Variation Order in Construction: A Quick Guide
轻松掌握工程变更单：施工管理速查指南
There’s a change order process to manage when there are requests for something new or altered in a construction project. A variation order is also instrumental in managing change. This is especially important in construction, where the project often undergoes many changes.
当建设项目中出现新增或修改需求时，需通过工程变更管理流程进行管控。工程变更单（VO） 是管理此类变更的核心工具。这在施工领域尤为重要，因为项目过程中往往会发生大量变更。
What is a variation order? We’ll define the term and explain when to use one and who requests and approves it. Then we’ll break down the components of variation orders and illustrate how they work in a real-life situation by providing an illustrated example.
什么是工程变更单（VO）？我们将定义工程变更单，并阐明其使用场景、提出方及审批方。随后，我们将解析工程变更单的核心要素，并通过示例说明其在实际项目中的运作方式。
What Is a Variation Order?
什么是工程变更单（VO）？
A variation order is a formal document issued to modify the original contract terms, typically concerning the scope of work, materials, design or project timeline. Variations may arise due to design changes, unforeseen site conditions or client requests.
工程变更单（VO）是一份用于修改原始合同条款的正式文件，通常涉及工作范围、材料、设计或项目时间节点。此类变更可能源于设计调整、不可预见的现场条件或客户要求。
The variation order outlines the changes, their impact on the project cost and schedule, and is agreed upon by both the contractor and client before implementation. It ensures clear communication and proper documentation of adjustments to prevent disputes.
该文件详细说明变更内容、其对项目成本及进度的影响，并须经承包商与客户双方确认后方可实施。工程变更单（VO）旨在确保变更沟通清晰、记录完备，从而有效避免纠纷。
Project management software can help with managing variation orders. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with robust Gantt charts that visually represent the project timeline, tasks, dependencies and milestones, which can be used to assess the impact of variation order on the project schedule and resources.
项目管理软件可有效管理工程变更单（VO）。ProjectManager 是一款行业领先的项目与项目组合管理软件，其强大的甘特图功能可直观呈现项目时间节点、任务、依赖关系及里程碑，助力精准评估工程变更单（VO）对项目进度与资源的影响。
Project managers can quickly identify which dependent tasks may be delayed and estimate how the overall completion date will be impacted, including additional resources that may be required. Our Gantt chart links all four types of task dependencies, filters for the critical path and can set a baseline to monitor progress in real time and make sure the additional tasks are completed on schedule. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.
项目经理可迅速识别可能受影响的关联任务及潜在延误，预测整体完工日期的变动，并评估所需额外资源。我们的甘特图具备以下核心能力：全面关联四种任务依赖关系关键路径自动筛选基线设定与实时进度监控，确保新增任务按期完成立即免费试用 ProjectManager，开启高效变更管理之旅！
When to Use a Variation Order
何时需使用工程变更单（VO）？
A variation order should be used in a construction project when there’s a need to formally change the terms of the original contract. This includes any adjustments to the scope of work, design, materials, costs, timelines or other contractual obligations. Here are common scenarios when a variation order is necessary.
当建设项目中需要正式修改原始合同条款时，即应启用工程变更单（VO）。这包括对工作范围、设计、材料、成本、时间节点或其他合同约定的任何调整。以下为需要签发工程变更单（VO）的典型场景。
Design or Scope Changes
设计或范围变更
The client requests additional features or modifications to the original design.
客户要求新增功能项或修改原始设计方案。
Errors, omissions or ambiguities in the design are discovered that require clarification or adjustments.
发现设计存在错误、疏漏或歧义，需进行澄清或调整。
The contractor suggests improvements that could enhance quality, reduce costs or improve efficiency.
承包商提出旨在提升质量、降低成本或提高效率的优化方案。
Site Conditions and Unforeseen Issues
现场条件和不可预见的问题
Unexpected site conditions are encountered, such as poor soil quality, underground utilities or archaeological findings.
施工中发现不可预见地质状况：如不良地质、地下既有管线或文物遗迹
Environmental factors like flooding, landslides or weather damage affect construction progress.
突发环境因素阻碍施工进度：包括洪水、山体滑坡及气候灾害
Regulatory or Compliance Changes
法规或合规性变更
New regulations, safety standards or building codes are introduced after the project begins.
