A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) turns architectural drawings and specifications into a clear, itemised list of materials, labour, and rates so you can get comparable contractor bids, control costs, and manage progress on site. For small projects, a well-prepared BOQ saves time and reduces surprises during construction. In this blog BOQ for small construction projects is explained in depth.
Overview and purpose of a BOQ
A BOQ lists work items with units, measured quantities, rates, and extended costs so owners and contractors can price the same scope consistently, compare bids, and track payments and variations. It is both a tendering instrument and a living cost-control document used throughout construction.
Prepare before you start
- Get the right documents: final architectural drawings, structural and MEP sketches, specifications, and any schedules (doors, windows, finishes).
- Choose a format: Spreadsheet is ideal for small projects; use separate sheets for sections and a summary sheet for totals.
- Decide measurement rules: adopt consistent units (m, m2, m3, Nos, kg) and note whether quantities include wastage or not.
Step-by-step BOQ preparation
- Set up your spreadsheet columns. Typical columns: Item No, Description of Work, Unit, Quantity, Rate, Labour, Total Cost.
- Break the project into logical sections: Preliminaries, Earthworks and Foundations, Superstructure, Roofing, Finishes, Doors and Windows, MEP, External Works, Provisional Sums. Breaking by trade helps bidders and simplifies tendering.
- Measure quantities from drawings using standard methods: lengths, areas, and volumes for respective items. Keep measurement notes so others can verify your figures.
- Add allowances: include wastage (common practice is 5–15% depending on material) and provisional sums for undefined items.
- Populate rates: invite contractors to fill rates, or use local market rates and labour rates for your area and project scale.
- Calculate totals: multiply quantities by rates and sum per section and overall; include taxes and contingencies.
- Review and validate: Cross-check quantities against drawings and a checklist of typical items to avoid omissions.
BOQ format sample
| Item No | Description of Work | Unit | Quantity | Rate | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Site clearing and disposal | m2 | 120 | ||
| 2.0 | Excavation for foundation | m3 | 18 | ||
| 3.0 | Plain cement concrete 1:4:8 | m3 | 4.5 | ||
| 4.0 | Brickwork 230mm | m2 | 32 | ||
| 5.0 | Plaster 20mm cement sand | m2 | 150 | ||
| 6.0 | Paint 2 coats | m2 | 200 | ||
| Grand Total | |||||
Use one row per measurable item and leave rate/total columns for bidders or for later costing.
Practical Tips and Common Mistakes While Preparing BOQs
- Be descriptive but concise in item descriptions so bidders price the same work.
- Use standard measuring conventions to avoid disputes; document your assumptions.
- Don’t mix provisional items with measured items; list provisional sums separately.
- Include preliminaries and contractor’s overheads clearly; small projects are sensitive to omissions.
- Validate rates with two or three local suppliers or contractors to spot anomalies.
- Keep the BOQ editable and track versioning so changes are transparent during tendering and execution.
Using the BOQ during construction
Treat the BOQ as a control ledger: use it for interim payments, variation pricing and progress reports. Update quantities and costs when variations occur and keep supporting measurement notes to justify changes to the client or contractor.
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