Analysing typical factors for the early prediction of variations

Within the standard forms of construction contracts, there are provisions allowing the client to make changes. In practice, in the construction phase, many problems can occur following the issue of variations resulting in delays, disruption, additional expenses and potential disputes. Therefore it was considered important to develop a methodology enabling the early prediction of unexpected variations that would allow the parties involved to take any necessary actions in anticipation of these events. This paper aims to identify and analyse the typical project factors that could be used as indicators for the early prediction of variations occurring in construction projects. The typical project factors were identified and developed from a literature research and a pilot questionnaire which was sent to a representative samples of practitioners. These typical project factors will be discussed and analysed as an initial finding in order to develop a methodology for the early prediction of variations.