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6 Main Types of Bills of Quantities

A bill of quantities is a document that is prepared by the client’s quantity surveyor as a basis for estimating the cost of a construction project . It contains a list of all the work items and detailed descriptions that form part of the scope of work for the project.

Different formats are adopted by different quantity surveyors depending on their needs and the context of their work. These have led to the various types of bills of quantities being born. In this article, we will discuss six main types of bills of quantities as follows:

1.      Elemental Bills of Quantities

This type of bill of quantities is divided into appropriate building elements. In each element, work is either billed in order of work sections or grouped in the appropriate building sequence.

The building sequence represents the actual order of the construction activities as they would be carried out on site. For example, construction of walls coming before plastering and painting.

A building element is a part of a building that fulfils specific functions irrespective of its design, specification and construction.

As a building element, external walls provide the external vertical envelope to a building, separating the external and internal environment irrespective of how it may be constructed.

2.      Trade Bills

In this type, the various work sections to be carried out by given trades are identified and items in a bill of quantities grouped into the appropriate work sections. These may include sections like “Excavation and Filling”, “Brick or Block Walling”, among others.

The bill is arranged in trades; with each trade subdivided into functional elements. The items within each trade are arranged in the normal trade order within the sections.

A trade is a job requiring manual skills and specialized training. Therefore, construction trades can be understood to mean construction works that require some specialized skills and manual labour for execution.

3.      Operational Bills

This is derived from operations; which can be defined as the work done by a man at some definite stage in the building process.

The bill of quantities involved dividing work into site operations. Labour and plant requirements are described in terms of operations required, together with a schedule of materials for each operation.

4.      Activity Bills of Quantities

This is a further development and refinement of the operational bill of quantities format. Whereas labour and plant requirements were separated from a schedule of materials in the operational format, the activity bills of quantities don’t separate them.

The bill is divided into sections based on activities or operations derived from network analysis. This simply means the sequencing of activities based on which has to be done first for the other to start.

Some activities need to be completed first before others could be started. A good example is “excavation of foundation trenches” to be completed before “blinding of surfaces” and subsequent “foundation footing construction”.

5.      Annotated Bills

In some cases, work measured and described in a bill of quantities may not be directly identifiable from drawings. This led to the development of a practice of annotating such works with notes giving their location.

When a bill of quantities is prepared that way, it is called an annotated bill of quantities.

6.      Provisional Bills of Quantities

As the name suggests, this type of bill of quantities contains provisional or approximate quantities. It is issued to tenderers on the basis that the quantities will be remeasured during the construction phase of the project where they differ from the actual or as-built quantities.

It is normally used where drawings and the building specifications cannot be finalized before selecting a contractor. The advantage of this bill is that it reduces the tender documentation period and allows the contractor to commence work earlier.

As identified above; elemental, trade, activity, operational, annotated and provisional bills are the main types of bills of quantities. Other types have not been covered but you are free to include them in the comments section below.

If you plan to build, it is good to engage a quantity surveyor to advise you on the financial matters of the construction project. Don’t just invest money without a good plan. A list of registered professional quantity surveyors in Kenya can be found on the official website of the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors .

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Nzangi Muimi

I’m a Quantity Surveyor, Educator and the founder of QuantBuild Academy , the fastest-growing technology-focused YouTube channel online. I am passionate about construction information technology and the digitization of the construction industry.

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Bills of Quantities (BOQ) For Building Construction

  • On 23 Nov 2023
  • In Quantity Surveying

A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is an essential part of the building construction industry. It provides a detailed breakdown of materials, parts, and labor required for a construction project. This article will guide you through the steps to prepare a BOQ.

What is a Bill of Quantities?

A BOQ is a document used in the building construction industry that provides project specific measured quantities of the items of work identified by the drawings and specifications in the tender documentation. The quantities may be measured in number, length, area, volume, weight or time. Preparing a BOQ requires a detailed understanding of the construction process, the ability to analyze project requirements, and proficiency in using spreadsheet software.

Steps to Prepare a BOQ

1. prepare a spreadsheet.

The first step in preparing a BOQ is to create a spreadsheet where you can record all the necessary information. This includes the description of the work, the unit of measurement, the quantity, the rate, and the total cost.

2. Break Down the Work into Sections

Next, divide the project into smaller, manageable sections. This could be based on the type of work (e.g., foundation, walls, roof), the materials used, or the sequence of construction.

3. Estimate Labor

Estimate the amount of labor required for each section. This should include all trades involved, such as carpenters, electricians, and plumbers.

4. Make an Initial Cost Estimate

Once you have all the quantities and labor estimates, you can calculate the initial cost estimate. This will give you a rough idea of the total cost of the project.

5. Draft a Schedule

Based on the quantities and labor estimates, draft a schedule for the project. This will help you plan the sequence of work and manage resources effectively.

6. Continue Using the BOQ Throughout the Project

A BOQ is not just a document to be prepared at the start of the project and then forgotten. It should be used throughout the project for cost control, progress payment, and to deal with changes and variations.

boq for building construction

You can download the Excel file by clicking on the following link:

Please note that this is just a sample BOQ and the actual quantities and rates will vary depending on the specific project.

BOQ : Building Construction Format

A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for building construction is typically organized in a tabular format with several key columns. Here’s a general format:

Components of BOQ Sheet

  • Item No. : This column is for the serial number of the items of work. It helps in identifying and locating the item in the BOQ.
  • Description of Work : This column describes the nature of the work item. It should be detailed enough to clearly understand the scope of work.
  • Unit : This column specifies the unit of measurement for the work item. Common units include numbers, square meters, cubic meters, kilograms, etc.
  • Quantity : This column lists the quantity of each work item as per the unit of measurement.
  • Rate : This column lists the rate per unit for each work item. The rate includes the cost of materials, labor, and overheads.
  • Amount : This column is the product of the quantity and the rate. It represents the total cost for each work item.

The BOQ should be prepared in a systematic manner, starting from the initial stages of the construction process (like excavation, foundation) and going up to the finishing stages (like painting, polishing). Each major stage can be considered as a main heading (like 1.0, 2.0 in the table), and the tasks under each stage can be sub-items (like 1.1, 2.1 in the table).

Remember, the accuracy of a BOQ depends on the precision of drawings and specifications. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a detailed and clear understanding of the project before preparing a BOQ.

BOQ for Building Construction Projects

A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is a critical document in the construction industry with a wide range of applications. Here are some of the key applications of a BOQ in construction:

  • Cost Estimation : The primary purpose of a BOQ is to provide an accurate cost estimate for a construction project. It includes detailed information about the quantity and cost of materials, labor, and other resources required for the project.
  • Tendering Process : In the tendering process, a BOQ serves as a basis for bidding. Contractors use the BOQ to prepare their bids, providing a price for each item of work listed in the BOQ.
  • Project Planning and Scheduling : A BOQ helps in planning and scheduling the project. It provides a breakdown of the work items, which helps to sequence and create a project schedule.
  • Project Management and Control : During the construction phase, a BOQ helps to control and manage projects. It helps in tracking the progress of work and controlling costs. Bill of quantities also helps in managing changes or variations.
  • Payment Applications : A BOQ is also used for preparing payment applications. Contractors use the BOQ to claim payments based on the work completed during a particular period.
  • Dispute Resolution : In case of disputes, a BOQ can serve as a reference document. It provides a clear and agreed record of the work items and their prices.

Overall, a BOQ is an essential document in the building construction industry. It plays a crucial role in various stages of a construction project, from initial cost estimation to final account settlement.

Types of Bills of Quantities

A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is a crucial document in the construction industry that provides a detailed breakdown of the work items, quantities, and costs involved in a project. Depending on the project requirements and the stage of design development, different types of BOQs are employed.

1. Elemental Bills of Quantities

Elemental BOQs divide the project into distinct building elements, such as foundations, walls, roof, and finishes. Each element is further categorized into work sections or grouped according to the construction sequence. This type of BOQ is suitable for projects with a well-defined design and clear scope of work.

2. Trade Bills of Quantities

Trade BOQs organize the work items based on the specific trades involved, such as carpentry, masonry, electrical, and plumbing. This approach is particularly useful when allocating work packages to different contractors or subcontractors.

3. Operational Bills of Quantities

Operational BOQs focus on the operations or tasks required to complete the project. They list the activities in a logical sequence, considering the dependencies and interrelationships between different work items. Engineers use this type of BOQ in conjunction with project scheduling and planning.

4. Activity Bills of Quantities

Activity BOQs break down the project into distinct activities, such as excavation, concrete pouring, bricklaying, and painting. This approach is particularly useful for projects that involve repetitive or standardized tasks.

5. Annotated Bills of Quantities

Annotated BOQs include drawings and specifications for each item, providing a more comprehensive and detailed description of the work. This type of BOQ is particularly useful when the project involves complex or specialized work items.

6. Provisional Bills of Quantities

Provisional BOQs are used when the design is incomplete or uncertain, providing approximate quantities and costs based on available information. Engineers use this type of BOQ for early cost estimates and tendering purposes.

7. Firm Bills of Quantities

Firm BOQs are prepared with precise measurements and detailed descriptions, providing accurate pricing for each item. Civil Engineers use this type of BOQ after finalizing the design and defined the scope of work.

8. Approximate Bills of Quantities

Approximate BOQs are used when the design is not detailed enough to prepare a firm BOQ. They provide rough estimates of quantities and costs based on preliminary drawings and specifications.

Each type of BOQ serves a different purpose and is used in different contexts. The choice of which type to use depends on the specific requirements of the construction project.

Preparing a BOQ is a complex task that requires a deep understanding of the building construction process. However, with careful planning and organization, it can be a valuable tool for managing construction projects. Being proficient in BOQ preparation is essential for construction professionals, including quantity surveyors , civil engineers, and project managers, to successfully execute projects within the desired timeframe and budgetary limits.

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What Is a Bill of Quantities? (Example & Template Included)

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A bill of quantities is an important document in construction project management. Making any building or structure involves many things, but few are as important as materials and labor. Without these two elements, there’s little use for a plan and schedule.

Some even say that all construction projects begin with a bill of quantities. We’ll explain what a bill of quantities is, why it’s so important to construction project management and detail what should go into one. Then we’ll throw in a free bill of quantities template that you can use in your next construction project.

What Is a Bill of Quantities?

A bill of quantities is essentially a list of all the materials and labor that will be required for your desired build. It’s often put together before a construction contractor has been hired and is a guiding document for those companies that are bidding for the work.

Once the construction project has been approved to move forward, an owner will usually employ the architect or engineer to draw up the bill of quantities. Since the document is a thorough listing of all the needed materials and labor, these two professionals will have the clearest picture of what those materials and laborers are.

The bill of quantities is then used as a means of forecasting costs, which helps the owner and the bidding contractors in that they both have a better picture of the price of completing the construction work. Therefore, owners know which bids are competitive and bidding contractors can better estimate their profit margins.

Materials and labor are some of the main resources that construction projects work with and are instrumental to delivering a workable project plan. ProjectManager is award-winning software that has robust Gantt charts to manage resources, costs and more when planning and scheduling construction work. Once you’ve added all your tasks, you can link all four types of task dependencies to avoid costly delays. There’s even a filter to find the critical path. Then set a baseline to track your planned effort against your actual effort in real time and stay on schedule. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

ProjectManager's Gantt chart

Why Is a Bill of Quantities Important In Construction?

The bill of quantities might seem like a straightforward construction document , and in many ways, it is. This is where you first detail all the materials and labor you’ll need to execute your project. This process is critical in finding the best prices for the materials and labor you need before you’re committed to the execution of that construction project.

It’s also helpful in figuring out the scope of the project . Once you have all the materials and labor charted out on your bill of quantities, it’s only a small step forward to detail the tasks that’ll be required to meet the goals of the project.

As noted above, the bill of quantities is also helpful when a project owner is looking for construction contractors. It makes the bidding process more precise as the owner understands how much the project will cost. It also gives the bidding contractor a better idea of the range they can quote for a realistic project price while leveling the playing field as all contractors are bidding on the same work.

Finally, the owner of the project can use the bill of quantities as a cost control. The breakdown of the bill of quantities will inform the project schedule which allows the project owner to understand the amount of work that’ll be done in each billing cycle. They can then prepare the cash flow and measure the project’s progress.

What Should Be Included in a Bill of Quantities?

A bill of quantities can be used for many purposes, but its main goal is to act as a list of all the materials and labor that’ll be used over the course of a construction project . This means it must capture the relevant details for these items to be useful. There are, of course, different bills of quantities, but the following is usually the common denominator among all of them.

Item Number

First, you’ll want to number your list. Each item, whether material or labor, should have a corresponding number to make it easier to find as the list grows long.

Now you’ll want to differentiate between the two types of items on your bill of quantities. Here’s where you’ll note if it’s a material or labor.

Item Description

Next is the item description, for example, “paint” would describe an item. But you’ll want to add some context, especially since there’s likely to be paint used for a number of different things in the construction project. Consider adding paint with a short description, such as for the exterior of the building.