项目执行期间颁布新强制性标准：含新法规、安全规范或建筑标准
Inspection authorities require changes to meet compliance requirements.
监管机构要求强制整改以满足合规要求
Material or Equipment Substitutions
材料或设备替换
Specified materials are unavailable, and alternative materials need to be used.
指定材料不可获得，需启用替代方案
Equipment specified in the contract is no longer suitable due to unforeseen conditions.
合同约定设备因不可预见条件丧失适用性
Time Extensions or Delays
工期顺延管理
Project delays occur due to factors beyond the contractor’s control, such as adverse weather, supply chain disruptions or labor shortages.
因承包商不可控因素导致工期延误：含极端气候、供应链中断或劳动力短缺
A variation order can formalize a time extension to adjust project timelines.
工程变更单（VO）可正式确认工期顺延，调整项目时间节点
Budget Adjustments
预算调整
Changes in labor or material costs may require a re-evaluation of the budget.
人工/材料成本变动触发造价动态调整
Additional work or unforeseen conditions may result in increased costs that need client approval.
增量工程或不可预见条件导致成本超支需业主书面签认
Client or Stakeholder Requests
客户或利益相关者请求
Clients may change their preferences mid-project, asking for aesthetic modifications or functional adjustments.
客户中途变更需求：涉及美学修正或功能重构
Stakeholders might request changes to accommodate business needs or operational improvements.
利益相关者可能会请求更改以适应业务需求或运营改进。
Who Requests a Variation Order
工程变更单（VO）发起主体
Different parties involved in a construction project can request a variation order, depending on the situation. The most common roles requesting a variation order include the following.
参与建设项目的不同各方可以根据情况请求变更命令。请求变更订单的最常见角色包括以下内容。工程建设相关方可根据合同约定及现场实际，发起工程变更单（VO）
Client or Project Owner
客户或项目负责人
The client may request a variation order to make design changes, add new features or adjust project requirements.
客户可以请求工程变更单（VO）以进行设计更改，添加新功能或调整项目要求。
They might also request changes due to evolving business needs, regulatory updates or aesthetic preferences.
他们还可能会因不断变化的业务需求、监管更新或审美偏好而要求进行更改。
Contractor
承包商
The contractor may identify unforeseen site conditions, such as poor soil or hidden utilities, that require additional work or changes to the construction plan.
承包商可能会识别出不可预见的现场条件，例如不良地质或隐藏的公用设施，这些条件需要增量工程或对施工计划进行更改。
They may also propose variations to improve constructability, reduce costs or meet safety requirements.
他们还可以提出变化，以提高施工能力，降低成本或满足安全要求。
Architect or Designer
建筑师或设计师
Architects or designers may request a variation order if they identify design flaws, omissions or discrepancies in the project drawings or specifications.
如果建筑师或设计师发现项目图纸或规范中的设计缺陷、遗漏或差异，他们可以要求工程变更单（VO）。
They may also suggest modifications to enhance functionality or aesthetics.
它们还可以建议改进以增强功能性或美观性。
Engineer
工程师
Structural, civil or MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) engineers may request changes due to technical issues, unforeseen site conditions or changes in material availability.
结构、土木或机电（含管道）工程师可能因技术问题、现场条件变化或材料供应情况提出变更申请。
They may also recommend variations to ensure structural integrity and compliance with regulations.
他们还可以推荐变化，以确保结构完整性和符合法规。
Project Manager or Consultant
项目经理或顾问
The project manager may identify the need for a variation order to mitigate delays, reallocate resources or address issues affecting project timelines.
项目经理可能发起工程变更单（VO） 以缓解时间节点、优化资源配置或解决影响项时间节点的问题。
Consultants responsible for quality assurance or regulatory compliance may also suggest changes.
负责质量保证或合规审查的顾问亦可能提出变更建
Regulatory Authorities
监管当局
In some cases, building inspectors or regulatory agencies may require changes to meet updated codes, safety standards or environmental regulations.
在某些情况下，建筑检查员或监管机构可能需要进行更改，以满足更新的规范，安全标准或环境法规。
Who Approves a Variation Order?
谁批准变更单？
A variation order is typically approved by the party or parties with contractual authority over the project. The approval process ensures that the proposed changes are justified, budgeted and aligned with the project’s goals. The key individuals or entities that may approve a variation order include the following.
