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

\ud83d\udccc Original Contract Scope:<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Install UPVC drainage pipes for all internal soil and waste drainage lines<\/em> in a residential building.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pipe routing:<\/strong> To follow the drawings issued for construction (IFC).<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pipe size:<\/strong> 110 mm (for soil pipes), 75 mm (for waste pipes)<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Manholes and cleanouts as per standard layout<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f New Instruction \/ Site Condition:<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

After work begins on-site, the consultant issues a revised drawing requiring:<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>All underground drainage pipes to be changed from UPVC to\u00a0HDPE piping system with electrofusion welding<\/em>.<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Routing to be altered due to unexpected conflict with structural footings.<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Additional inspection chambers to be installed.<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Requirement to encase pipes in concrete where passing under driveways.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

\ud83d\udca1 Summary: How to Identify a Variation Order<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/colgroup>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Check<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/th>\n\n

\n

Details<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/th>\n<\/tr>

\n

Scope change?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n\n

\n

Compare with contract documents<\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>

\n

Formal instruction?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n\n

\n

Issued by client\/engineer\/architect<\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>

\n

Type of change?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n\n

\n

Design, quantity, quality, method<\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>

\n

Contract clause?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n\n

\n

Refer to variation clauses<\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>

\n

Approval status?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n\n

\n

Must be authorized<\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>

\n

Cost\/time impact?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n\n

\n

Variation usually affects one or both<\/p>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1931","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false,"yith-woocompare-image":false,"construction-light-medium":false,"construction-light-portfolio":false,"construction-light-team":false,"construction-light-post-format":false,"construction-light-aboutus":false,"woocommerce_thumbnail":false,"woocommerce_single":false,"woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":false,"shop_catalog":false,"shop_single":false,"shop_thumbnail":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"rsp","author_link":"https:\/\/rspqss.in\/index.php\/author\/rsp\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"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,…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rspqss.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1931","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rspqss.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rspqss.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rspqss.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rspqss.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1931"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/rspqss.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1931\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1934,"href":"https:\/\/rspqss.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1931\/revisions\/1934"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rspqss.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}