Measurement Unit

Whether the item is material or labor, you need to define how it’s measured. For instance, the material would be by the gallon if it’s paint, while the painter would be measured by the hour because they’re a laborer.

Another important piece of information that’s critical to a thorough bill of quantities is the quantity of each item. How many gallons of paint will you need to paint the exterior of the building, and how many hours will it take for the painters to do this job? The answer to these questions is detailed here.

Cost Per Unit

Also important is the price of the materials or the labor which is listed here. For example, a gallon of paint might cost $5 while the painters are contracted at $25 per hour.

Total Item Cost

Finally, you’ll want to address the total cost for each line item. Multiply the paint’s price per gallon by the amount of paint you need to do the job. The same is done for labor. At the bottom of your bill of quantities, you’ll add all these totals together to get a grand total for all the materials and labor that’ll be used in the construction project.

Who Is Responsible for Creating a Bill of Quantities?

The project owner is responsible for the bill of quantities. However, they’re rarely the ones who put together the bill of quantities. While they need one in order to get accurate bids from contractors and use it to provide to those contractors that are bidding on the project, they more often than not delegate the responsibility.

That’s perfectly reasonable as the construction project owner is not necessarily privy to all the details of the project. That’s why they’ll give the task to the architect and the engineer, two professionals who have a close relationship with the various materials and the labor necessary to build the construction project.

When Should You Use a Bill of Quantities?

The bill of quantities is used by the construction industry owner when calculating the total cost for a project. This allows the owner to understand the cost of the project and how it’ll be paid over the various phases of the project.

This is all done before the execution of the project , but after the project has been approved. The bill of quantities is then shared with the bidding construction contractors, who used the information therein to help them come up with their bids for the job.

While the bill of quantities is generally used before ground is broken on the construction project, it can be helpful in tracking progress after execution as well. By looking at your list of materials and labor and seeing what’s been done and what’s still to be done, you can get a general idea as to where you are in the project.

what is annotated bill of quantities

Bill of Quantities Example

To better illustrate what a bill of quantities is, let’s take a look at a simple construction project. You’re making a dog house for your backyard. The bill of quantities is going to collect everything you have to use to make the dog house.

Therefore, it’ll list wood, nails and paint, defining where these will be used and how much of each is necessary. You’ll also list all the labor involved, from cutting the wood to assembling the dog house frame and adding siding, nailing this together and painting the finished product.

You could do this job yourself, in which case you have all the materials and labor already detailed. Or you could contract the work and the bill of quantities will allow you to see which contractor is providing you a fair price for their services.

Free Bill of Quantities Template for Excel

If you want to see what a bill of quantities looks like, we have a free bill of quantities for Excel that you can download. It is but one of the dozens of free project management templates for Work and Excel that you can find on our site. There are free templates for every stage of a project, including many for construction project management.

Bill of quantities template

ProjectManager Helps With Construction Project Management

ProjectManager is award-winning construction project management software that helps you manage resources to keep your projects on track. After you’ve done all that work with the bill of quantities, you want to ensure your resources are working as you planned on the Gantt chart. We have resource management features to help plus multiple project views so the plan you created on the Gantt chart can be viewed by your crew on task lists, kanban boards and calendars allowing them to do their job with tools that focus on task management.

Keep Teams Productive With Resource Management Features

Once you’ve executed the project, you’ll need to monitor your resources to make sure they align with your construction project plan. First, you can onboard your crew and identify their availability, including PTO, vacation and global holidays. That makes it easier to assign them jobs. Then you’ll want to monitor their workload to make sure they’re working at capacity but not overextended, which will impact their productivity and morale. Toggle over to our color-coded workload chart and you get an overview of their task allocation and can reallocate as necessary to balance their workload and keep teams productive.

Streamline Payroll With Secure Timesheets

Another tool that helps you track their work is our secure timesheets. They streamline payroll, lock when submitted to management for review and can even auto-populate so no one has to take the time to manually input all that data. But they also provide a window into the percentage of work that’s been completed on the assigned tasks. Managers can look at the timesheets or generate a timesheet report to get further details on their progress.

ProjectManager's timesheet with calendar popup

Once you set a baseline on the Gantt chart, you can track your resources across the software. There are real-time dashboards that give you a high-level view of the project without having to waste time on configuration as you do with lightweight tools. There are also customizable reports that can give you more detail and are easy to share with stakeholders when they want updates.

ProjectManager is online project management software that empowers teams to plan, manage and track their work in real time. Risk management, task management and resource management tools help you stay on schedule, while our security features make sure all your proprietary work stays secure. Get started with ProjectManager today for free

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Project Management Articles

boq

How to read and understand a bill of quantities (BOQ)

In the world of construction projects, the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) stands as a pivotal document, orchestrating the harmony between planning and execution. Let’s delve into the depths of this indispensable tool that architects, contractors, and project managers rely on to ensure the smooth progression of construction endeavors.

Table of Contents

Introduction

What is a bill of quantities.

boq template residential building

The Bill of Quantities is a comprehensive document that outlines the materials, labor, and other resources required for a construction project. It serves as a roadmap, guiding stakeholders through the intricacies of the project’s cost management.

Importance in Construction Projects

A well-structured BoQ is the linchpin of any construction project. It not only facilitates accurate cost estimation but also plays a crucial role in the tendering process, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Components of a Bill of Quantities

Preliminaries.

The preliminary section of a BoQ includes general project information, such as project location, contract details, and other essential particulars. It sets the stage for the subsequent detailed breakdowns.

Work Sections

Dividing the project into workable sections is a cornerstone of effective BoQ creation. This involves categorizing tasks and allocating resources systematically.

Measurement Units

Accurate measurement units are crucial for precise cost estimation. BoQs utilize standardized units for consistency and clarity.

Determining the cost of each unit is a meticulous process. Pricing involves assigning monetary values to materials, labor, and other resources, ensuring a comprehensive overview of project expenses.

Creating a Bill of Quantities

Gathering project information.

Before embarking on the BoQ journey, a thorough understanding of the project’s scope, objectives, and specifications is imperative. This initial step lays the foundation for an accurate and relevant BoQ.

Breaking Down the Project

Work sections are created by breaking down the project into manageable components. Each section is carefully analyzed, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.

Assigning Measurement Units and Quantities

Precise measurement units and quantities are assigned to each component. This step demands attention to detail, avoiding miscalculations that could lead to cost discrepancies.

Estimating Costs

With all elements in place, the final step involves estimating costs. This process involves meticulous calculations, taking into account material costs, labor expenses, and other relevant factors.

Role of Bill of Quantities in Project Management

Budgeting and cost control.

One of the primary roles of a BoQ is to aid in budgeting and cost control. Project managers rely on it to ensure that the project stays within the allocated budget.

Tendering Process

During the tendering process, contractors use the BoQ to submit accurate and competitive bids. This fosters a fair and transparent selection process.

Resource Allocation

Efficient resource allocation is streamlined through the use of BoQs. Contractors can identify the exact quantities and types of resources needed, preventing shortages or wastage.

Advantages of Using Bill of Quantities

Transparency.

BoQs promote transparency by providing a detailed breakdown of costs. This transparency fosters trust among stakeholders, ensuring a smoother project lifecycle.

Cost Accuracy

The meticulous nature of BoQ creation ensures a high level of cost accuracy. This precision is invaluable in preventing unexpected financial surprises during the construction process.

Easy Comparison of Tenders

Comparing tenders becomes a straightforward process with BoQs. Contractors can assess bids based on the same set of criteria, simplifying the decision-making process for project owners.

Challenges and Solutions in Bill of Quantities

Inaccuracies in initial estimates.

Despite its precision, BoQs can face challenges arising from inaccuracies in initial estimates. Regular updates and reviews can help mitigate this issue.

Changes in Project Scope

Changes in project scope can disrupt the accuracy of BoQs. Flexibility and adaptability in the BoQ process are essential to accommodate alterations without compromising accuracy.

Technology Solutions for Accurate BoQs

Embracing technology can enhance the accuracy of BoQs. Utilizing construction management software and Building Information Modeling (BIM) integration can significantly reduce errors.

Importance in Cost Estimation

Ensuring project feasibility.

A well-prepared BoQ contributes to project feasibility by offering a realistic overview of costs. This aids decision-makers in assessing the viability of the project.

Avoiding Cost Overruns

Effective cost estimation through BoQs helps in avoiding cost overruns, a common concern in construction projects. Project managers can track expenses closely, ensuring adherence to the budget.

Common Mistakes in Bill of Quantities

Overlooking details.

The devil is in the details, and this holds true for BoQs. Overlooking even minor details can lead to significant discrepancies in cost estimates.

Inconsistent Units

Consistency in measurement units is paramount. Inconsistent units can lead to confusion and errors in calculations, undermining the accuracy of the entire BoQ.

Lack of Clarity

A lack of clarity in the BoQ can create misunderstandings and disputes. Clear and concise communication through the BoQ is essential for project success.

How to Read and understand a BOQ?

Typical BOQ consists of the following:

BOQ Reference

It’s a serial number for each line in the BOQ to make it easy to refer to any item and to use it in the files instead of writing the whole description.

Item Description

Simply it describes the boq item clearly. It describes what is going to be done and what is the quantity and type of material and any specific information about the material.

After describing the item, we should tell its quantity. Here we tell the quantity as a number only, and the unit will be described later in the next column. We do this basically to be able to filter later all the items that share the same units to sum their quantity for example.

Here we tell what is the price per 1 unit of that BOQ item.

The amount section represents the total price of the BOQ. It normally equals the multiplication of the quantity times the rate.

Free Bill of Quantity Templates

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An example for Billing of Quantities (Source Youtube channel Civil Engineer)

Billing of Quantities (BOQ) | Types | Example BOQ | Advantages and Limitations

What is bill of quantities (boq).

Bill of Quantities also referred to as BOQ , is a document formulated in the construction industry to specify materials, labors, and their cost. It serves as a communication tool between client, consultant & the contractor . It is usually prepared by a cost consultant or a surveyor. Primarily there are two types of BOQs

  • Bill of Materials
  • Bill of Labour

Basic Format for preparing BOQ

The main sections included in the bill of quantities are Form of Tender, Information, Requirements, Pricing schedule, Provisional sums, and Day works. For the preparation of BOQ, 5 main components are to be considered which are as follows:

  • Item Description
  • Rate per unit
  • Total Amount

An example for Billing of Quantities (Source: Youtube/Civil Engineer)

Process of preparation of BOQ for RCC

Taking off quantities :.

Taking off is the process of analysing the drawing and its specifications to identify the elements required for the preparation of BOQ.

Description:

In this step, the appropriate narrative of a particular work is provided to explain and justify the work being done.

Working Up:

This step includes recording every measurement required into a sheet called the TDS Sheet. The times column (multiplier column) is for filling up the number of repetitions of the same work. It depicts the factor of multiplication. Dimension column is the one where all the dimensions like length, width & depth are recorded. Whereas in the Sums column we simply multiply the previous elements (Multiplication factor x Dimension) to get the total quantity of the work.

Calculation of materials for Reinforced Concrete Construction  

Materials requires for reinforced concrete are cement, sand, coarse aggregate and steel . Let us assume a standard quantity of 1m 3 Cement mortar and a mix proportion of 1:1.5:3 (1 part Cement, 1.5 parts Sand & 3 parts CA). The quantity can preferable calculated by two methods, which are weight & volume method.

Let us consider the volume method for reinforced concrete construction. Dry volume of total materials is equivalent to 1.54 times the volume of wet concrete. Hence let us take the quantity of cement mortar as 1.54 m 3 .

Quantity of cement

The formula to calculate the volume of cement is as follows:

(1.54×1)/(1+1.5+3)=0.28 m^3

Since the cement is available in bags, volume of 1 cement bag is 0.0347 m 3 .

0.28/0.0347=8.07 bags of cement

Quantity of sand

Formula to calculate volume of sand is as follows:

(1.5×1.54)/(1+1.5+3)=0.42 m^(3 ) of sand

Quantity of Coarse aggregates

To calculate volume of CA is as follows:

(3×1.54)/(1+1.5+3)=0.84 m^(3 ) of CA

BOQ of Steel reinforcement

Percentage of steel reinforcement usually depends on the type of components used. The values of percentage of steel differ from structure to structure. Some of which are mentioned below:

  • Slabs = 1.0% of concrete volume
  • Beam = 2 % concrete volume
  • Column = 2.5% of concrete volume
  • RCC roads = 0.6% concrete volume

Assuming 2.5% as the steel reinforcement required, the formula to calculate steel is:

2.5/(100×1)×7850=196.25 kg

Estimation of labour for reinforced concrete

The requirement for labour as per the specified quantity of work is as follows: 

  • Mason – 0.37 day
  • Unskilled labour – 3.5 days
  • Water carrier – 1.39 days
  • Bar bender, per 100 kg of steel – 1 day
  • Mixer operator – 0.0714 day
  • Vibrator Operator – 0.0714 day

An additional contractor’s profit and sundries may be included. It generally differs according to place, organization and work. It ranges from 10 – 20% . In this case, assume 10% of total cost of materials, labour and equipment for contractor’s profit and 7% for sundries.

