Developers' views of potential causes of variation orders for institutional buildings in Singapore

Abstract

The study identifies the causes of variations in institutional building projects in Singapore. To achieve the study objectives, a questionnaire survey and interviews were carried out to collect information on potential causes of variations. Responses from 28 professionals with a government agency from the client's side were analyzed. The results suggest that the errors and omissions in design, change in specifications by owner, design discrepancies, change in specifications by consultant and lack of coordination were considered as the most important causes of variations in institutional building projects. Recommendations were suggested based on the findings of the research and literature review. The involvement of professionals during the design phase, thorough detailing of design, involvement of owner during the design phase and approval of the design by government bodies before the inception of construction activities were suggested for controlling the most important causes of variation orders for institutional buildings in Singapore. The causes of variation orders that were identified would be helpful for building professionals in assessing variation orders; furthermore, the suggested controls would also assist them in taking proactive measures for reducing variation orders for institutional buildings.