Variation Orders in Construction Projects
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'''Abstract | '''Abstract | ||
| − | Construction projects are complex long-term projects with dynamic nature. They bring together multiple parties within different disciplines and require them to work coherently in a designated area to construct a structure with a constrained budget within a specified time. | + | Construction projects are complex long-term projects with dynamic nature. They bring together multiple parties within different disciplines and require them to work coherently in a designated area to construct a structure with a constrained budget within a specified time. Most of the construction projects are incomplete in terms of design, procurement, contracting prior to the start of the construction due to their complex nature. Project properties are determined and finalized during the construction of the project and changes are exerted within the process. |
Although the ultimate goal during the planning phase would be to minimize the changes and unexpected situations, it is almost impossible to plan a construction project without subjecting it to change during the construction phase. While these changes may stem from so many different reasons like material quality, change in design, time considerations, etc. they can be minimized as much as possible with careful planning and execution. | Although the ultimate goal during the planning phase would be to minimize the changes and unexpected situations, it is almost impossible to plan a construction project without subjecting it to change during the construction phase. While these changes may stem from so many different reasons like material quality, change in design, time considerations, etc. they can be minimized as much as possible with careful planning and execution. | ||
| − | Any deviation from the work scope agreed in the contract is considered as a | + | Any deviation from the work scope agreed in the contract is considered as a variation in a project. A variation order (also called change order) is a formal document issued either by the contractor or the client for these changes in the project such as changes in the project scope, design, completion date, contract price, etc. |
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| + | By keeping in mind that variations will be needed at some point of the project, these possible changes must be foreseen before the start of the construction phase. To be able to protect the project from the unforeseen extra costs and disputes with the contractors, variation order format should be prepared carefully within the planning phase of the construction. Variation orders must be clear, have a detailed description of the work and contain the pricing and timing. | ||
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== Causes of Variation Orders == | == Causes of Variation Orders == | ||
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| + | == Elements of a Variation Order == | ||
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=== Disadvantages === | === Disadvantages === | ||
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| + | == Things to Avoid When Preparing Variation Orders == | ||
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| + | == Annotated Bibliography == | ||
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| + | The following list provides resources for further research and study on variation orders: | ||
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| + | *Fisk, E.R. Construction Project Administration, (5th edition), New Jersey: Prentice – Hall, 1997. | ||
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| + | *Levy, S.M. Project management in construction, 3rd edition, New York: John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2000. | ||
Revision as of 19:05, 13 February 2021
Abstract
Construction projects are complex long-term projects with dynamic nature. They bring together multiple parties within different disciplines and require them to work coherently in a designated area to construct a structure with a constrained budget within a specified time. Most of the construction projects are incomplete in terms of design, procurement, contracting prior to the start of the construction due to their complex nature. Project properties are determined and finalized during the construction of the project and changes are exerted within the process.
Although the ultimate goal during the planning phase would be to minimize the changes and unexpected situations, it is almost impossible to plan a construction project without subjecting it to change during the construction phase. While these changes may stem from so many different reasons like material quality, change in design, time considerations, etc. they can be minimized as much as possible with careful planning and execution.
Any deviation from the work scope agreed in the contract is considered as a variation in a project. A variation order (also called change order) is a formal document issued either by the contractor or the client for these changes in the project such as changes in the project scope, design, completion date, contract price, etc.
By keeping in mind that variations will be needed at some point of the project, these possible changes must be foreseen before the start of the construction phase. To be able to protect the project from the unforeseen extra costs and disputes with the contractors, variation order format should be prepared carefully within the planning phase of the construction. Variation orders must be clear, have a detailed description of the work and contain the pricing and timing.
Contents |
Variation Order: Definition & Content
Causes of Variation Orders
Elements of a Variation Order
Impacts of Variation Orders
Benefits
Disadvantages
Things to Avoid When Preparing Variation Orders
Annotated Bibliography
The following list provides resources for further research and study on variation orders:
- Fisk, E.R. Construction Project Administration, (5th edition), New Jersey: Prentice – Hall, 1997.
- Levy, S.M. Project management in construction, 3rd edition, New York: John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2000.