工程变更单（VO）常由对项目具有合同授权的一方或多方批准。审批流程确保提议的变更是合理的，预算的，并与项目的目标保持一致。可以批准变更订单的关键个人或实体包括以下内容。
Client or Project Owner
客户或项目负责人
The primary approver in most cases, since they are responsible for funding the project.
在大多数情况下，主要批准人，因为他们负责为项目提供资金。
The client evaluates the financial and timeline impacts before approving.
客户在批准之前评估财务和时间表影响。
They may involve their legal or financial advisors for larger variations.
他们可能会让他们的法律或财务顾问参与更大的变化。
Project Manager
项目经理
Often plays a role in reviewing the variation order for feasibility, cost-effectiveness and its impact on the project schedule.
通常在审查工程变更单（VO）的可行性，成本效益及其对项目进度的影响方面发挥作用。
While they may not have the final authority, they provide recommendations to the client.
虽然他们可能没有最终的权力，但他们向客户提供建议。
Contractor
承包商
May need to approve the variation order if it affects their contractual obligations, timelines or resource management.
工程变更单（VO）涉及其合同义务、时间节点或资源管理权限，承包商需参与审批。
In some cases, the contractor might also negotiate for adjustments in payment or schedule.
特殊情况下，承包商可商请调整工程款支付或进度计划。
Architect or Designer
建筑师或设计师
Approves variations that involve design changes to ensure the changes align with architectural intent and building codes.
批准涉及设计变更的变更，以确保变更符合建筑意图和建筑规范。
Provides technical input regarding the feasibility of the proposed changes.
提供有关拟议变更可行性的技术输入。
Engineer
工程师
If the variation order involves structural or technical modifications, the engineer must assess the impact on safety, stability and compliance with engineering standards.
如果工程变更单（VO）涉及结构或技术修改，工程师必须评估对安全性、稳定性和符合工程标准的影响。
Quantity Surveyor or Cost Consultant
工料测量师或成本顾问
Reviews the financial impact of the variation order, ensuring accurate cost estimates are provided before approval.
工程变更单（VO）的财务影响，确保在批准前提供准确的成本估算。
Regulatory Authorities (If Necessary)
监管机构 (如有必要)
For variations that affect safety standards, zoning regulations or building codes, the relevant regulatory authority may need to approve the changes.
对于影响安全标准，分区法规或建筑法规的变更，可能需要相关监管机构批准变更。
What Should Be Included in a Variation Order?
变更订单中应包括哪些内容？
A variation order is a formal document to request and approve changes to a construction project’s original contract. It serves as an essential record of any adjustments in scope, timeline or budget. To ensure clarity and transparency, a well-structured variation order should include the following elements.
工程变更单（VO）是用于提请并核批建设工程项目原合同变更的正式法律文书。该文件作为工程范围、工期节点及成本预算调整的核心依据，其结构规范应包含以下要素以确保条款明晰、流程透明：
Project Details
项目详情
Provide basic information about the project, including:
提供项目的基本信息，包括:
Project name and location
项目名称和位置
Contract number or reference
合同编号或参考
Client’s and contractor’s names
客户和承包商的名称
Date of the variation order
工程变更单（VO）的日期
This ensures all parties can easily reference the correct project and context.
这确保所有各方都可以轻松引用正确的项目和上下文。
Description of Change
工程变更单（VO）说明
Clearly outline the nature of the variation.
清楚地勾勒出变异的性质。
Specify what is being added, removed or modified, including details about materials, design or scope.
指定要添加、删除或修改的内容，包括有关材料、设计或范围的详细信息。
Explain the reason for the change, whether it’s due to client requests, unforeseen site conditions or regulatory requirements.
解释工程变更单（VO）的原因，无论是由于客户要求、不可预见的现场条件还是法规要求。
Change Impact
变更影响
Provide a detailed analysis of how the variation will affect the project’s:
详细分析变更将如何影响项目的:
Cost: Estimate any additional costs or cost savings.
成本: 估算任何额外成本或成本节省。
Time: Specify any changes to the project schedule, including revised milestones or completion dates.
时间: 指定对项目进度的任何更改，包括修订的里程碑或完成日期。
Resources: Indicate if extra labor, materials, or equipment will be required.