An example for BOQ for Reinforced concrete construction (Source: YouTube/civil land)

Advantages of Billing of Quantities

Anticipation of difficulties & challenges.

As we write down the brief description of each work to be completed in a particular project, we can simultaneously assess the issues and obstacles tagging along with it. These obstacles can be tackled beforehand and thus saving time, energy and resources. Companies often outsource estimating companies to prepare BOQ for massive project as second layer of review to validate in-house estimates.

Comprehensive Planning of the Project

Once the initial project budget is laid down after taking into consideration the drawing & specifications, the planning of the project becomes much simpler. It will furnish a complete & comprehensive picture of the equipment and material necessary and helps the engineers involved in the project to quote for the work suitably.

BOQ Eliminates Guesswork

BOQ simply eliminates any scope of guesswork in the entire process of project construction. In the paucity of BOQ, the quotes of each work needs be worked out separately and independently only on the basis of guesswork. It withholds everything transparent, hence there is zero chance for corrupt practices by the tenderers or the contractors.

Saves Time & Cost of Construction

If the materials are available on time according to the specifications mentioned in the BOQ, the time of construction can be minimized effectively. It also gives fair amount of time to compare the prices of all the materials and choose the best rate. Thus saving the cost of construction. 

Limitations of Bill of Quantities

Bill of Quantities should be prepared according to a standard methodology. Otherwise, chances of errors substantially increases. The errors that could possibly occur during the BOQ process are incorrect measurement of the quantities, arithmetic errors, errors due to various changes made during the project, incorrect assumptions, counting the same item twice or omitting an item, and ignoring the change in currencies or units.

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What is a bill of quantities in construction.

Last Updated Nov 16, 2023

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On large, complicated projects, it can be difficult for project owners to compare proposals from contractors: They have to verify that the contractors are bidding on the same scope of work before comparing prices. In construction, a bill of quantities allows owners to control the bidding process because the work and quantities are clearly stated for contractors to price before the project is sent to bid. It takes the guesswork out of bidding and analyzing bids.

Table of contents

What is a bill of quantities?

A bill of quantities (BOQ or BQ) is usually used on larger construction projects and consists of a list of materials and services required to perform a project. The list includes materials, labor, and quantities of each. The engineer or architect typically performs a takeoff to prepare the BOQ after the project design is complete .

On a design-bid-build project , the BOQ is typically provided in the bid package . Because the materials and quantities are already established, contractors may choose to avoid a takeoff, relying on the BOQ instead. But while a BOQ allows contractors to focus on pricing, they often still opt to perform their own takeoff to identify any gaps that the owner or design team missed. 

After the contractor prices out the BOQ, it is returned to the owner for review and contractor selection. If discrepancies arise between a contractor’s takeoff and the BOQ, they may submit a request for information (RFI) to the owner for clarification.  

After contractor selection and during the project, the bill of quantities can be used when invoicing the project. The BOQ essentially becomes the schedule of values, making scope progress easy to calculate based on the amount of material on the job site and the work completed.

If the project design is not totally complete, or it’s not clear what exact quantities are needed, teams can use what’s called an approximate or notional bill of quantities. In this case, the pricing is estimated based on approximate quantities, and can be revised once the amounts are quantified .

While a bill of quantities (BOQ) includes an itemized list of all project costs — including materials and labor hours — a bill of materials (BOM) only includes materials. Some general contractors include a BOM in the bid packages for subcontractors, on large and small projects alike. Just like a BOQ, a bill of materials helps to simplify bid comparison from multiple contractors. 

Specialty contractors will generally also do their own takeoffs to verify the quantities in the BOM. If they discover any errors or missing information, they can submit an RFI to the general contractor, who would look to the owner for a response. 

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What is the purpose of a bill of quantities?

Bills of quantities in construction allow for quick and easy comparison of contractor proposals . Since every bidder is quoting the same labor and materials, differences in pricing are easy to spot. This gives the owner confidence that each proposal includes all the work shown on the documents, and that they are selecting the most competitive price.

The bill of quantities is also used to clearly define the scope of work on a project. Since quantities and amounts are provided, there’s no room for misinterpretation and less chance of mathematical errors. This helps ensure that contractor pricing is accurate.

A BOQ also helps project owners with cost controls and cost predictions. Based on the project schedule and the breakdown provided, the owner can anticipate the amount of work that will be completed in each billing cycle. This enables them to prepare for their cash flow needs as the project progresses.

How to prepare a bill of quantities

Start preparing a bill of quantities by breaking the work down into items that can be quantified or measured. This breakdown is often based on standard work breakdown structures (WBS), like CSI MasterFormat . The breakdown works best when it’s organized by subcontractor packages, which makes it easier for general contractors to bid on the work.

The list of work items includes a description, quantity, and unit of measure. From there, the contractor prices the work listed on the bill of quantities, based on the drawings and specifications they have been provided. If an item is shown on the drawings and is missing from the bill of quantities, the contractor should bring this to the owner’s attention. A revised bill of quantities may need to be sent out.

Pricing is sent back to the owner for review, and each contractor’s proposal is compared to other bidders.

Once a contract is signed, the bill of quantities can be used to create payment applications as the work progresses. The contractor notes the quantities completed each month on the form and multiplies it by the price for each item to get the invoice amount.

Although architects and engineers usually create the bill of quantities for a project, more companies are using BIM software to prepare their list of quantities. Software easily creates the list and can modify it quickly if the model is updated.

Creating an even bidding field

Using a bill of quantities to estimate a construction project improves the accuracy of the proposals and ensures that all contractors are bidding for the same work. This makes it easier for project owners to select a contractor because they don’t have to manually level bids to compare different scopes of work or material lists.

And since contractors can submit the BOQ with their payment application, the owner can easily see progress on the project — and anticipate cash flow needs.

Categories:

Bidding , Estimating

Dawn Killough

33 articles

Dawn Killough is a writer with over 20 years of experience in construction, having worked as a staff accountant, green building advisor, project assistant, and contract administrator. She shares fundamental green building strategies and techniques in her book, Green Building Design 101 . Dawn lives in Portland, Oregon.

Brittney Abell

Brittney Abell joined Procore after 6 years as an accounting manager for a commercial general contractor, overseeing accounts payable and receivable. Before that, she worked as a contract administrator for an architecture & design firm for 6 years. She has worked on a variety of building projects, including travel stops, restaurants, hotels, and retail warehouses raging from $2M to $20M. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky

Reviewed by

Robert Miller

Robert Miller is a Senior Strategic Product Consultant with Procore. He has worked in construction as a project manager for a variety of private companies and public agencies, including Cambridge Housing Authority and the City of Boston. Robert lives in Brooklyn, New York.

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Demystifying the Bill of Quantities: A Comprehensive Guide

what is annotated bill of quantities

Table of Contents

Construction projects require accurate and detailed documentation to ensure smooth execution and successful completion. One crucial document in construction project management is the Bill of Quantities. The BOQ serves as a comprehensive list of all the materials, labour, and services required for a construction project, along with their corresponding quantities and prices. In this article, we will delve into the details of the BOQ, its purpose, components, preparation process, importance, challenges, and benefits in construction projects.

Definition and Purpose: 

The Bill of Quantities is a document that provides a detailed breakdown of all the items, materials, labour, and services required for a construction project. It includes measurements, descriptions, and prices for each item and serves as a reference for tendering , procurement, and contract management. The Bill of Quantities is typically prepared by a quantity surveyor , who is responsible for accurately measuring and quantifying the materials and services required for a construction project.

The purpose of the Bill of Quantities is to provide a clear and comprehensive list of all the quantities and costs associated with a construction project. It acts as a reference document for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders involved in the construction process. The BOQ helps in accurate cost estimation , procurement, and contract management, ensuring the project is completed within budget and per the specifications.

Components of a Bill of Quantities

A typical Bill of Quantities comprises several components or sections, each serving a specific purpose. Here are some common components of a BOQ:

  • Preliminaries: This section includes general items unrelated to the construction work, such as site clearance, temporary facilities, and site management costs.
  • Measurement and Description: This section contains a detailed list of all the items and materials required for the construction project, along with their corresponding measurements, descriptions, and specifications. It includes quantities, units of measurement, and descriptions of each item, such as brickwork, concrete, steel reinforcement, electrical works, plumbing works, etc.
  • Pricing: This section includes the prices for each item or material listed in the measurement and description section. Prices can be provided based on rates, lump sum amounts, or other agreed-upon methods. This section also includes any applicable taxes, duties, or additional charges related to the materials or services.

Preparation of a Bill of Quantities 

boq in construction, Bill of Quantities

The preparation of a Bill of Quantities involves several steps and requires specialized skills and expertise. Here is a general outline of the Bill of Quantities preparation process:

  • Review of project documents: The quantity surveyor or estimator should review the documents, including architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, and other relevant documents. This helps in understanding the project scope, requirements, and specifications.
  • Itemization and measurement: The quantity surveyor identifies each item or component of the project that needs to be quantified and priced. This may include materials, labour, equipment, and services. The quantity surveyor then measures the quantities of each item using standardized measurement units, such as square meters, cubic meters, or linear meters.
  • Pricing: The quantity surveyor assigns a unit price to each item based on current market rates, supplier quotes, or historical data. The pricing should be based on accurate and up-to-date information to ensure the BOQ reflects the current market conditions.
  • Calculation of extended prices: The quantity surveyor multiplies the quantities with the corresponding unit prices to calculate the comprehensive prices for each item. This helps determine the total cost of each item and the project’s overall cost.
  • Review and verification: The BOQ should be thoroughly reviewed to ensure accuracy and completeness. This may involve cross-checking quantities, prices, and calculations to identify errors or inconsistencies. Ensuring that the Bill of Quantities is comprehensive and accurately reflects the project requirements is essential.
  • Finalization: Once the Bill of Quantities has been reviewed and verified, it is finalized as a formal document that forms part of the construction documentation. Depending on the project stage, it is typically included in the tender or contract documents.
  • Update and revision: During the construction phase, the BOQ may require updates or corrections due to changes in project scope, design modifications, or variations . It is essential to maintain accurate documentation of any changes made to the BOQ and update it accordingly to ensure that it remains a reliable reference throughout the project along with the variation works.
  • The process of Bill of Quantities preparation may vary depending on the project requirements, the organization’s internal procedures, and the software or tools used for quantity surveying. It is crucial to follow established industry standards, guidelines, and best practices to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the BOQ. Effective communication and coordination among project stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers, are also critical to a successful Bill of Quantities preparation process.

three people sitting beside table

Importance and Benefits of a Bill of Quantities

The Bill of Quantities plays a critical role in construction project management and offers several significant benefits, including:

  • Accurate cost estimation: The BOQ provides a detailed and comprehensive breakdown of all the quantities and costs associated with a construction project. This allows for accurate cost estimation, helping contractors and project managers to budget effectively and avoid cost overruns.
  • Procurement and contract management: The Bill of Quantities serves as a reference document for procurement, enabling contractors to accurately procure materials and services per the project requirements. It also helps in contract management, as it forms the basis for comparing bids and evaluating variations or change orders during the project.
  • Avoidance of disputes: The BOQ provides a clear and transparent breakdown of quantities, measurements, and prices, reducing the chances of disputes related to quantities or pricing. It helps in resolving any disagreements or discrepancies that may arise during the construction process.
  • Increased transparency and accountability: The Bill of Quantities promotes transparency and accountability in construction projects by clearly documenting quantities and prices. This helps ensure that all parties know the project costs and can be held accountable for their responsibilities.

Challenges in preparing a Bill of Quantities

Despite its benefits, preparing a Bill of Quantities can be challenging due to various reasons, such as:

  • Complex project requirements: Construction projects can have complex needs involving multiple materials, services, and specifications. Accurately quantifying and pricing each item can be challenging and time-consuming.
  • Changing project scope: Construction projects often change scope, design, or specifications during construction. This may require revising the BOQ, which can be challenging and may impact the project timeline and budget.
  • Pricing Accuracy: Obtaining accurate pricing for each item or material can be challenging, as market prices fluctuate and may vary depending on various factors, such as location, availability, and procurement time.
  • Coordination with various stakeholders: Preparing a BOQ requires coordination with multiple stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers. Ensuring clear communication and coordination among all parties can be challenging.

