How to Create Variation Orders on the Mobile App

When changes to a project happen, the Houzz Pro mobile app allows you to quickly make pricing adjustments by creating variation orders (for build packages and iOS only).

A variation order only charges the client for the difference between the planned cost and the updated cost — they allow you to adjust pricing for unexpected changes, issues or client requests. Whether you're at the jobsite, in the office, or on-the-go, you have the flexibility to create variation orders whenever you need them.

Follow the steps in this tutorial to learn how to easily create a variation order on the app.

Create Variation Order

To create a new variation order, go to the app homepage, then select Create New from either the top or bottom of the homepage.

Select Variation Order from the Create New menu.

There are several options when creating your variation order. You can:

• Create a variation order using AI
• Create a variation order from scratch
• Create a variation order from an existing template (your custom template or a Houzz Pro template)

Please Note: You are not able to create a Variation Order from an approved estimate on the mobile app — this will need to be done on desktop.

Next, choose an existing project from your list, or select Add New Project to create a new one for this variation order.

Edit Variation Order Details

Within the mobile app, you can adjust the document name and client info by selecting the pencil icon next to the respective field. You can also choose to show/hide images and descriptions, as well as manage your columns by selecting the settings (gear) icon at the top of the Items section.

Add Items to Variation Order

To add line items to your variation order, select Add Items under the Item section, or select the + icon next to the settings icon. From here, you can manually create a new item, or choose from your My Items library, Catalogs, Templates or Recent Estimates.

Set Variation Order Markup, Fees, GST & Discounts

Once you've added items to your variation order, you can set any markup, fees, GST or discounts applicable to the document. You will find these after the Items section; select the pencil icon next to any field you wish you edit.

Schedule Variation Order Payments

Once you have all your subtotal items set, you can create a payment schedule for the client. Select Schedule a Payment in the Payments section to create a single payment for the total amount. Select it again to add multiple payments. The payments will automatically be evenly split up by the number of scheduled payments. Select any payment to adjust the name, amount and payment terms.

Attach Files to Variation Order

Add any relevant files to your variation order, like images of the space or products that you've snapped on your phone, by selecting Upload Files under the Files section. You'll be able to choose any applicable files from your mobile device.

Add Variation Order Terms & Conditions, Memos, Due Date

To add any terms and conditions and/or memos to the variation order, select Add under the respective section. You'll be able to format the text with various options to present a professional layout to your client or lead.

Next, confirm the document owner and pick a due date for the variation order.

Preview & Send the Variation Order

Before sharing your variation order, you can preview it and choose exactly how it will look to your client. Select Preview at the bottom of the screen, then use the Settings dropdown at the top of the preview to toggle on/off the relevant information you want to show or hide from the client.

When you’re ready, select Send at the bottom of the preview to share the variation order with your client through an email, a shareable link, Houzz Pro message, or download as PDF. Your clients can view the variation order and approve or decline it directly from their computer, phone, or tablet device.

You also have the option to Send directly from the variation order without previewing. Select Send at the bottom of the variation order to share it with your client through an email, a shareable link, Houzz Pro message or download as PDF. Your clients can view the variation order and approve or decline it directly from their computer, phone, or tablet device.

More Actions on Variation Orders

Under the Actions menu, you can access more actions, such as: Mark the document as Approved or Declined, duplicate variation order, view activity stream, merge variation orders, archive variation order, download as PDF, and delete variation order.