Client's changed their mind mid-job? Issue a variation in two minutes, before you down tools.
For subbies and small firms on live jobs where the client is asking for extras or changes and you need written confirmation before you do it.
Sound familiar?
- “Client wants me to swap the spec. I said yes. Now there's no paper trail.”
- “I've done three extras this month and I'm not sure which ones they've agreed to pay for.”
- “Main contractor keeps saying 'just get it done, we'll sort it'. We never sort it.”
- “I don't want to seem difficult, but I've been burned by this before.”
What this tool does
Generates a one-page variation order with scope, price, programme impact, and signature line. Fills in client, site, original contract reference, and a dated variation number. Exports to PDF.
Variations are the number one cause of domestic client disputes. A written, signed variation order before the work starts is the single best protection. Record what changed, why, the price impact, the programme impact, and get both signatures.
Disclaimer: This form records a change to agreed work. It is not a contract and does not replace legal advice on complex variations. Both parties should sign before the varied work starts.
Job Details
What the law actually says
- •Oral variations are technically enforceable in most construction contracts, but proving the terms is almost impossible. Written beats verbal every time.
- •A valid variation sets out the change in scope, the price (or method of pricing), and any impact on the programme. Missing any of these lets the client push back later.
- •JCT, NEC and bespoke sub-contracts all require written variation notices to a specific timeline. Missing the timeline can lose you the claim entirely.
What to do next
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