Contract and Bill of Quantities

woman filling job application form in office with boss

FIDIC contracts generally include provisions related to the Bill of Quantities. The BOQ is typically part of the tendering process and is a procurement and contract management reference document. Some critical aspects related to BOQ in contracts are as follows:

  • Bill of Quantities as part of the tender: contracts may require the submission of a BOQ as part of the tender documents. The BOQ should typically include a detailed breakdown of quantities, descriptions, and prices for materials, labour, equipment, and services applicable to the project.
  • Pricing and payment: contracts may specify the method of pricing and payment based on the BOQ. This may include lump-sum pricing, unit rates, or a combination. The BOQ may be used to value variations, determine progress payments, and calculate the final contract price.
  • Variations and adjustments: contracts may outline the procedure for dealing with variations or adjustments to the BOQ during the construction phase. This may include the process for pricing and documenting changes to quantities or specifications and the impact on the contract price and time for completion.
  • Dispute resolution: contracts may include provisions related to disputes that may arise concerning the BOQ, such as disputes related to quantities, measurements, or pricing. These provisions may outline the dispute resolution process, including dispute resolution mechanisms such as adjudication, arbitration , or litigation.
  • Updating and revision: contracts may specify the process for updating or revising the BOQ during the construction phase, particularly in the case of changes in project scope, design modifications, or variations. This may include documentation requirements, approval procedures, and timeframes for updating the BOQ.

Best Practice to Follow

Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the Bill of Quantities is crucial in construction projects, as it forms the basis for procurement, cost estimation, and contract management. Industry standards, guidelines, and best practices can be followed to achieve accuracy and reliability in BOQ preparation. Some of these include:

  • Standard Measurement Rules: Following recognized measurement rules, such as the Standard Method of Measurement (SMM), which provides a standardized approach to quantifying construction works, can help ensure consistency and accuracy in BOQ preparation. Examples of widely used measurement rules include the International Construction Measurement Standards (ICMS), New Rules of Measurement (NRM), and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors ( RICS ) Rules of Measurement.
  • Transparent and Detailed Descriptions: Providing clear and detailed descriptions for each item in the BOQ is essential to avoid ambiguity and misinterpretation. Descriptions should include all relevant details, such as specifications, quantities, units of measurement, quality standards, and any other relevant information to ensure accurate pricing and procurement.
  • Accurate Quantity Take-off: The accuracy of quantities in the BOQ relies on precise quantity take-off from design drawings, specifications, and other project documentation. Following established quantity take-off methods and utilizing specialized software or tools can help minimize errors and discrepancies in quantity measurement.
  • Consistent Pricing: Ensuring consistency across the BOQ is crucial to avoid discrepancies and confusion. Consistent pricing methods, such as using standard pricing rates or applying consistent markup percentages, should be followed to ensure reliability and accuracy in pricing.
  • Documentation and Version Control: Proper documentation and version control of the BOQ, including maintaining a clear audit trail of changes and revisions, can help ensure accuracy and reliability. Keeping track of any updates, changes, or modifications made to the BOQ and maintaining a historical record can be beneficial for reference and dispute-resolution purposes.
  • Quality Assurance Procedures: Implementing quality assurance procedures, such as conducting internal audits, peer reviews, and quality checks, can help ensure the accuracy and reliability of the BOQ. These procedures can identify discrepancies, errors, or inconsistencies and help rectify them before finalizing the BOQ.
  • Compliance with Contractual Requirements: Ensuring the BOQ complies with contractual requirements, including contract specifications, conditions, and guidelines, is crucial for accuracy and reliability. Following the specific needs and guidelines outlined in the contract and any relevant industry standards or best practices can help ensure the BOQ’s accuracy and reliability.

The relationship between the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) format and Bill of Quantities (BOQ)

CSI stands for Construction Specifications Institute , a professional organization based in the United States that focuses on standardizing and improving construction specifications. The CSI provides guidelines and standards for organizing, formatting, and presenting construction specifications to ensure clarity, consistency, and accuracy in communication among project stakeholders. 

The CSI has developed a standardized format known as the CSI MasterFormat®, widely used in the construction industry for organizing and presenting specifications. The CSI MasterFormat® is a hierarchical structure containing construction-related information into numbered divisions, sections, and subsections, further divided into individual specification clauses.

The relationship between the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) format, specifically the CSI MasterFormat®, and Bill of Quantities preparation lies in the organization and presentation of construction-related information. The CSI format provides a standardized structure for organizing and presenting specifications. At the same time, the BOQ quantifies and specifies the quantities of materials, labour, and other resources required for a construction project. Aligning the Bill of Quantities with the CSI MasterFormat® can help ensure consistency in the organization and presentation of information across different project documents, making it easier for stakeholders to understand and interpret the BOQ. However, adhering to project-specific requirements and guidelines for BOQ preparation is essential to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Conclusion: 

The Bill of Quantities is a critical document in construction projects, providing a detailed breakdown of quantities, descriptions, and prices for materials, labour, and services. It is a reference for tendering, procurement, and contract management, promoting transparency, accountability, and accurate cost estimation. Despite its challenges, the BOQ is crucial in successful construction project management. With proper preparation, review, and verification, the BOQ can contribute to the efficient and effective execution of construction projects, ensuring they are completed within budget and per the specifications.

Incorporating a well-prepared Bill of Quantities as part of the construction documentation can significantly contribute to the success of a construction project, making it an essential tool for quantity surveyors and other construction professionals.

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How to Prepare a Bill of Quantities in Construction

Last Updated: October 6, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was reviewed by Alex Kwan and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Alex Kwan is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the CEO of Flex Tax and Consulting Group in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has also served as a Vice President for one of the top five Private Equity Firms. With over a decade of experience practicing public accounting, he specializes in client-centered accounting and consulting, R&D tax services, and the small business sector. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 232,449 times.

Planning a construction project? You might need a bill of quantities (BOQ). A BOQ itemizes the specific materials and labor needed for the project so you can get accurate bids from contractors. In the field, BOQs are typically prepared by quantity surveyors or civil engineers who specialize in them. But even if you don't regularly prepare BOQs, it's worth knowing how they're made so you can evaluate the quality of the ones you see. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to prepare an organized and reliable BOQ, as well as how to put this document to work for you during the planning and construction process.

Things You Should Know

  • Use a BOQ to specify all of the materials you'll need for a project.
  • Make a simple spreadsheet to easily organize your BOQ.
  • Choose the best contractors for your project based on their BOQ cost estimates.
  • Continue using your BOQ throughout your project for scheduling and cost planning.

Create a spreadsheet to organize your BOQ.

Use the spreadsheet to list materials you'll need to complete your project.

  • Item number (could be a serial number or part number)
  • Description
  • Unit of measurement
  • Rate per unit (to be filled in by contractors bidding on the project)
  • Total cost of material (to be filled in by contractors bidding on the project)

Compile a list of materials needed for your project.

Pull materials from the architect's plans.

  • The name and specifications for each material go into the "description" column of your BOQ spreadsheet.
  • For example, if you're building a house, you might need framing materials, sheetrock, bricks, concrete, flooring materials, wiring, lighting fixtures, and kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
  • Be as specific as possible with your description. Include the dimensions of the surface or area, the thickness of the material you need, and any other details that might impact the quality of the material.

Break down your project into categories.

List specific materials needed in each category, even if they repeat.

  • For example, if you're building a house, you might have separate categories for framing, electrical, plumbing, and flooring. Since both framing and flooring require nails, each of these categories would have a row for "nails" under each category.
  • Traditionally, each row is numbered consecutively from "1," with the numbers starting over for each category or section.

Provide the quantity you need of each material.

Enter the unit of measurement for each material, then the amount you need.

  • For example, if part of your project includes painting a room, you might list "gallon" as the unit of measurement for the paint, then "10" as the number of gallons of paint you need.
  • Add 15-20% to each material calculation to account for waste.
  • Sometimes your unit of measurement will reflect how that particular material is sold. For example, if cable is one of your materials, and that cable is sold in spools of a standard size, you could use "spool" as your unit of measurement.

Estimate the labor needed in each category.

Quantify labor in terms of the man-hours needed to complete a task.

  • For example, if a brick wall is part of your project, you would need to know how many bricks the average bricklayer can lay in one hour—that would be your man-hour, roughly, although it would also need to account for other aspects of bricklaying, such as mixing mortar.
  • Different contractors may work with different crew sizes. Your total number of man-hours helps contractors figure out what size crew they need for the job. Based on the number of bricks you need for your brick wall, it might take 200 man-hours for the build. But for a team of 5 bricklayers could get it done in 40 hours—so maybe a week to 10 days.
  • On top of your basic man-hours include time for rest breaks and meals. This is still a very conservative estimate because you can't account for things that might happen once work starts.
  • Talk to contractors to get an idea of how long it would take to complete a given task. A quantity surveyor would usually be able to estimate this off the top of their head, based on their experience with similar projects.

Make an initial cost estimate for the project.

Evaluate bids from contractors based on the cost estimate you draw up.

  • Your initial cost estimate gives you a benchmark that helps you rate the feasibility of the bids you get in. Don't include these numbers in the BOQs you give to contractors—just keep it for your own reference.
  • It might not be strictly necessary to make an initial cost estimate for every project, but they can actually save you a lot of time on larger projects where you have a lot of bids to sort through.

Draft a project schedule based on your labor estimates.

Set a timeline for completing each construction task.

  • For example, if you've estimated it will take a total of 1,000 man-hours to build your house, it would take 25 hours for contractors to complete the build (assuming they all work 40 hours a week with no delays). You might set a schedule for 30-40 weeks.

Solicit bids from contractors with your BOQ.

Call contractors and provide them with a basic run-down of the project.

  • If you have experience managing a building project, you can save some money by overseeing the project yourself. Otherwise, you'll likely want to hire a main contractor to manage and supervise the project.
  • Always verify the contractors' licenses and check their references before you solicit bids from them.
  • Ask your architect or quantity surveyor for contractor recommendations. They tend to know people in the industry and can tell you who you should talk to (and who you should stay away from).

Evaluate contractor bids for specific jobs.

Use your BOQ to compare contractor bids so you can choose the best fit.

  • This is where your initial cost estimate comes in handy. If a contractor submits a bid significantly lower than your initial cost estimate, you know to be skeptical.

Refer to your BOQ throughout the project.

Use your BOQ for material scheduling, cost analysis, and other project planning.

  • For example, what if there's a shortage of a particular material you need to complete the flooring? Looking at your BOQ, you could push ahead with another part of the project that isn't dependent on flooring so your project stays on schedule.

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  • For more complex projects, consider hiring a quantity surveyor. They can ensure you get the best prices for building materials and help you mitigate risks with accurate estimates of the material and labor you'll need to get your project done. [11] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

what is annotated bill of quantities

  • Don't get a bill of quantities (BOQ) confused with a bill of materials (BOM). While they both list quantities of specific materials needed to complete a project, a BOQ is used in construction and includes labor estimates. A BOM, on the other hand, is more typically used in manufacturing and doesn't include labor. [12] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • ↑ http://people.tamu.edu/~i-choudhury/boq.htm
  • ↑ http://kmidraughting.co.za/pdf/Bills_of_Quantities.pdf
  • ↑ https://www.cmu.edu/cee/projects/PMbook/04_Labor,_Material,_And_Equipment_Utilization.html
  • ↑ https://www.cmu.edu/cee/projects/PMbook/05_Cost_Estimation.html
  • ↑ https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/contractors/hiring-a-contractor/
  • ↑ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01446199300000026
  • ↑ https://engineeringmanagementinstitute.org/quantity-surveyors-why-important/
  • ↑ https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bill-of-materials.asp

About This Article

Alex Kwan

A Bill of Quantities is a list of the total materials required to complete a construction project. You’ll need this to get an accurate quote for your construction project. Create a spreadsheet for your bill of quantities with columns for the item numbers, descriptions, units of measurement, quantities, rates for each item, labor, and total cost. Add 15 to 20 percent to the cost of materials to account for waste. Then, separate your items into categories like flooring, plumbing, and electrical. You’ll also need to include labor for each category in man-hours. Ask a contractor for an estimate, then factor in an extra 30 to 40 percent for things like bad weather and materials not arriving on time. For more tips, including how to hire a quantity surveyor, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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What AEC Companies Need to Know About the Bill of Quantities

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What AEC Companies Need to Know About the Bill of Quantities

If you work in the AEC industry, you need to be up close and personal with the definition and relevance of the bill of quantities .

Whenever you embark on a project, you must ensure a full and accurate documentation, whether for construction estimation, real estate estimation or anything else.

In today’s article, we’ll give you the foundation of what you need to know.

Table of Contents

Introduction: What is a Bill of Quantities?

How is a bill of quantities prepared what are its major parts, why is the boq important, difference between boq and bom.

A bill of quantities (commonly referred to as “BOQ” or even “BQ”) is a document that itemizes labor, materials, parts and their costs. It is prepared by a cost consultant (typically a quantity surveyor) and issued to tenderers so they can determine a price.

Since all tendering contractors price the same quantities, the bill also lays out an accurate and fair system for tendering.

‘Quantities’ or ‘quantity’ in this context means the calculated or “measured” amounts that are included in the BOQ. They may be measured in area, volume, number, length, time or weight.

