Construction Glossary
Variation
Definition
A variation is an authorised change to the scope of work after the contract is agreed. It can add, remove or alter work, and it adjusts the contract sum and sometimes the programme. Variations are usually valued using the rates in the bill of quantities, or by dayworks where no rate applies. They are how a contract copes with change without being torn up.
Things change on site, the client wants something different, the design is revised, or conditions are not as expected. A variation captures that change formally so the work and its cost are recorded and agreed.
Where the bill of quantities has a relevant rate, the variation is valued using it. Where it does not, it may be priced by a fair rate or on dayworks. Clear instructions and records keep variations clean.
Why it matters
Unrecorded changes are where builders lose money. If you carry out extra work without a proper variation, you may never get paid for it. Pricing variations against an agreed bill of quantities means change is valued fairly and you are paid for what you do.
We give you a properly measured bill of quantities so variations have agreed rates and changes can be valued and paid without a fight.
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