What is Variation Order Management?
Variation order management (German: Nachtragsmanagement) is the systematic process for managing service changes and resulting compensation claims during contract execution, particularly significant in construction.
Legal Framework
- § 650b-c BGB: Client's right to order changes and compensation adjustment
- § 2(3-6) VOB/B: Quantity changes, changed services, additional services
- § 132 GWB: Contract modifications during execution
Types of Variations
| Type | Legal Basis (VOB) |
|---|---|
| Quantity change (>10%) | § 2(3) |
| Changed service | § 2(5) |
| Additional service | § 2(6) |
| Omitted service | § 2(4) |
| Obstruction claim | § 6(6) |
Process
- Immediate written notification
- Documentation (daily reports, photos)
- Variation calculation based on original pricing
- Negotiation and agreement
- Written commissioning
Procurement Law Limits (§ 132 GWB)
Permitted without new procurement: changes up to 10-15% of contract value, unforeseeable circumstances (up to +50%), non-substantial changes. New procurement required for substantial character-changing modifications.
Patterno hilft
Our calculation agent helps create both original calculations and foundations for transparent variation pricing.