Variation Orders in Construction Projects

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 within a specified time to construct a structure. Since most of these projects are big and complex, they are not completed in terms of design, procurement, contracting before the start of the construction. Therefore, it may be such that the changes along the way are inevitable. 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 should be handled carefully and minimized as much as possible.

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 unwanted situations and more problems with the contractors, variation order format should be prepared within the planning phase of the construction and later on should be utilized in each variation.