Developing the bill of quantities demands that the design has been completed and that a specification has been made. Specifications refer to the materials, work, and products required by the construction contract, and exclude quantity, cost and drawn information.

Furthermore, it is crucial that the BOQ is developed to a standard methodology that is recognized by everyone involved in the construction project. This is to avoid ambiguities or misunderstandings.

For example, until recently in the UK, BOQs for general construction work were usually prepared according to the 7th edition of the Standard Method of Measurement . (It was replaced in 2013 by the New Rules of Measurement .)

Generally, an experienced estimator or quantity surveyor will use specialized software to measure the different aspects of the construction plan. Once this is completed, labor and material items are compiled. The BOQ will also cover costs for unexpected cost exceeds.

The major parts of a BOQ in construction is as follows:

Form of Tender

Information

Requirements

Pricing Schedule

Provisional Sums

There are two main types of BOQs:

Bill of Labor

Bill of Materials

Recommended Reading:

  • Phases of construction documentation

The bill of quantities is one of the most important documents in construction. Here are a few reasons why.

Comparison and Evaluation Opportunity: Since the details of all the items are described, evaluation can be thorough. Furthermore, it helps compare each contractor based on the items so a fair deal can be made.

Detecting Future Problems: The level of detail means that it is possible to detect potential future issues and plan ahead to eliminate or mitigate them.

Better Project Planning: Because items and their quantities are listed, the project planner only has to set the duration of work and arrange the resources.

Limits Timeframe: We can arrange the materials on time since we know their quantities.

Transparency: Chances of corrupt practice are reduced due to the details of the items given.

Reduction of Costs: Since the bill helps to reduce the timeframe, it automatically also helps to reduce the costs.

  • Construction Documentation: Resolving Common Design Rework Issues

Both the BOQ and bill of materials (BOM) go hand in hand and are crucial to project planning. They aid contractors and project planners in understanding inventory requirements of a project.

While the BOQ lists the number of materials, the BOM concerns the list of inventory, such as parts, components, raw materials, instructions, and so on. It provides clarity on what is required for completion of the project.

Typically a BOM will appear in hierarchical format. The highest level will show the finished product, while the lowest level will display individual materials and components.

A bill of materials can display information in one of two ways: an implosion display or an explosion display. The implosion shows the linkage of individual parts to assemblies. Conversely, the explosion displays an assembly broken down into individual parts.

As an example, a computer may be exploded into processors, computer chips, hard drive, and RAM panels. A processor would be further exploded into a register, control unit and arithmetic unit.

On the other hand, requirements for the control unit, register and arithmetic unit can be imploded into the requirements of the processor, which are further imploded into the requirements of the computer.

Common Mistakes in BOQs

An ideal BOQ will be accurate and comprehensive. There are, however, some common mistakes you should watch out for:

Inaccurate measurement of the quantities

Insufficient information in descriptions

Inclusion of irrelevant preliminary items

Discrepancies between the BOQ and the specifications or drawings

Double counting of items (can occur due to more than one surveyor working on the same BOQ)

Regardless of the type of contract, at some stage in your project’s procurement process, the works shall have to be quantified.

An accurate BOQ makes your process far easier and reduces reliance on guesswork. However, the BOQ is only one of the essential contract documents required for construction projects, and aside from contract documents, you also require construction documentation .

Luckily for you, BluEntCAD is just a click away. We automate, streamline and organize the construction documentation process for homebuilders, real estate developers, large engineering and architectural companies, and home designers for large to medium-sized hospitality, commercial, infrastructure and residential projects.

Ready to take your building project to the next level with construction documentation services ? Contact us now!

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CAD Evangelist. "What AEC Companies Need to Know About the Bill of Quantities" CAD Evangelist, Oct. 20, 2021, https://www.bluentcad.com/blog/bill-of-quantities/.

CAD Evangelist. (2021, October 20). What AEC Companies Need to Know About the Bill of Quantities . Retrieved from https://www.bluentcad.com/blog/bill-of-quantities/

CAD Evangelist. "What AEC Companies Need to Know About the Bill of Quantities" CAD Evangelist https://www.bluentcad.com/blog/bill-of-quantities/ (accessed October 20, 2021 ).

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Bill of Quantities Example (PDF) + Advantages of BOQ

Bill of Quantities Example (PDF) + Advantages of BOQ

Bill of Quantities Example (PDF)

What is bill of quantities / definition of bill of quantities.

Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is a document the construction industry prepared to specify materials, labors, and their cost. It serves as a communication tool between the client, consultant & contractor . It is usually prepared by a cost consultant or a quantity surveyor

The bill of quantities sometimes referred to as ‘BoQ’ or ‘BQ’ is a document prepared by the cost consultant, often a quantity surveyor, that provides project-specific measured quantities of the items of work identified and respective cost as by the drawings.

A bill of quantities is a document used in tendering in the construction industry in which materials, parts, and labor are itemized. It also details the terms and conditions of the construction or repair contract and itemizes all work to enable a contractor to price the work for which he or she is bidding.

Bill of Quantities

The  quantities  may be  measured in number, length, area, volume, weight, or time. Preparing a bill of quantities requires that the design is complete and a specification has been prepared.

Bill of Quantities

Preparing  a BOQ

For the preparation of BOQ, 5 main components are to be considered which are as follows:

  • Item Description
  • Rate per unit
  • Total Amount

bill of quantities example

 Key Advantages of a Bill of Quantities

Bill of quantities provides the details of work.

In BOQ all the items or components which will be used in the project are mentioned with their quantities and estimated cost . Thus we get a fair idea of the work & their items.

Bill of Quantities Example

Bill of Quantities can used to Evaluate & Compare

bill of quantities example

Bill of Quantities can help in Identifying  the Problems Beforehand

If we know the scope of the work with details of each item, thus we’ll be able to identify the problems that are going to hit the project in the future & will be ready to tackle them in advance.

Bill of Quantities helps in Planning of the Project

Planning is the core of every project. BOQ plays a very crucial role in the planning of a project. As the components with their quantities are listed, thus half of the work of the planner is already done. The planning engineer will allocate the resources with their duration and the planning sheet will be ready.

Bill of Quantities Acts as a Tool for Managing Time 

Bill of quantities will reduce the cost of construction.

Time and cost in a construction project are directly related the each other. If we are finishing the work within the time frame automatically we will be successful in saving the cost .

Bill of Quantities Example

BOQ  Helps in Better Management of Project

The greatest advantage of BOQ is the efficient management of work. It would be easy for management when they are fully aware of the items/components, suppliers , time frame, etc.

Bill of Quantities Provide Transparency

In BOQ every item/component with its quantities is mentioned, hence everything automatically becomes transparent. There are no chances of corrupt practices.

Example Bills of Quantities Download

Click the below links to download example Bills of Quantities produced by HPD Team.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BOQ

Purpose of bill of quantities / importance.

  • It offers fundamental suggestions for the assignment by providing the aggregates to contractors.
  • Bill of Quantities can help the homeowner to compare the rate quoted by different contractors.

Bill of Quantities

  • It describes the amount of the job as per the sketches and designs of the project.
  • It offers a probable or predictable agreement amount which is extremely significant to the client.
  • Provide a basis for the valuation of interim payments or payment plans.
  • The Bill of Quantities also gives the scope of works to be undertaken, giving both parties clear borders of their responsibilities in a project
  •  Is a document  that the client’s/employer’s or Project Engineer will use to value the progress of work on site

Check >> Bill of Quantities Example (PDF Download) Here

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what is annotated bill of quantities

What is a bill of quantities?

A bill of quantities (commonly known as BOQ or BQ) is a document prepared by a quantity surveyor or cost consultant to define the quality and quantity of works required to be carried out by the main contractor to complete a project.

A bill of quantities also provides the main contractor with measured quantities of works as identified on the project drawings and specification.

The main purpose of a BOQ is to:

  • Standardise the process for tendering contractors to prepare a firm cost to carry out the works.
  • Provide a fair and accurate method for tendering contractors to price the project using the same information.
  • Allow the employer’s consultants to carry out a tender analysis whereby they can compare both the overall cost received and individual priced items with other tender offers.
  • Enable either the quantity surveyor or contract administrator to confirm that individual contractors have submitted bona fide tenders compliant with the tender information, that represent value for money to the client.

During the construction period the BOQ can assist the design team by:

  • Helping to determine the agreement of the contract sum with the successful tender
  • Identifying a schedule of rates for individual work items to assist with costing variations
  • Providing the basis of identifying works completed for interim valuations
  • Providing the basis for the preparation of the final account

It is important that a BOQ is prepared to a standard methodology recognised by everyone involved in the project to avoid any misunderstandings or ambiguities. A BOQ is also a valuable document during the process and settlement of any dispute resolution.

BOQs are prepared in accordance with New Rules of Measurement (NRM) which became operative on January 1, 2013 and replaced SMM7 on July 1, 2013.

See also #AskJonesMelling: What is the difference between NRM and SMM7?

This answer is a guide only. Jones Melling has a team of specialists who can advise you on whether a bill of quantities is suitable or necessary for your project.

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Bill of Quantities(BoQ): A Complete Breakdown

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What is a bill of quantities, and why are they critical to the success of major construction programmes? Discover everything from the origins of the BoQ, to best practices for preparing them in this comprehensive guide. 

Construction as a business sector stands as a cornerstone of economic growth and societal development worldwide. Not only does it drive economic prosperity by fostering innovation and investment, but it also meets the fundamental needs of modern civilisation, from housing and transportation to healthcare and education.

In the dynamic world of construction, planning and precision are extremely important. The whole construction project depends on how accurate your cost and time estimations are. Imagine having a blueprint, not for the physical structure itself, but for all the components that come together to create it. This comprehensive guide unveils the hidden language of construction—a language that speaks volumes in numbers, measurements, and meticulous details. It’s a language known as bills of quantities or simply put, BoQ .

Table of Contents

1. What are bills of quantities?

A bill of quantities, or BoQ or simply BQ, is like a detailed shopping list for a construction project. Imagine you’re building a house and you need to know exactly how much of each material such as bricks, cement, and wood you will need. The BoQ does just that. It lists how much of each item is required for the project.

A bill of quantities is put together by a construction professional called a quantity surveyor . To create it, they need to know exactly what the building will look like and what materials will be used. Bills of quantities are mostly used for big construction projects. In the case of smaller projects or renovations, you might not need a BoQ.

The origins of bills of quantities can be traced back to the late 18th and 19th centuries when the UK construction landscape was rapidly changing with the onset of the Industrial Revolution. At that time, architects and builders began to recognise the need for a standardised method of quantifying construction materials and labour. In the 20th century, with the construction industry’s continued growth and complexity, the advent of modern computing and software further streamlined the preparation and management of bills of quantities, making them even more indispensable for large-scale construction projects.

2. What are bills of quantities used for?

Bills of quantities form an integral component of the tender package provided to potential suppliers to solicit pricing. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their critical functions:

Standardising the tendering process

  • BoQs standardise the tendering process, allowing contractors to prepare precise cost estimates based on the same information.
  • This fosters fairness and transparency in the tendering process.

Facilitating tender analysis

  • BoQs enable thorough tender analysis, where both total project costs and individual rates can be evaluated.
  • This ensures that contractors submit complete, compliant bids that align with specifications and meet budgetary goals.

Cost control and projections

  • BoQs provide detailed schedules and breakdowns, offering owners visibility into cash flow needs over various project cycles.
  • This helps in predicting and managing project expenditures effectively.

Foundation for contracts

  • BoQs act as the foundation for the final contract between the client and the contractor. In case of disputes or claims during construction, they provide a reference point for conflict resolution.

Transparency and error reduction

  • By specifying materials and labor, BoQs create transparency around scope and pricing, reducing errors and misunderstandings.
  • This ensures that all parties have a clear understanding of the project’s requirements.

Maintenance and future expansion

  • The comprehensive information within a BoQ becomes an invaluable record for future maintenance, repairs, and potential expansions.
  • This saves time and effort compared to re-quantifying for subsequent work on the project.

In summary, BOQs play a crucial role in making the tendering process more uniform, pricing more precise, and project costs more predictable. They serve as a cornerstone document, not only during the construction phase but also for the long-term management and development of projects.

3. What does a bill of quantities include?

By now, we all have understood the significance of bills of quantities in construction projects as they provide us with accurate quantities of items, materials, and labour required for the completion of the project. While the format may vary, several essential components are typically found in a comprehensive BoQ:

Project information

  • It includes project details like the project name, owner, location, and the BoQ’s date of creation. This context is essential for clarity and record-keeping.
  • Each entry in the BoQ is assigned a unique item number to simplify referencing, especially in extensive lists.

Item differentiation

  • Items are categorised as materials or labour, providing a clear distinction for measurement and pricing purposes.

Detailed descriptions

  • The BoQ often includes brief but precise descriptions for each item. For instance, if the list includes ‘paint,’ it might specify whether it is ‘interior’ or ‘exterior’ paint to avoid ambiguity.

