ABSTRACT

The construction industry in Edo State is facing some problems in its projects. One of the problems faced by the construction industry is the issue of variation orders occurring in construction project works which causes project delays, cost overruns and result to other negative effects. Variation Orders have become a frequent issue in public building projects in Edo State. Variation Orders give rise to alterations or modifications to the initial scope of works due to changes in construction project. The main source of disputes, delay and general increase in cost and environmental effects was traced down to variation orders caused in construction project. Against this background, the study set out to investigate the effects of variation orders on the performance of public building projects in Edo State. In an attempt to achieve the objectives of the study, research questions were formulated in order to sample the opinions of people regarding the topic of discourse. The study adopted a quantitative (structured questionnaire) instrument in the form of relevant data from a sample size of two hundred and three (203) respondents. The non-probability random sampling technique was adopted. The collected data were subjected to both descriptive (frequency tables and percentages) and inferential statistics (relative importance index). The analysis of data revealed the following major effects of variation orders on the performance of public building projects in Edo State: completion schedule delay, increase in cost of construction projects, additional payment to contractor, effect on project progress and increase in overhead expenses. Based on the above findings, the study recommended among other things the strategies for mitigating the effects of variation orders on the performance of public building projects in Edo State by stating that; the client should allow sufficient time for preparing an elaborate brief. Consultants should give time for planning and designing phases. The consultant should also prepare completed contract documents before tendering stage. Also, contractors should identify and inform the varied items of work to the client before the activity commences on site to reduce variations.