Variations - Owner Builder Club
Resolving a dispute with a builder

Variations during a build are likely to occur so accepting it’s a possibility upfront is a good thing.

You might want to make a change for the better (or remove certain work), the builder may recommend a change for the better or an unexpected situation may arise through no fault of anyone.

You need to draw on those good communication skills of yours and work through the variation to avoid any disputes.

Here’s what’s important:

1. You get a cost of the variation in writing BEFORE the work is carried out.
2. You check if the variation needs Council approval.
3. You understand the requirements of the variation e.g. description, materials, time to complete.
4. Both parties sign off on the variations before work is carried out.