Unit of measurement

  • The unit of measurement varies based on whether it is a material or labour unit. Materials are typically measured in counts such as gallons, cubic, square, linear metres, tons, etc. whereas labor is measured in time units, such as hours or per installation, depending on the specific task.
  • The BoQ specifies the quantity of each material or the time required for each labour item. This quantification is fundamental to understanding the scope of the project.
  • It indicates the prices for materials and hourly rates or fees for labour. These unit costs are pivotal in calculating the total costs.

Total item cost

  • For each entry, the BoQ calculates the total cost by multiplying the unit price by its quantity. To arrive at the overall budget, we sum up the costs of these individual items.

Terms and conditions (optional)

  • Some BoQs include terms and conditions related to the project, such as warranties, payment terms, and other contractual details.

A well-structured BoQ with itemised lists, clear descriptions, and comprehensive cost calculations provide a financial overview for construction projects. It not only guides procurement and scheduling but also serves as a vital tool for cost and commercial management .

4. How to prepare bills of quantities?

Before we get into the step-by-step method of drafting a bill of quantities, it’s imperative that we learn about the different types of bills of quantities or we would rather term them as different stages for a bill of quantities.

  • Preliminary Bill of Quantities (PBQ) – This bill estimates the initial project costs, covering concepts like site preparation and early-stage construction activities.
  • Approximate Bill of Quantities (ABQ) – An approximate bill of quantities (ABQ) provides cost estimates for different construction phases, helping with budgeting and financing.
  • Revised Bill of Quantities (RBQ) – RBQs are updated versions of the original BoQ, reflecting changes in the project scope or design.
  • Firm Bill of Quantities (FBQ) – A firm bill of quantities (FBQ) is a finalised and agreed-upon version of the BoQ, used for tendering and contract execution.
  • Provisional Bill of Quantities (PBQ) – Provisional Bill of Quantities (PBQ) includes items with uncertain quantities or costs, often used when exact figures are hard to determine during project planning.
  • Contractor’s Bill of Quantities (CBQ) – The contractor prepares CBQs, detailing their specific requirements and pricing for a project, often in response to an FBQ.

These different types of bills of quantities explain the progress of the bill and what clients and contractors should expect at what stage. According to the BoQ type, some steps in the creation process might vary but the whole idea is pretty much the same.

5. Step-by-step guide for creating bills of quantities

1. Initial project documentation

Begin by collecting all relevant project documents, including architectural plans, engineering drawings, and specifications. These documents set the foundation for your BoQ.

2. Itemisation and categorisation

Review the project documents thoroughly and itemise all materials and labour required. Categorise items as either materials or labour and provide concise, yet detailed descriptions for clarity.

3. Quantify with costs

Based on the project specifications, start with quantifying all the items required in the projects and their associated costs. Calculate the total costs involved. This will also help you calculate the total man hours required to complete the project.

4. Quality control

Review and cross-check your BoQ thoroughly to ensure accuracy and consistency. This is a crucial step to avoid any errors. It’s best practice to get more eyes to review your bill of quantities, leaving zero space for any discrepancies.

5. Compliance and standards

Ensure that your Bill of Quantities adheres to the relevant standards and guidelines in the UK, such as the New Rules of Measurement (NRM) or any specific industry standards applicable to your project.

6. Final compilation

Organise your BoQ in a clear and easily understandable format. Include a cover page with project details and any terms and conditions if required.

6. Tips for accuracy and best practices

  • Keep abreast of industry changes, regulations, and market rates in the market you are working in. Regularly update your BoQs to reflect current conditions.
  • Maintain consistent terminology and item descriptions throughout the BoQ to avoid confusion. Refrain from adding vague variances while doing measurements. Do it accurately by referring to the drawing section and details.
  • Consider utilising specialised software for BoQ preparation like CostX, which can enhance accuracy and efficiency. Ensure to write detailed descriptions with available specifications and details.
  • Engage with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure alignment between the BoQ and the project’s technical specifications.
  • If in doubt, consult with a quantity surveyor or construction cost consultant to ensure your BoQ meets industry standards.

Creating a bill of quantities is an essential skill for construction professionals in the UK. By following this step-by-step guide and adhering to best practices, you will equip yourself to prepare accurate and reliable Bills of Quantities (BoQs) for your construction projects.

7. Bills of quantities as a Soben service

At Soben, we take pride in our role as a global construction consultancy, and one of our core services is providing accurate Bills of Quantities ( BoQs ) to our valued clients and contractors. With a commitment to precision and professionalism, Soben has established itself as an industry expert in delivering comprehensive BoQs. Our team of experienced professionals brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, ensuring that our clients receive BoQs that are not only accurate but also aligned with industry standards and regulations.

While our focus is on accuracy, we approach this service with a client-centric mindset, understanding the unique needs and specifications of each project. Through our BoQ services, we aim to facilitate cost-effective project management and procurement, ultimately contributing to the success of your construction endeavours.

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Choosing Wisely: Bills of Quantities or a Schedule of Work – What’s Right for Your Project?

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The subject of this article has been suggested by Susan Price, Director of BB Partnership Chartered Architects. Thank you, Susan, sometimes the most difficult part of creating this content is to come up with subjects.

Introduction

Proper documentation is the lifeblood of construction projects. It provides a concrete roadmap that guides every stage of the construction process, from initial planning to final handover. Among the array of documents used, two types stand out for their critical roles in ensuring smooth project execution: the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and the Schedule of Works (SoW).

While they may seem similar, BoQ and SoW each serve unique purposes and are best suited to specific types of projects. This article aims to help you discern these differences and choose wisely between a BoQ and a SoW for your particular project needs.

We will delve into the distinct characteristics of both BoQ and SoW, highlighting the components, functionality, and suitable project types for each. We will also impart best practices for creating an effective SoW and underscore the invaluable role of a Quantity Surveyor in the preparation and use of these documents.

Expect a comprehensive exploration of these two vital tools in construction project management. By understanding their unique features, strengths, and limitations, you can make an informed decision that best serves your project.

So, are you ready to uncover the distinguishing features of BoQ and SoW and decide which fits your project like a glove? Let’s begin.

Understanding Bills of Quantities (BoQ)

What is a bill of quantities (boq).

A Bill of Quantities (BoQ) is a document used in the construction industry to provide an estimated, itemised list of activities, items of work and other costs required to complete a project. By using a BoQ contractor can further establish all materials, parts, and labour required for a construction project. It forms an integral part of a formal contract and acts as a basis for cost-control and monitoring mechanisms during project implementation. A BoQ contains several crucial components, among them: preliminaries, measured works, and provisional sums.

The Structure and Components of BoQ

The structure of a BoQ reflects the complexities of the project at hand. One of the primary bills is ‘measured works’, which contains detailed descriptions and quantities of the work to be performed. This bill is typically divided further into sections reflecting different trades or stages of work, such as groundwork, structural works, finishes, external works, etc. The structure is governed by the standard method of measurement used for the project.

The ‘preliminaries’ bill or section, on the other hand, covers general project expenses. It includes elements like site setup costs, management fees, temporary works, and professional fees.

The ‘provisional sums’ component provides an allowance for works that cannot be entirely defined, quantified, or priced at the time of tendering. This could be due to factors such as design development or unpredictable elements of the project.

A BoQ may also include other bills and sections as necessary, this may be a list of daywork rates or client direct packages of work, or other items specific to the project.

The Role of Standard Methods of Measurement (SMM) in BoQ

Standard Methods of Measurement (SMM) play a significant role in creating a BoQ. SMM provides a uniform format for measuring construction works, ensuring the BoQ is universally understood by all parties involved in the project. The current SMM standard used in the UK is the New Rules of Measurement 2 (NRM2), introduced in 2013, offering a more comprehensive approach to capturing and structuring project costs compared to its predecessor, the SMM7. However, some UK-based price books, such as BCIS, still employ the even earlier SMM6 standard. Internationally, there are other SMMs used for cost control, such as CSI in the USA, ASMM in Australia, POMI (developed by RICS) widely used in the Gulf.

The Applicability of BoQs

BoQs are particularly effective for large and complex projects where detailed specification of activities and costs is necessary to control pricing and cost change control. They also prove beneficial for contractors with in-house Quantity Surveyors and professional teams who can effectively interpret and utilise the BoQ to prepare subcontractors’ and suppliers’ packages and enquiries, control costs and manage the project efficiently.

However, a BoQ might not always be the best fit. For instance, in projects not fully designed yet or for smaller schemes where contractors might struggle to engage with the detailed nature of BoQs, an alternative like a Schedule of Works might be more suitable.

This understanding of BoQs will allow us to appreciate its comparison with Schedules of Work in the following sections.

Understanding Schedule of Works (SoW)

What is a schedule of works (sow).

A Schedule of Works (SoW), as it pertains to construction projects, is a document that outlines the work that needs to be completed in a given project. Unlike a Bill of Quantities (BoQ), a SoW typically provides an overview of the works without delving into the nitty-gritty of every task. It gives a broader picture, providing just enough detail to make sense of the project’s overall needs.

The structure of a SoW can vary significantly. Depending on the writer or the project’s unique requirements, it might be a concise one-page document with broad descriptions or a more extensive multi-section document approaching the detail level of a BoQ. There is no universally accepted structure for a SoW, as it is not guided by a standard method of measurement like a BoQ.

The Structure and Components of SoW

A Schedule of Works comprises different components, including descriptions of work, quantities, and sometimes units of measurement. These components are often bundled together as an ‘item’, which stands for a particular work activity or a group of closely related tasks. For instance, an item in a SoW might cover all the works related to roofing, including the structure, insulation, and covering.

Contrasting this with a BoQ, which breaks down the works into minute details, a SoW tends to clump together multiple tasks into one priced item. This makes it less comprehensive but arguably more accessible for certain types of projects and contractors.

The Function of SoW in a Construction Project

A Schedule of Works serves multiple purposes within a construction project. It outlines the sequence of works, helping the project team understand the order in which tasks should be completed. It also spells out the contractor’s responsibilities in broad terms, without going into the detailed specifications found in a BoQ.

In terms of project management, a SoW is used to coordinate tasks, schedule resources, and assess interim payments. It offers a high-level understanding of cost allocation, making it a useful tool for cost management. With its less detailed nature, a SoW is a more limited basis for assessing variations, as the cost detail is often insufficient to discern the cost implications of each change in the works.

The Applicability of SoWs

Schedules of Works are typically used for smaller or less complex projects. Their less detailed nature makes them more manageable for smaller contractors who may lack the skills or resources to deal with the complexity of a BoQ.

On the other hand, for larger and more complex projects requiring a detailed breakdown of works and costs, a BoQ might be more suitable. It’s crucial to choose the right document for the project’s specific needs, as this decision can significantly impact project management and financial control.

Using a SoW comes with its challenges. Due to its broad descriptions, it might not cover all eventualities, leading to ambiguities or disputes during the project execution. To mitigate these issues, it’s important to ensure that the SoW is as clear and comprehensive as possible, considering the project’s scale and complexity.

Best Practices for SoW Writing

As we have explored, a Schedule of Works (SoW) is a highly versatile tool, particularly suited to less complex projects. However, the effectiveness of a SoW largely depends on how well it is written. The key to a successful SoW is clarity and detail, providing enough information to eliminate ambiguity without overwhelming with unnecessary complexities. In this section, we’ll provide practical guidance on crafting an effective SoW, building on the insights shared in the previous section.

The Structure of a Clear SoW

A SoW should have a clear, well-organised structure that mirrors the actual workflow of the project or the involvement of different trades. This approach simplifies the understanding of the work sequence, reduces the potential for misunderstandings, and facilitates smoother project execution. For instance, a SoW for a residential building project might be organised into sections like groundworks, brickwork, roofing, and interior finishing, reflecting the sequence of tasks.

Aligning SoW with Drawings and Specifications

Consistency across project documentation is crucial for preventing conflicts during project delivery. Your SoW must align with the project drawings and specifications. If these documents contradict each other, it may lead to confusion, incorrect pricing, and disputes during construction. For instance, if the SoW states “install kitchen cabinets,” but the specifications and drawings detail a bespoke, hand-made kitchen, this discrepancy could lead to significant issues.

Avoiding Duplication and Overlap

In a SoW, each task should only be described and priced once to prevent confusion and potential disputes. It’s crucial to avoid duplicated descriptions or overlapping items/sections. For instance, if plastering work is included in both the ‘internal walls’ and ‘finishes’ sections, it might result in double-pricing or misunderstandings about who is responsible for the task.

Comprehensive Item Descriptions

Each item in a SoW should have a detailed description to provide clarity on what is included in the cost of that task. Going back to the example of a roofing task, the description should include a full specification of structure, insulation, covering, and any other relevant components. This approach leaves no room for ambiguity and ensures everyone understands the scope of work.

