As the construction industry continues to grow, it is important for contractors and clients to establish clear guidelines for how they will handle variations in a construction project. One of the most important clauses to include in a construction contract is the variation clause.

The variation clause is a section of a construction contract that outlines how changes to the original scope of work will be handled. It establishes a formal process for making changes to the project and ensures that both parties are protected from disputes and legal action.

The variation clause generally includes details such as how variations will be communicated, how cost and time impacts will be assessed and how disputes will be resolved. It is important to ensure that the language used in the clause is clear and unambiguous, as misunderstandings can lead to costly disputes.

One key aspect of the variation clause is the requirement for written consent from both parties before any variations can be made. This ensures that both parties are aware of any changes to the project, and have agreed to the proposed changes before work is carried out.

In addition, the variation clause should outline how extra costs or delays caused by variations will be dealt with. This includes details such as how the additional costs will be quantified, how they will be invoiced and how the project timeline will be impacted.

It is important to note that the variation clause is not a license for clients to make unlimited changes to the project. The clause should outline clear boundaries for what constitutes a valid variation and what does not. The scope of the variation clause should be limited to changes that are necessary for the successful completion of the project.

In conclusion, the variation clause is an essential component of any construction contract. It provides a clear framework for handling changes to the project scope, which helps to ensure that both parties are protected from disputes and legal action. As a professional, it is important to ensure that the language used in the clause is clear and unambiguous, to avoid any misunderstandings that could lead to costly disputes.