Effective April 1st 2021

This document was originally published in January 2021 as an RICS guidance note and was reissued in March 2024 as RICS practice information.

Changes are almost inevitable during construction projects of any size. This guidance note gives advice on how to handle changes proposed and made after a contract is agreed, and covers the role of the person requiring the change, whether the employer’s agent, the project manager or the contract administrator. It also looks at the contrast between a change and a variation and the different circumstances that apply to each, with reference to relevant contract provisions.

The guidance note supports the RICS core competency of Contract practice. It requires that professionals:

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various forms of contract used in the construction industry and the change control procedures they contain, along with the digital portals available for some contracts that can be used to control change on projects
apply that knowledge at a project-specific level, while being aware of the implications and obligations of the parties involved in the change control procedure
provide reasoned advice on the effect of the change control procedure, be able to prepare and present reports to employers to determine the correct change control procedure to use, and advise on the correct documentation and procedure at the various stages of a construction contract.
The guidance note does not detail issues such as organisational change that might be taking place at the same time as the project, which could affect change and its management. Neither does it address value management or value engineering – professionals are encouraged to refer to the relevant RICS guidance note for such information.