A ready-to-use Excel template for tracking construction variations. Includes cost tracking, status management, and a summary dashboard. Works with NEC, JCT, FIDIC, or any contract type.
18 columns covering ref, title, status, originator, values (quoted, assessed, agreed), valuation tracking, risk scoring, and time impact. Pre-formatted with filters and freeze panes.
Auto-calculated breakdown by status showing count, total quoted, and total agreed values. Updates automatically as you add variations.
Full guide explaining each column, status definitions, and tips for getting the most out of the template.
| Column | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Ref | Unique variation reference (e.g. VAR-001) |
| Title & Description | Short title and detailed description of the change |
| Instruction Ref | Link to the SI, AI, PMI, or CE that triggered it |
| Date Instructed | When the variation was formally instructed |
| Originator | Client, Engineer, Contractor, PM, or Cost Consultant |
| Status | Proposed → Instructed → Priced → Agreed (or Rejected/Withdrawn) |
| Discipline | Trade or package affected |
| Quoted / Assessed / Agreed | Three-stage commercial tracking with auto-calculated difference |
| Type | Add (cost increase) or Omit (credit) |
| Valuation Tracking | Whether included in a valuation, and which number |
| Risk Impact | Score from 1-10 for at-a-glance risk assessment |
| Time Impact | Whether the variation affects the programme |
This template uses general terminology that works across all major construction contract forms. Whether you're working under NEC, JCT, FIDIC, or bespoke contracts, the register covers the core information you need to track variations properly.
Spreadsheets work until they don't. If you're dealing with version chaos, missing audit trails, or spending hours cleaning registers before sending them to clients — ChangeLog is built for exactly that.
A variation register (also called a variation log or change order log) is a document used on construction projects to track all changes to the original scope of work. It records the details, costs, status, and approval of each variation throughout the project lifecycle.
The variation register is usually maintained by the Quantity Surveyor (QS) or Commercial Manager, though Project Managers and Contract Administrators may also be responsible depending on the project structure and contract type.
Yes. While the template uses general "variation" terminology, the columns map directly to NEC Compensation Event tracking. The Instruction Ref can hold your PMI/CE reference, and the status flow (Proposed → Instructed → Priced → Agreed) mirrors the NEC CE process.
Yes, completely free with no signup required. Download it and use it on as many projects as you like. If you find yourself needing more — multiple users, audit trails, or cleaner exports — you can try ChangeLog, our online variation register.
This Excel template is a single-user spreadsheet — great for simple projects. ChangeLog is a web application that gives you a shared register with multiple views (QS view, client view, management view), automatic audit trails, role-based access, and professional exports. It's designed for teams who need more than a spreadsheet can offer.