ABSTRACT
Most contract conditions contain provisions whereby varied work, and/or contract work affected by variations, qualifies for a revised rate if it can be demonstrated that the work has changed in character and/or conditions from that reasonably apparent from the original contract documents. In practice, most Clients' and Contractors' quantity surveyors tend to overlook these provisions and simply use the original bill or schedule of rates rather like a 'shopping list'. Equally, it is possible to show that areas of the original contract work have been similarly affected by variations, and they may also be subject to rerating. By maximising these avenues during the course of the works, it is possible to improve profitability and give one a negotiating position when seeking agreement of variation costs.
