Variation orders are one of the delay causes that affect performance of construction projects, whether small or big, in the entire universe. The current study evaluates the effects that variation orders give birth to, upon their occurrence in Polokwane, Limpopo Province. The information used in this study was obtained from secondary sources through thoroughly conducted literature review and primary sources through questionnaire circulated among construction professionals in Polokwane. Out of 150 circulated questionnaires, only 105 respondents reverted back which denotes 70% of them. Findings showed that Increased project cost, time overruns, completion schedule delay, disputes between contractors and owners, Increase in overhead expenses, rework and demolition, Non-conformance of quality, Health and safety issues/claims, Procurement delay and delays in payment to contractor were the main effects of variation orders in Polokwane. Therefore the study adds up to the existing knowledge on the effects of variation orders in Polokwane, Limpopo Province.