资源: 指出是否需要额外的劳动力、材料或设备。
This section ensures that stakeholders understand the full impact of the change.
本节确保利益相关者了解变更的全部影响。
Signatures
签名
Include designated spaces for signatures from key stakeholders, typically:
包括关键利益相关者签名的指定空间，通常为:
Client or project owner
客户或项目负责人
Contractor or subcontractor
承包商或分包商
Project manager or consultant
项目经理或顾问
The signed approval formalizes acceptance of the variation order.
签署的批准正式接受工程变更单（VO）。
Supporting Documents
支持文件
Attach any relevant documentation to provide additional context or justification, such as:
附加任何相关文档以提供其他上下文或理由，例如:
Revised drawings or blueprints
修订后的图纸或蓝图
Cost estimates or quotations
成本估算或报价
Schedules and timelines
时间表和时间表
Correspondence or meeting notes
信件或会议记录
Supporting documents ensure that all details are accurately recorded and accessible for future reference.
证明文件确保所有细节都被准确记录并可供将来参考。
By including these elements, a variation order becomes a clear, comprehensive document that facilitates effective communication and decision-making in construction projects.
完备的工程变更单（VO）应包含上述要素，方能形成条理清晰、内容周全的法律文书，为建设工程项目中的高效沟通与审批决策提供制度保障。
Variation Order Example
变更顺序示例
To better understand what a variation order is, let’s look at how it works in a real-life scenario. For example, a change order for a construction project that consists of adding additional parking spaces to an apartment complex.
为深入理解工程变更单（VO）的实务运作，现以住宅小区工程增设停车位的典型场景为例说明：某公寓项目施工期间，业主提出增建50个露天停车位。项目经理据此签发变更指令（工程变更单），要求：■ 结构工程师重新验算地基承载力■ 造价工程师编制新增工程量清单（含土方/沥青/标线工程）■ 监理单位协调既有管线迁改方案
Change Description
变更说明
Change Impact
变更影响
Sign Offs
签署
The above charts illustrate how a variation order would be done in the construction of additional parking spaces in an apartment complex.
上述图表说明了如何在公寓大楼中建造额外的停车位时执行工程变更单（VO）。
Variation Order Template
工程变更单（VO）模板
To help with the variation order process, download this free change request form template for Word, which is another way to describe a variation order.
为了帮助变更订单流程，请下载Word的此免费更改请求表单模板，这是描述变更订单的另一种方式。
This is an essential part of the change management process and helps to make sure the change is thoroughly and smoothly implemented.
这是变更管理流程的重要组成部分，有助于确保变更得到彻底和顺利的实施。
Related Construction Project Management Templates
相关施工项目管理模板:
A variation order template is one of over 100 free project management templates for Excel and Word that can be downloaded from our site. They cover all aspects of managing a project across multiple industries. Below are a few that are related to the change management process.
工程变更单（VO）模板是Excel和Word的100多个免费项目管理模板之一，可以从我们的网站下载。它们涵盖了跨多个行业管理项目的所有方面。下面是一些与变更管理过程相关的内容。
Change Management Plan Template
变更管理计划模板
Download this free change management plan template for Word to outline how changes will be identified, assessed, approved and implemented within a project. It serves as a guide for managing both anticipated and unexpected changes, ensuring minimal disruption to the project’s progress.
下载这个免费的Word变更管理计划模板，概述如何在项目中识别、评估、批准和实施变更。它作为管理预期和意外变化的指南，确保对项目进度的干扰最小。
Change Impact Assessment Template
变更影响评估模板
Use this free change impact assessment template for Excel to evaluate the potential effects of a proposed change on a project. It helps stakeholders understand how the change will impact various aspects of the project, including time, cost, resources and overall objectives. This template is often used as part of the change management process to make informed decisions before approving or rejecting a change request.
使用此适用于Excel的免费更改影响评估模板，评估建议的更改对项目的潜在影响。它帮助利益相关者了解变更将如何影响项目的各个方面，包括时间，成本，资源和总体目标。此模板通常用作变更管理流程的一部分，以便在批准或拒绝变更请求之前做出明智的决策。
Change Log Template
更改日志模板
A change log is a spreadsheet used to track and manage changes in a project. Download this free change log template for Excel to provide a clear and organized way to document details about change requests, their status and their impact on the project. Using this free template makes it easy to filter, sort and analyze data, ensuring that all changes are properly monitored and managed.