The Impact of Clear SoW Writing on Project Delivery

Adopting these best practices for SoW writing brings about numerous benefits. It removes ambiguities, aids contractors in providing accurate pricing, and reduces the likelihood of variations during project delivery. A well-written SoW sets the groundwork for effective project management and financial control, and ultimately leads to a satisfied client. By giving due attention to the SoW writing process, you set the project up for a smoother execution and successful completion.

The Client’s Perspective

The choice between a Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and a Schedule of Works (SoW) is not only crucial to the construction team’s operations, but it also significantly impacts the client’s understanding and experience of the project. It directly influences how informed the client feels, their level of engagement with the project, and the degree of control they perceive they have over the project’s progression.

Understanding the Project

Firstly, the level of detail provided in either a BoQ or SoW can help the client to grasp the complexity of the construction project. A BoQ, with its comprehensive breakdown of tasks, materials, and costs, gives clients an in-depth understanding of the project’s specifics. This document is especially beneficial for clients who have a technical background or an interest in understanding the granular details of the project.

On the other hand, a SoW offers a high-level overview of the project. It is generally simpler and less detailed, making it more accessible for clients unfamiliar with technical construction terminology or those who prefer an at-a-glance understanding of the project’s direction.

Transparency and Cost Certainty

The choice of document also has implications for transparency and cost certainty. A BoQ offers a more transparent view of the project, breaking down costs and allowing for detailed tracking of expenditures. This level of detail can increase clients’ confidence in the budgeting and cost management of the project.

Conversely, while a SoW provides less granularity in cost breakdown, its more succinct overview still offers a degree of cost certainty. Each task is linked with a cost, enabling clients to see the distribution of the budget across the project’s different elements.

Project Control

From a client’s perspective, the feeling of being ‘in control’ is crucial. A BoQ, with its extensive detail and precise measurements, may give clients a heightened sense of control over the project, as they can track each task’s progress and related costs.

In contrast, a SoW provides a broader view of the project’s progress, offering clients an easier way to understand the overall project flow without the need to delve into the specifics of each task. This level of oversight can be enough for clients who prefer a more general overview rather than a detailed breakdown.

In summary, whether a BoQ or a SoW is more appropriate will depend heavily on the client’s preferences and requirements. Clear communication with the client will ensure the most suitable document is chosen, enhancing their understanding, ensuring transparency, providing cost certainty, and facilitating effective project control.

Navigating through the complexities of construction project documentation is a crucial aspect of managing a successful project. The choice between a Bill of Quantities and a Schedule of Works is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a strategic decision based on multiple factors, including the project’s scope, complexity, and the client’s needs and preferences.

By making an informed choice, construction professionals can ensure effective project management and financial control, contributing to smooth operations and successful project delivery. Looking forward, with the advancements in digital trends and standardisation efforts in the construction industry, the adaptability of these documents will continue to be important. We may see the development of hybrid or new forms of project documentation that further enhance efficiency, transparency, and collaboration.

The construction industry is continually evolving, and so are its tools. Whether you’re a contractor, a project manager, or a client, understanding the strengths and limitations of each document type will allow you to leverage them effectively, leading to more successful construction projects.

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Bill Of Quantities – Everything You Need To Know

what is annotated bill of quantities

What is a Bill of Quantities?

Why is it important, preparing a bill of quantities, final thoughts.

Generally, the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) is drawn-up by the quantity surveyor (employer’s consultant) with construction information provided by the design team. The primary purpose of a BoQ is to ensure all tenderers are provided with a standardised document to price and submit a fair and accurate tender. To a large extent the BoQ is used in post tender works for the preparation of interim valuations, to assist with variations and the final account etc.

  • A Bill of Quantities (BoQ) is a detailed and itemised pricing document. It is a reflection of the work to done abstracted from the design team’s drawings, specification and any other documentation in respect of.
  • The BoQ is set out in accordance with a standard method of measurement.
  • The BoQ is created and issued as part of the tender documentation, thus providing detailed information for the tenderer to submit an  accurate estimate .
  • The BoQ provides sufficient information for the tenderer to price everything necessary to carry out the works, e.g. manufacturing and delivery of materials, plant, labour and any other associated costs on top of this. A detailed BoQ will also set out the out the terms and conditions of the construction contract and itemise the work involved.

So, the BoQ helps  tenderers to calculate construction costs  and to follow a fair and effective system for tendering. Having a solid and accurate tender and cost estimate will allow for a significantly improved construction process. The work will be carried out on a less confrontational basis, the client will be satisfied, and any potential wastage and surprises along the way will be reduced.

A BoQ helps contractors produce an accurate and fair tender. Having this as a standard document ensures that competing contractors price the items of work on the same basis. Thus, reducing the risk of ambiguity through, addendums, omissions or misunderstandings.

Though the adjudication process the quantity surveyor is able to analyse the competing contractors’ BoQ on an itemised rate for rate basis.

A BoQ can also be used after the tendering process. Contractors use the document for material scheduling,  construction planning , cost analysis and cost planning.

The BoQ defines the extent of the work that needs to be carried out and also provides the estimated contract sum. Thus, it is a very useful document for contractors and clients alike. Having a solid BoQ also makes quantifying the works much easier and more transparent. This is something that needs to occur during the procurement process of any project to get accurate prices or to value the work for payment.

Producing an effective BoQ is therefore essential for a successful bidding process. Getting this process right can help contractors to provide a better service, as well as win over more clients.

Preparing a BoQ is a process that includes several steps. The quantity surveyor or cost consultant will usually prepare it during the pre-construction phase.

The process includes:

  • Obtaining the design team’s drawings and specifications.
  • Understanding the type of contract to be used and all the associated terms and conditions.
  • Taking off quantities from the drawings.
  • Draw up a Bill of Quantities using the information from the specification and measurements from the drawings.
  • The Bill of Quantities should be set out in accordance with a standard method of measurement.

Using construction  estimating software  is incredibly useful for formatting and organising the categories within your BoQ. This will help to group tasks that still need to be completed. For example, contractors can easily import their Bill of Quantities into  Candy , manually add in items, allocate trade codes, and price bill items using plug rates, split plug rates and free format rate sheets. By using software, contractors can also ensure that their BoQ layouts are consistent and have all the necessary columns.

To submit bids efficiently and accurately, it’s important to ensure the Bill of Quantities pricing and tender adjudication process is right. Having an accurately priced BoQ will eliminate unwanted rework, wasted time, and unnecessary expenses. This will mean winning more bids and overall, happier clients.

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What Is Bill of Quantities?

what is annotated bill of quantities

What Is BoQ?

BoQ stands for "Bill of Quantities". It is a document that provides a detailed list of materials, labor, and equipment required for a construction project, along with their estimated costs. The BoQ is used as the basis for procurement and pricing, as well as for tracking and monitoring the project's progress and costs.

What Is Bill of Quantities Meaning?

A Bill of Quantities (BoQ) is a detailed list of materials, components, and labor required to complete a construction project. It provides a detailed breakdown of all the items that are required to build a structure, including their description, quantity, unit of measure, and cost estimate. The BoQ is used to estimate the total cost of a construction project and serves as a reference document for both the contractor and the client. It is a crucial document in the construction process as it provides a clear understanding of the costs involved and helps ensure that the project is completed within budget. The BoQ is typically prepared by a quantity surveyor or an estimator and is used throughout the construction project to monitor progress, adjust the budget, and resolve any cost disputes.

Types of BoQ In Construction

In construction, there are several types of Bill of Quantities (BoQ) including:

  • Itemized BoQ: This type of BoQ lists all the items required for the project with their respective quantities and unit prices.
  • Abstract BoQ: This type of BoQ summarizes the quantities and costs of the various items required for the project.
  • Preliminary BoQ: This type of BoQ is prepared early in the project planning phase, and provides a rough estimate of the project costs.
  • Final BoQ: This type of BoQ is a detailed and accurate representation of the project requirements and costs, and is used as the basis for procurement and pricing.
  • Elemental BoQ: This type of BoQ is organized by the various construction elements, such as foundations, walls, roofs, etc.
  • Trade BoQ: This type of BoQ is organized by trade, such as electrical, plumbing, etc.
  • Location BoQ: This type of BoQ is organized by location, such as different rooms or areas within the project.

The type of BoQ used will depend on the specifics of the project, and the requirements of the client, contractor, and other stakeholders.

Purpose of Preparing Bill of Quantity

The purpose of preparing a Bill of Quantities (BoQ) in construction projects is to provide a detailed and accurate picture of the project requirements, including the quantities and costs of materials, labor, and equipment needed to complete the project. The BoQ serves several key purposes, including:

  • Cost estimation : The BoQ is used to estimate the total cost of the project, including the cost of materials, labor, and equipment, and to determine if the project is feasible within the budget.
  • Tender documents : The BoQ is used as the basis for procurement and tendering, and is often included as part of the tender documents for the project. Contractors and suppliers can use the BoQ to provide accurate and competitive quotes for the project.
  • Cost control : The BoQ is used to monitor and control spending during the construction process, ensuring that the project stays within budget.
  • Contract administration : The BoQ is used as the basis for the contract between the client and the contractor, and is used to resolve any disputes or claims that may arise during the construction process.
  • Record keeping : The BoQ provides a detailed and accurate record of the project requirements for future reference, which can be useful for maintenance and repair work, or for future developments or expansions.

In summary, the purpose of preparing a BoQ is to provide a clear and detailed picture of the project requirements and costs, which helps to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget, and provides a record of the project for future reference.

Format of Bill of Quantity

The format of a Bill of Quantities (BoQ) can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the specific requirements of the client. However, a typical BoQ typically includes the following elements:

  • Introduction: This section provides an overview of the project, including the scope of work, the project location, and the date of the BoQ.
  • Items and descriptions: This section lists all the items required for the project, including materials, labor, and equipment, along with a description of each item.
  • Units of measurement : This section defines the units of measurement used for each item, such as square meters, linear meters, or pieces.
  • Quantities : This section provides the estimated quantity of each item required for the project.
  • Unit prices : This section provides the estimated cost for each unit of measurement for each item.
  • Total prices : This section provides the total cost for each item, calculated by multiplying the quantity by the unit price.
  • Summary : This section provides a summary of the total cost for the project, including a breakdown of the costs for each item.
  • Terms and conditions : This section provides the terms and conditions for the project, including payment terms, warranties, and other important information.

Note: Some BoQs may also include sections for alternates, contingencies, and other special requirements. The format of the BoQ should be agreed upon by the client, the contractor, and the architect or engineer, and should be suitable for the specific requirements of the project.

Advantages of Bill of Quantity

There are several advantages of using a Bill of Quantities (BoQ) in construction projects, including:

  • Improved accuracy: A BoQ provides a detailed and accurate picture of the project requirements, which helps to reduce the risk of overspending or under-delivering.
  • Better cost control: The BoQ provides a clear and detailed record of the estimated costs for the project, which can be used to monitor and control spending.
  • Enhanced transparency: The BoQ makes it easier to see the different elements and costs involved in the project, which helps to increase transparency and accountability.
  • Facilitates tendering: The BoQ provides a clear and detailed picture of the project requirements, which can be used to invite competitive tenders from contractors and suppliers.
  • Better planning: The BoQ can be used to plan and organize the construction process, ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget.
  • Improved communication: The BoQ provides a shared understanding of the project requirements between the client, the contractor, and other stakeholders, which helps to improve communication and avoid misunderstandings.
  • Improved quality control: The BoQ helps to ensure that all the necessary materials, labor, and equipment are included in the project, which helps to improve quality control and reduce the risk of defects or omissions.

Preparing a Bill of Quantities

Preparing a Bill of Quantities (BoQ) is a crucial step in the construction process and requires careful planning and attention to detail. The following steps outline the general process for preparing a BoQ:

  • Define the scope of work : The first step in preparing a BoQ is to clearly define the scope of work, including the extent of the work to be carried out and the specific requirements of the project.
  • Obtain the necessary documents : Obtain the necessary documents, such as the architectural drawings, structural drawings, and specifications, to help you accurately determine the quantities of materials, labor, and equipment required for the project.
  • Break down the work into smaller items : Break down the work into smaller, manageable items, such as individual rooms, sections of the building, or specific trades, such as electrical, plumbing, or concrete.
  • Determine the quantities of each item : Determine the quantities of each item required for the project based on the drawings, specifications, and other documents, and take into account any changes or variations to the scope of work.
  • Determine the unit prices : Determine the unit prices for each item based on current market prices, local prices, and other factors, such as transportation costs, taxes, and local labor rates.
  • Calculate the total prices : Calculate the total prices for each item by multiplying the quantity by the unit price.
  • Check and verify the quantities and prices : Check and verify the quantities and prices to ensure that they are accurate and realistic, and take into account any variations, alternates, or contingencies that may affect the final cost of the project.
  • Review and approve the BoQ : Review and approve the BoQ with the client, the architect or engineer, and other relevant parties to ensure that everyone agrees on the quantities, prices, and other details.
  • Finalize the BoQ : Finalize the BoQ by incorporating any changes or revisions, and prepare a final version for use in the tendering and procurement process.

