This document discusses variations orders and how to deal with changes to construction works. It explains that a variation order is a contractually binding document that allows changes to the original design, quality or quantity. It must clearly state what is changing and be properly documented. For small contracts, any changes also need to be in writing, though there may be more disputes over additional work. Responsibility for dealing with variations depends on the business, but customers generally need a reasonable estimate first. Monitoring the workforce is also important to consider safety, costs and work quality.

1. L3 Plumbing Unit 2 Organise resources within
building services engineering
© Pearson Education Ltd 2012. Printing and photocopying permitted.
1
Know how to oversee building
services work

2. L3 Plumbing Unit 2 Organise resources within
building services engineering
© Pearson Education Ltd 2012. Printing and photocopying permitted.
2
A Variation Order:
● is a contractually binding document
● allows an architect (or official company representative) to make
changes to the design, quality or quantity of the building and/or its
components
● clearly states exactly what will change from the original
● is usually issued by the architect’s representative on site
● addresses disputes in the contractor/customer relationship over
additional work/changes to the work programme
● needs to be properly documented
● needs to agree a daywork rate prior to start of contract.
Specify how to deal with variations to works

3. L3 Plumbing Unit 2 Organise resources within
building services engineering
© Pearson Education Ltd 2012. Printing and photocopying permitted.
3
● There won’t normally be an architect .
● Usual practice is for you to pass it on to your employer to deal with.
● Don’t commit to any additional work without confirmation from the
customer.
● Any changes need to be in writing.
● Likely to be more disputes in the contractor/customer relationship over
additional work/changes.
● May have to give the client an estimate for the work to be undertaken.
Variations to small contracts

4. L3 Plumbing Unit 2 Organise resources within
building services engineering
© Pearson Education Ltd 2012. Printing and photocopying permitted.
4
Responsibility
● Varies from business to business.
● In a small company you may be expected to give a price for the contract
and collect the money before you leave the site after finishing the work.
● Customer would need a reasonable estimate before the work begins:
● company should have procedures in place for this
● there should be set prices for the job e.g. changing float valve
● should have a standard rate to charge the customer
● can be £’s per ¼ of an hour
● these companies would provide PDA’s, iPads, iPods with
applications pre-loaded onto the computer for operatives.

5. L3 Plumbing Unit 2 Organise resources within
building services engineering
© Pearson Education Ltd 2012. Printing and photocopying permitted.
5
Monitoring the workforce
During contracts, whether large or small, you may have to monitor
progress.
The factors you need to supervise are:
● safety
● cost-effectiveness of the job
● quality of workmanship.

6. L3 Plumbing Unit 2 Organise resources within
building services engineering
© Pearson Education Ltd 2012. Printing and photocopying permitted.
5
Monitoring the workforce
During contracts, whether large or small, you may have to monitor
progress.
The factors you need to supervise are:
● safety
● cost-effectiveness of the job
● quality of workmanship.