变更日志是用于跟踪和管理项目变更的电子表格。下载此免费的Excel更改日志模板，以提供清晰有序的方式来记录有关更改请求，其状态及其对项目的影响的详细信息。使用此免费模板可以轻松过滤，排序和分析数据，确保正确监控和管理所有更改。
How ProjectManager Helps With Change Management
ProjectManager如何帮助进行变更管理
Change management is too dynamic to depend on static templates to manage implementation into construction projects. Construction crews need tools that don’t have to be manually updated and can provide a more collaborative environment. That’s why they choose construction project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio construction management software that allows project managers to track, assess and implement changes systematically while maintaining control over timeline, budgets and resources.
变更管理过于动态，无法依靠静态模板来管理施工项目的实施。施工人员需要无需手动更新的工具，并且可以提供更具协作性的环境。这就是他们选择建筑项目管理软件的原因。ProjectManager是屡获殊荣的项目和投资组合构建管理软件，允许项目经理跟踪，评估和系统地实施变更，同时保持对时间表，预算和资源的控制。
Manage Tasks and Resources Effectively
有效地管理任务和资源
After a change is approved, new tasks can be assigned to team members with deadlines and priorities. Because their availability has been set when onboarded and human and nonhuman resources are scheduled on the Gantt chart, project managers can ensure the right people and materials are there to make the assigned changes.
批准变更后，可以将新任务分配给具有截止日期和优先级的团队成员。因为它们的可用性是在已上市时设置的，并且在甘特图上安排了人力和非人力资源，所以项目经理可以确保有合适的人员和材料来进行分配的更改。
Workload charts show resource allocation across one or multiple projects, so it’s easy to see who is overallocated or underutilized. The team’s workload can be balanced to keep them all working at capacity without causing burnout. There’s also a team page to get a daily or weekly summary of team activity, which can be filtered by progress or priority and tasks updated without leaving the page.
工作负载图表显示跨一个或多个项目的资源分配，因此很容易看到谁被过度分配或未充分利用。团队的工作量可以平衡，以使他们全部工作，而不会造成倦怠。还有一个团队页面，用于获取团队活动的每日或每周摘要，可以按进度或优先级进行过滤，并在不离开页面的情况下更新任务。
View Impact Assessment With Real-Time Dashboards and Reporting
通过实时仪表板和报告查看影响评估
There are many ways to see how changes are impacting the schedule, budget and more. For a high-level overview, toggle to the real-time project or portfolio dashboards. They automatically collect live data and display it on easy-to-read graphs and charts that display time, cost, workload and more.
有很多方法可以查看更改如何影响进度，预算等。要获得高级概述，请切换到实时项目或组合仪表板。他们自动收集实时数据，并将其显示在易于阅读的图形和图表上，以显示时间，成本，工作量等。
For a closer look, use customizable reports on status, variance, workload timesheets and more. Each can be filtered to focus on key data points or provide a more general view of progress, which can then be shared with stakeholders. Secure timesheets can track labor costs to help stay on budget.
如需详细了解，请使用有关状态、差异、工作负载时间表等的可自定义报告。每个都可以进行过滤，以专注于关键数据点或提供更一般的进度视图，然后可以与利益相关者共享。安全时间表可以跟踪劳动力成本，以帮助保持预算。
Related Change Management Management Content
相关的变更管理管理内容
A variation order is a crucial but small part of the larger change management process. For those who want to learn more about the topic, below are some more recent pieces we’ve published on our blog about change management principles, processes, plans and more.
工程变更单（VO）订单是较大变更管理流程中至关重要但很小的一部分。对于那些想了解更多关于这个话题的人，下面是我们在博客上发布的一些关于变革管理原则、流程、计划等的最新文章。
What Is Change Management? Principles, Process & Models
什么是变革管理？原则、流程和模型
How to Make a Change Management Plan
如何制定变更管理计划
How to Make a Change Management Communication Plan
如何制定变更管理沟通计划
What Is Change Control in Project Management?
项目管理中的变更控制是什么？
Change Impact Assessment & Analysis
变更影响评估与分析
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