Construction Management 3/8

Variation orders: Navigating unforeseen changes in construction

In the unpredictable realm of construction, where surprises and unforseen events are inevitable, a proactive approach to handling these issues and accommodating new requirements is crucial. By dedicating time to comprehend and anticipate potential changes upfront, construction projects can navigate the complexities with greater ease and efficiency.

Koen van der Perk , CEO of Xperk, formulates it as follows.

Transparancy in cost, schedule, risk and quality is key to managing expectations for all parties involved. It can only be achieved with a clear and mutual understanding of the (contract) processes and well established communication lines.

From my own experience, I would like to add that on any given project there are a multitude of software tools to; engineer, analyse, administrate, visualize construction projects, etc. If we want to become more competitive as an industry, we need to ensure information can be exchanged more seamlessly between tools and stakeholders. (See my previous article on the concept op a Linked #CDE).

1. Project analysis: Uncovering challenges and variations

Before breaking ground, invest valuable time in a thorough project analysis. This involves comprehensive research to identify potential challenges and variations that may arise during the construction process. By anticipating these issues in the early stages, project teams can develop proactive strategies to address them.

Benefits:

- Risk mitigation: Identifying potential challenges allows for the development of risk mitigation strategies.

- Cost and time savings: Proactively addressing issues upfront reduces the likelihood of costly disruptions later in the project.

2. Transparent change process: Streamlining variation orders

Implementation of a clear and transparent process for handling variation orders is instrumental in maintaining project momentum. A variation order is a formal request to alter the original scope of work, and having a well-defined process ensures that changes are understood, documented, and seamlessly integrated into the project plan.

Benefits:

- Communication clarity: Clearly defined processes enhance communication, ensuring all stakeholders are on the same page.

- Efficient project management: Streamlining the handling of variation orders contributes to efficient project execution.

3.?Mitigated surprises: Minimizing disruptions and delays

One of the primary advantages of investing in upfront analysis and establishing transparent change processes is the mitigation of surprises. Unforeseen changes can disrupt workflows, cause delays, and impact project costs. By identifying potential challenges early on, surprises are minimized, allowing the project team to address issues promptly and maintain project momentum.

Practical outcomes:

- Adaptability: Armed with knowledge from the project analysis, the team can adapt to changes more effectively.

- Continuous progress: Minimizing disruptions contributes to a smoother and more continuous project progression.

4. Smooth change implementation: Integrating changes seamlessly

Efficient change implementation is a direct result of a transparent change process. When variation orders are seamlessly integrated into the project plan, there is minimal impact on ongoing activities. This ensures that the construction process remains agile, adaptable, and capable of accommodating modifications without causing significant disruptions.

Practical outcomes:

- Cost control: Streamlined processes contribute to better cost control, preventing unexpected budget overruns.

- Client satisfaction: Smooth change implementation enhances overall project satisfaction by demonstrating adaptability and responsiveness.