commercial implications of the instructed variations

Ensure the work is relevant to the UK construction industry, including applicable contract forms, regulations, and industry practices.

Below are few questions from other students and answers from instructors:

1) Question from student:

In regard to the four variations, which of the following scenarios is correct?

1- The depth and configuration is just one variation, applied to 4 pile caps (according to the drawings) makes it 4 variation.

2- The depth of pile cap is one variation, where the configuration of the piles are another, as for the remaining last two variations we need to make assumptions.(I lean more towards this approach).

I appreciate everyone to share their views

Answer from instructor:

As the assessment scenario states, “the clients design team introduced changes to the buildings substructure and issued four variation instructions to the contractor…”, it suggests that variations in the scenario are related to the substructure. So, if you have taken an approach to assume the other two/three variations in relation to the substructure, that is sensible and appropriate.

Please make sure you state your assumptions clearly. As long as they are sensible and justified, they will be considered appropriate within the context of the assessment.

2) Question from student

I assume I can relay these variations into NEC4 option C contract type, as this is the preferred method of contract for civils in the industry due to the uncertainty the civils scope entails. Would it be preferred we reference contract clauses for assessing compensation events 61-65 and payment etc etc??

Answer from instructor:

Yes, it will be better to refer to the relevant clauses. Please state your assumptions (e.g. Type of contract) clearly.

3) Question from Student

Am I right to assume that for Task 1, it’s a report with assumptions about impact on cost, time, etc. but more an explanation of the impact and that would mean for the main contractor as opposed to actual calculations, etc. For clarity, I haven’t made any assumptions about contract sum and the increase to this in terms of actual figures within the report. Am I on the right track or should I be including calculations within the report, or is it enough to reference the 5% variation more generally?

Answer from instructor:

Yes, you are right. You are not expected to present actual calculations or carry out a detailed quantitative analysis for Task 1. Your report should focus on a qualitative analysis, using reasonable assumptions and considering the 5% variation in a general sense.