What should a building variation form include?

Two written steps before the work

The QBCC says that before you start the variation work you must present the variation to the home owner in writing, and the owner must agree to it in writing. It can be given in person, by post, by email or as the contract's notice provisions require, and the owner needs to respond the same way.

The QBCC also says failing to record and approve variations properly before they are carried out is one of the most common causes of serious building disputes.

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What the variation document must show

This applies to Queensland domestic building contracts, as described on the QBCC contract changes and variations page (last published 26 February 2025).

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Copy to the owner, urgent work and payment

After both parties agree, the builder must give the owner a written copy before the first of two things happens: the domestic building part of the variation work starts, or 5 business days from the day both parties agree.

The QBCC states one exception: where the variation work must be carried out urgently and it is not reasonably practicable in the circumstances to produce a written copy before doing the work. The page places this exception with the rule about giving the written copy. Do not treat it as permission to start unwritten variations in general, and get advice if you rely on it. The QBCC also says you cannot require payment for a variation before the variation work has started.

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Blank variation form

This is an original layout covering the items above. The QBCC also lists variation form templates (Form 4 or Form 5, depending on the contract type) with its contract templates. Your contract may require its own form.

VARIATION No. [00]
Contract: [contract reference and date] between [builder] and [owner]
Site: [address]
Date of request for variation: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Requested by: [owner / builder]

1. Description of variation
[Describe what is added, removed or changed, and where. Write it so someone who has not seen the site can understand it.]

2. Effect on time
Reasonable estimate of delay to the subject work: [number] days / no delay expected

3. Effect on price
Change to contract price: increase / decrease of $[amount]
OR method of calculating the change: [for example, materials at cost plus $[ ], labour at $[ ] an hour]
Revised contract price: $[amount]
GST basis and GST-inclusive total where applicable: [ ]

4. Payment or credit
An increase is to be paid: [date or stage]
A decrease is to be credited: [date or stage]
Payment for a variation is not required before the variation work has started.

5. Other documents affected
[plans, selections, approvals, home warranty cover]

OWNER AGREEMENT
I have read this variation and agree to it in writing.
Name: ____________________ Signature: ____________________ Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

BUILDER
Name and licence number: [ ] Signature: ____________________ Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Copy given to owner on [DD/MM/YYYY] by [in person / post / email / contract notice method]

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Home warranty cover and scope

The QBCC page says changing, cancelling or amending home warranty cover when the contract is varied is also the builder's responsibility. This guide covers Queensland domestic building variations only. Commercial subcontract variations and other states are not covered.

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Common questions

What is a variation form?

It is the written document that records a change to a signed building contract. In Queensland domestic building work, the QBCC says it must describe the variation, state the request date, estimate any delay and state the price change or how it is calculated, and the owner must agree to it in writing.[1]

How to write a contract variation?

Describe the change clearly, state the request date and any delay, state the price change or how it is calculated and when it is paid or credited. Present it to the owner in writing and get their written agreement before starting the variation work.[1]