Variation
A change to the original agreed scope of work, price, or timeline during a renovation project, which should be documented in writing before the work is carried out.
A variation is any change to the original agreed plan for your renovation project. It might involve adding new work, removing planned work, changing materials, or adjusting the design. The term is used more commonly in the UK and Australia, while the equivalent in the US is a change order.
Common reasons for variations
- Design changes — you decide to move a socket, change a tile, or add a feature that was not in the original plan
- Unforeseen conditions — opening up a wall reveals damp, rot, asbestos, or outdated wiring that must be dealt with
- Material availability — your chosen product is out of stock or discontinued, requiring a substitute
- Regulatory requirements — a building inspector requires additional work (e.g., fire-stopping, structural reinforcement) not anticipated in the original scope
- Budget adjustments — you decide to upgrade or downgrade certain finishes as the project progresses
How variations should be handled
Every variation should be documented in writing before the work is carried out. A variation notice should include:
- A clear description of the change
- The reason for the change
- The cost impact (increase or decrease)
- The time impact (delay or acceleration)
- Agreement from both homeowner and contractor
Without written documentation, variations are the single biggest source of renovation disputes. “I thought that was included” is a conversation you want to avoid.
Managing variation costs
Variations often increase the total project cost. To keep control:
- Ask for a priced variation before approving the work
- Track all variations in a running log alongside your original scope of work
- Review the cumulative cost impact regularly — several small variations can add up to a significant overspend
- Where possible, use rates from the original quotation or bill of quantities to price new work consistently