In summary, preparing a BoQ is a complex and detailed process that requires careful planning and attention to detail, but it is essential for ensuring that the construction project is completed on time and within budget.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) is a crucial document in the construction process that provides an accurate and detailed breakdown of the quantities, costs, and specifications of the materials, labor, and equipment required for a construction project. Preparing a BoQ is a complex and detailed process that requires careful planning and attention to detail, but it is essential for ensuring that the construction project is completed on time and within budget. The BoQ serves as the basis for the tendering and procurement process and helps to ensure that the client, the contractor, and the other stakeholders have a clear understanding of the project requirements and costs. By providing a comprehensive and accurate picture of the quantities, costs, and specifications of the work to be done, the BoQ helps to minimize the risk of disputes and claims, and ensures that the construction project is completed successfully.

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BOQ (Bill of Quantity) & BOM (Bill of Material): Definition, Differences & Process

BOQ (Bill of Quantities) & BOM (Bill of Materials): Definition and Differences-by United-BIM

What is BoM (Bill of Material)? 

A bill of materials (BoM) is a list of the parts or components that are required to build a product. The BoM provides the manufacturer’s part number (MPN) and the quantity needed for each component.

BoM is a multi-level document that provides build data for multiple sub-assemblies (products within products) and includes for each item: part number, approved manufacturers list (AML), mechanical characteristics, and a whole range of components descriptors. It may also include attached reference files, such as part specifications, CAD or BIM files, and schematics.

What is BoQ (Bill of Quantity)? 

Bills of Quantities (BoQ) is one of systematic ways applied in the construction industry in which its primary function is to record items of works for tendering purposes and to create a fair agreement among the parties involved for contracting purposes

How BIM is Improving BOQ/BOM Development Process?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has transformed several operational processes in the AEC industry. From planning to designing, scheduling, managing, and more, BIM has brought unprecedented efficiencies to the segment. The 3D-model based process makes it easier for designers, architects, contractors, and other stakeholders to eliminate wastage and accurately plan the entire lifecycle of a project.

When we think of project planning, two things instantly strike our mind is BOQ and BOM. Bill of Materials (BOM) and Bill of Quantities (BOQ) are two important parts of the planning process. In this blog, we’ll see how BIM has improved the BOQ and BOM creation process.

BOQ & BOM: What is it and Why is it Important?

BOQ and BOM help project planners and contractors in understanding the inventory requirements associated with a project. While BOM is related to the list of inventory, including raw materials, parts, components, etc., BOQ lists the total number of materials required to complete a project.

BOQs help project developers in getting detailed quotes for project requirements and BOM give a clarity on what all is needed for completion. In a way, both these go hand in hand, enhancing the planning process and reducing chances of errors and inventory shortage at a later stage that might lead to project delays.

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Difference between BOQ and BOM

BOQ and BOM, though seeming similar in their approach are completely different pieces of information with unique objectives. The difference can be ascertained when we look at the applications and importance of BOQ and BOM.

Application of BOM

  • Planning raw material purchases and requirements
  • Estimating the cost of material
  • Setting up a system of inventory control
  • Reducing wastage by creating a supply chain mechanism

Application of BOQ

  • Increasing the understanding of a project
  • Ascertaining actual quantities required to be communicated to suppliers
  • Defining the basic scope of work in line with drawings and specification
  • Getting a clear idea about the contract price
  • Offering a basis for valuation of variation

How BOQ/BOM Aids the Construction Process?

Accurately developed BOQ and BOM improve the construction process by promoting transparency in inventory control. BOQ and BOM also help in outlining the basic project budget which should be taken as a guideline before moving ahead with any design modifications.

With the help of BOQs and BOMs, project managers can kickstart the project by understanding if they have everything in the required quantities. Also, if they feel something is missing, they can move ahead with the procurement process before the actual work starts.

BOQ provides a clear outline for suppliers and tenderers about the work to be completed. For the project owners/promotors, it paves the way for cost control, cash flow forecasts and creating a payment schedule. All in all, both these helps in enhancing the project planning efficiency and mitigating risks associated with last-minute changes or delays due to material shortage.

Related blog: 5D BIM Implementation- Barriers & Benefits- Boon for Every Cost Estimators

Process of Generating BOQ/BOM

Traditionally, BOQ and BOMs were generated manually with the help of data processing software like MS-Excel where spreadsheets were developed to outline the list of materials, quantities required, labor needed and ascertaining cost estimates based on the design.

In the process of generating BOQ, a quantity surveyor is needed who conducts a manual survey based on the project details, design of the building/structure and other variables.

With the advent of BIM, the process has become extremely streamlined and quite accurate. Now BOQ and BOM can be developed on the basis of the BIM model and any changes to the model get directly reflected in the BOQ or BOM.

4D and 5D BIM modeling enables the creation of accurate bill of materials and quantities. The information in the digital model help in the development of an integrated BOQ and BOM statement with detailed information about the material, manpower, quantities and costs.

BOQ- Quantity Takeoffs generated from Revit- Clash-detected-between-structural-and-architectural-elements--Clash-detection-report-generated-from-Navisworks- Facilitated by BIM

Revit: Fueling The BOQs Development Process

Revit is a powerful BIM software that can aid the BOQ development process. It is quite easy to get hold of an accurate, detailed and integrated BOQ from Revit itself. Once your model is complete, you just have to use the in-built features.

In the ‘View’ menu, use the ‘Schedules’ options to get the desired BOQ/BIM. There are two options here. The first is ‘Schedule/Quantities’ and second is ‘Materials Schedule’.

If you need to get hold of BOM, you can choose the material schedule and for BOQ, you can use the quantities schedule. For each of the schedules, you can define several options using different tabs to create a BOQ based on the depth requirement.

Wrapping Up

At United BIM, we believe in harnessing modern technologies like BIM and software like Revit to create accurate, comprehensive and dynamic BOQs and BOMs. With the help of advanced tools, we eliminate the guesswork out of the planning process, preparing a project for success during the pre-construction stage itself. If you are interested in understanding more about the implications of BIM on construction efficiency, get in touch with our experts now.

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what is annotated bill of quantities

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  1. 6 Main Types of Bills of Quantities

    A bill of quantities is a document that is prepared by the client's quantity surveyor as a basis for estimating the cost of a construction project. It contains a list of all the work items and detailed descriptions that form part of the scope of work for the project.

  2. Bills of Quantities (BOQ) For Building Construction

    A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is an essential part of the building construction industry. It provides a detailed breakdown of materials, parts, and labor required for a construction project. This article will guide you through the steps to prepare a BOQ. Table of Contents What is a Bill of Quantities? Steps to Prepare a BOQ 1. Prepare a Spreadsheet 2.

  3. What Is a Bill of Quantities? (Example & Template Included)

    A bill of quantities is essentially a list of all the materials and labor that will be required for your desired build. It's often put together before a construction contractor has been hired and is a guiding document for those companies that are bidding for the work.

  4. How to read and understand a bill of quantities (BOQ)

    In the world of construction projects, the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) stands as a pivotal document, orchestrating the harmony between planning and execution. Let's delve into the depths of this indispensable tool that architects, contractors, and project managers rely on to ensure the smooth progression of construction endeavors. Introduction

  5. Billing of Quantities (BOQ)

    What is Bill of Quantities (BOQ) Bill of Quantities also referred to as BOQ, is a document formulated in the construction industry to specify materials, labors, and their cost.It serves as a communication tool between client, consultant & the contractor.It is usually prepared by a cost consultant or a surveyor.

  6. Bill of quantities

    A bill of quantities is a document used in tendering in the construction industry in which materials, parts, and labor (and their costs) are itemized. It also (ideally) details the terms and conditions of the construction or repair contract and itemizes all work to enable a contractor to price the work for which he or she is bidding.

  7. Bill of Quantities: Definition, Preparation, Format & Example

    A bill of quantities (BOQ) is used to list all the materials and costs for a construction project. Learn about the definition of a BOQ, explore how to prepare and format a BOQ, understand its use...

  8. What Is a Bill of Quantities in Construction?

    A bill of quantities (BOQ or BQ) is usually used on larger construction projects and consists of a list of materials and services required to perform a project. The list includes materials, labor, and quantities of each. The engineer or architect typically performs a takeoff to prepare the BOQ after the project design is complete.

  9. Demystifying the Bill of Quantities: A Comprehensive Guide

    The Bill of Quantities is a document that provides a detailed breakdown of all the items, materials, labour, and services required for a construction project. It includes measurements, descriptions, and prices for each item and serves as a reference for tendering, procurement, and contract management.

  10. How to Prepare a Bill of Quantities in Construction

    A Bill of Quantities is a list of the total materials required to complete a construction project. You'll need this to get an accurate quote for your construction project. Create a spreadsheet for your bill of quantities with columns for the item numbers, descriptions, units of measurement, quantities, rates for each item, labor, and total ...

  11. Demystifying Bills of Quantities: Preparation, Process, and Value in

    Demystifying Bills of Quantities: Preparation, Process, and Value in Construction Projects - Multiproject Discover the intricate world of the Bills of Quantities (BoQ) in our comprehensive guide. Learn about its preparation process, importance in construction projects, and the value it offers to clients and design teams.

  12. Bill of Quantities: What Construction Professionals Need to Know

    A bill of quantities (commonly referred to as "BOQ" or even "BQ") is a document that itemizes labor, materials, parts and their costs. It is prepared by a cost consultant (typically a quantity surveyor) and issued to tenderers so they can determine a price. Since all tendering contractors price the same quantities, the bill also lays ...

  13. Bill of Quantities Example (PDF) + Advantages for a BOQ

    Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is a document the construction industry prepared to specify materials, labors, and their cost. It serves as a communication tool between the client, consultant & contractor. It is usually prepared by a cost consultant or a quantity surveyor

  14. What is a bill of quantities?

    A bill of quantities (commonly known as BOQ or BQ) is a document prepared by a quantity surveyor or cost consultant to define the quality and quantity of works required to be carried out by the main contractor to complete a project. A bill of quantities also provides the main contractor with measured quantities of works as identified on the ...

  15. PDF Bills of Quantity

    The Bill of Quantities where used, is the basis for valuation of variations. Clause 1.1.1.1 of the Red Book defines the Contract in terms of documents which include the "Schedules". Clause 1.1.1.7 defines Schedules to mean those documents which are entitled "schedules" and completed by the Contractor and

  16. Bill of Quantities(BoQ): A Complete Breakdown

    A bill of quantities is put together by a construction professional called a quantity surveyor. To create it, they need to know exactly what the building will look like and what materials will be used. Bills of quantities are mostly used for big construction projects. In the case of smaller projects or renovations, you might not need a BoQ.

  17. Choosing Wisely: Bills of Quantities or a Schedule of Work

    A Bill of Quantities (BoQ) is a document used in the construction industry to provide an estimated, itemised list of activities, items of work and other costs required to complete a project. By using a BoQ contractor can further establish all materials, parts, and labour required for a construction project. ...

  18. Bill of Quantities

    A Bill of Quantities (BoQ) is a detailed and itemised pricing document. It is a reflection of the work to done abstracted from the design team's drawings, specification and any other documentation in respect of. The BoQ is set out in accordance with a standard method of measurement. The BoQ is created and issued as part of the tender ...

  19. What Is Bill of Quantities?

    A Bill of Quantities (BoQ) is a detailed list of materials, components, and labor required to complete a construction project. It provides a detailed breakdown of all the items that are required to build a structure, including their description, quantity, unit of measure, and cost estimate. The BoQ is used to estimate the total cost of a ...

  20. Technological University Dublin ARROW@TU Dublin

    The production of bills of quantities (referred to as bills for the rest of the study) as a means of obtaining tenders has traditionally been viewed as perhaps the primary function of the quantity surveying profession. Hore, O'Kelly and Scully (2009) trace the historical development of bills in Ireland from the mid eighteenth century.

  21. Edit and Manage Your Annotated Bill Of Quantities Online

    What is annotated bill? A bill of quantities (sometimes referred to as a 'BoQ' or 'BQ') is a document, typically prepared by a cost consultant (often a quantity surveyor), that provides measured quantities of the items of work identified by the drawings and specifications in the tender documentation for a project. ... The bill of quantities ...

  22. BOQ & BOM

    A bill of materials (BoM) is a list of the parts or components that are required to build a product. The BoM provides the manufacturer's part number (MPN) and the quantity needed for each component. BoM is a multi-level document that provides build data for multiple sub-assemblies (products within products) and includes for each item: part ...

  23. Bill of quantities BOQ

    A bill of quantities (sometimes referred to as 'BoQ' or 'BQ') is a document generally prepared by a cost consultant (such as a quantity surveyor) that provides project-specific measured quantities of the items identified in drawings and specifications for a built asset such as a building.