Commercial control

Variation

A change to the agreed scope, design, quantity, sequence or conditions that is valued under the applicable quote or contract terms.

Alphabetised construction reference cards beside a drawing and scale ruler
Construction glossaryCategory: Commercial control.
Definition

A change to the agreed scope, design, quantity, sequence or conditions that is valued under the applicable quote or contract terms.

Why it matters

Variations should be instructed, priced and recorded so the project team can track their effect on cost and programme.

Example in practice

The client instructs a different floor finish and the contractor records the material and labour adjustment before ordering.

Use the term carefully

State the scope, amount, adjustment method or contract meaning whenever this term could change who carries cost or risk.