Manage variations

Request a change order against an existing subcontract in Connect web — additional scope, rate change, or rework outside the original Schedule of Values.

Two-step process

Requesting a change order through Connect is a notification to the head contractor. The actual Variation record is created on the head contractor's NetSuite account when their PM agrees to the change. You'll see the approved Variation reflected against your subcontract once they approve it.

When to use this

When you need a change of scope on an existing subcontract — additional work, rate change, or rework not in the original SoV — and you want to raise the request through Connect rather than by email.

Prerequisites

  • Active subcontract on a connected head contractor's NetSuite account
  • A clear written description of the requested change
  • An estimated cost for the requested change
  • Signed in to Connect web

Walkthrough

Walkthrough coming

A step-by-step Scribe walkthrough for this task is being recorded. Track its status in the Scribe register (internal).

  1. In Connect web → Work Orders → open the subcontract you want to vary.
  2. Click Request Change Order (the action label may vary by Connect build — look for the change-order or variation entry on the subcontract detail).
  3. Enter a Title, a Description of the requested change, and a Proposed Cost.
  4. Attach any supporting documents — drawings, mark-ups, vendor quotes — that help the head contractor's PM understand the request.
  5. Submit.

The head contractor's PM is notified. They decide whether to formalise the change as a Variation on the NetSuite side. If they do, you'll see the approved Variation reflected against your subcontract at next sync.

What success looks like

  • Change order request sent to the head contractor — visible in your Connect view as a pending request.
  • The head contractor's PM is notified.
  • When they approve a Variation against your subcontract, the subcontract's Revised Contract Value increases (or decreases) and you see the new value at next sync — typically within seconds.

Gotchas

  • Connect web supports requesting a change order — not creating the formal Variation. The Variation record lives on the head contractor's NetSuite account. Until they approve it, your subcontract value hasn't actually changed.
  • If the head contractor rejects your request, you'll see it in your Claims/Variations area with the rejection reason.
  • You can't directly edit an in-flight Variation from the sub side — coordinate with the head contractor's PM offline if the scope or cost needs to change.
  • Approved variations are reflected at next sync, not instantly — usually within seconds, but allow a moment for the updated contract value to appear.
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