A variation account in relation to quantity surveying is a record that tracks changes, additions, or omissions to the original scope of work outlined in a construction contract. Variations can arise due to design changes, differing site conditions, changes in client requirements, or other factors that impact the initial scope, cost, or schedule of a project.
In the context of quantity surveying, a variation account serves several purposes:
- Documentation: A variation account documents all the changes to the original scope of work, providing a clear and organized record of adjustments made during the construction process.
- Cost management: The variation account helps to monitor and manage the financial impact of changes on the project’s budget. Quantity surveyors use the information in the variation account to update cost estimates and ensure that any additional costs are accurately accounted for and fairly allocated among the project stakeholders.
- Contract administration: By maintaining a variation account, quantity surveyors can ensure that contractual requirements related to variations are fulfilled, such as providing written notice, obtaining necessary approvals, or implementing change orders.
- Dispute resolution: A well-maintained variation account can help prevent or resolve disputes between project stakeholders, as it provides a transparent record of all changes and their corresponding financial implications.
A variation account typically includes information such as a description of each variation, the reason for the change, the impact on the project’s cost and schedule, and any relevant approvals or contractual requirements. Quantity surveyors play a crucial role in managing variation accounts, as they are responsible for assessing the cost implications of changes, negotiating fair compensation, and ensuring that the contractual provisions related to variations are followed.
