What is a Variation/Change order under FIDIC 1999
What is a Variation/Change order
Also called as variation orders or change orders. Any modification or change to works agreed in the contract is treated as a variation. These modifications can be divided into three main categories.
- Addition to the work agreed in the contract.
- Omission to work agreed in the contract.
- Substitution or alteration to work agreed in the contract.
FIDIC 1999 Clause 13- Variation and adjustments
The modern construction industry is developing rapidly day by day. New technologies, materials are introduced every day. Also, the clients are not always satisfied with the first design, and they intend to revise it all the time. Another main reason for change orders is funding problems. Whenever the client realise that they are under budget, they want to revise the design and reduce the cost. So it is inevitable to finish a project with the design agreed at the initial stage. Therefore variations might be (as per FIDIC 99),
- Revisions to the design
- Adjustment of the sequence of work
- Adjustments to quality
- Changes to levels, positions and dimensions of any part of the works
- Changes to working conditions
- Alterations to the quantities of any item of work ( may not always be treated as a variation)
But importantly, the contractor should agree to change the fundamental nature of the works. Also, the client or consultant cannot omit and reward it to another contractor without the contractor agreeing to it. read more
