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What is a variation register and how do you keep one?
A variation register is one list of every change on a project. Each line shows the date, the source, the cause, the contract clause, the cost, the time effect and the status. Kept daily, it prevents lost claims.
Columns to include
- Reference number and date raised.
- Description of the change.
- Source: instruction, drawing, email or meeting.
- Contract clause and notice due date.
- Estimated cost and time effect.
- Status: raised, priced, submitted, approved, paid or disputed.
- Link to the evidence.
How to keep it current
Review project files every day. New drawings, RFIs, site instructions and emails are the usual sources. Add a line the moment a change appears. Add the notice due date at once, so nothing slips.
What it gives you
- Notices sent on time.
- A running total of unpriced change.
- A ready made claim at the end of the job.
- One place for the project manager, the engineer and the commercial team.
Related answers
Questions
Is a spreadsheet enough?
For one job, yes. Across many jobs, you need a shared system and a daily owner.
Who should own the register?
One named person. A register everyone edits and nobody owns goes stale.
Need this done for your project?