Bill of Quantities Example (PDF)
What is Bill of Quantities (BoQ)
A bill of quantity (BoQ) is a document prepared by quantity surveyors or other construction professionals that itemizes the materials, labor, and services required to complete a construction project. The document also assigns costs to each item, enabling a clear view of the project’s financial aspects.
The bill of quantity meaning varies depending on the region or the specific project type. However, in most cases, it is used to outline the scope of work and serves as a critical tool for tendering and contract management.
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.
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.
The Purpose of a Bill of Quantity
There are several key purposes of a bill of quantities, including:
- Cost Estimation: The primary role of a bill of quantity is to provide an accurate cost estimate for the project.
- Tendering: Contractors use the BoQ to submit tender bids by pricing the listed items.
- Scope Definition: It helps define the project’s scope clearly, ensuring that all parties understand the work involved.
- Project Control: Once the project is underway, the BoQ serves as a reference for tracking costs and progress.
- Contractual Clarity: A well-prepared BoQ avoids disputes by clearly defining each party’s responsibilities and the materials and labor required.
Types of Bill of Quantity
There are different types of BoQ used in construction, depending on the project’s size, scope, and complexity. These include:
- Unpriced Bill of Quantities: This type does not include costs but only lists the materials and quantities required for the project.
- Priced Bill of Quantities: This type includes both the materials and their associated costs.
- Detailed Bill of Quantities: It breaks down each item into detailed descriptions, making it easier for contractors to price the work accurately.
Key Components of a Bill of Quantity
A well-prepared BOQ generally includes several key components:
- Preliminaries: These cover the initial setup and administrative costs such as site preparation, insurance, and utilities.
- Work Sections: Detailed breakdown of different types of work involved in the project, such as demolition, excavation, or construction.
- Descriptions: Clear descriptions of the work to be performed, including the methods and standards to be adhered to.
- Quantities: Measurements or counts of materials and labor required for each work section.
- Rates and Costs: Estimated costs associated with each item, including material, labor, and overheads.
Bill of Quantity for Building Construction
When preparing a bill of quantity for building construction, a more detailed breakdown is required. For large projects, like multi-story buildings or commercial developments, the BoQ will include sections for electrical work, plumbing, interior design, and more.
For example, a bill of quantity for interior design might include items such as painting, flooring, wall finishes, and fixtures, with each task broken down by room or area.
Bill of Quantity Format
A standard bill of quantity format is usually divided into the following sections:
- Preliminaries: This includes general project information, site conditions, and the scope of work.
- Measured Work: The main body of the BoQ, where the materials, labor, and quantities are listed.
- Provisional Sums: These are allowances for work that cannot be quantified precisely at the time of tendering.
- Summary: A total cost breakdown, summarizing all items listed.
Here’s a brief example of a bill of quantity format:
| Section | Description | Unit | Quantity | Unit Cost ($) | Total Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminaries | General site preparation | m² | 500 | 5.00 | 2,500.00 |
| Substructure | Concrete footings | m³ | 100 | 90.00 | 9,000.00 |
| Superstructure | Brick masonry | m² | 200 | 30.00 | 6,000.00 |
| Finishing | Interior painting | m² | 300 | 10.00 | 3,000.00 |
| Provisional Sums | Electrical work (allowance) | – | – | – | 5,000.00 |
| Total | – | – | – | 25,500.00 |
This sample of bill of quantity follows a structured approach, making it easier to understand for both contractors and clients.
How to Make a Bill of Quantity for Building
To create a bill of quantity for building construction, follow these essential steps:
- Gather Project Documents: Ensure that you have the architectural plans, structural drawings, and specifications.
- Perform Quantity Take-Offs: Measure the quantities of materials required, such as concrete, steel, bricks, etc.
- Organize by Section: Divide the BoQ into categories like substructure, superstructure, finishing, etc.
- Calculate Labor and Equipment: Account for the labor and any equipment needed to complete the tasks.
- Prepare a Summary: Once the measured work is complete, summarize the costs for each section, providing a total project cost.
How to Prepare a Bill of Quantity?
Preparing a bill of quantity requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the project. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a BoQ:
- Understand the Project: Start by gathering all the necessary project documentation, including blueprints, specifications, and scope of work.
- Break Down the Work: Divide the project into sections, such as foundation, roofing, electrical, etc., and list the specific tasks within each section.
- Measure Quantities: Use quantity take-offs to measure the materials and labor required for each task. This is critical for creating an accurate BoQ.
- Itemize Materials: List all the materials required for each task, including descriptions, units of measurement, and quantities.
- Add Labor Costs: Factor in the labor costs for each task. This includes wages, working hours, and the type of labor needed (skilled, semi-skilled, or unskilled).
- Include Overheads: Don’t forget to add any indirect costs such as site management, equipment hire, and other operational costs.
- Format the Document: Prepare the BoQ in a structured format, either using a bill of quantity excel template or another appropriate software.
For the preparation of BOQ, 5 main components are to be considered which are as follows:
- Item Description
- Unit
- Quantity
- Rate per unit
- Total Amount
Example of a Bill of Quantity
Here’s an example of a simplified bill of quantity for a small construction project involving a concrete retaining wall. This example provides a clear structure of how items, descriptions, quantities, units, and costs are listed in a BoQ.
| Item No | Description | Unit | Quantity | Unit Cost ($) | Total Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Excavation and Earthworks | m³ | 150 | 10.00 | 1,500.00 |
| 2 | Concrete Work (M25 grade) | m³ | 80 | 100.00 | 8,000.00 |
| 3 | Reinforcement Steel (12mm rods) | kg | 2000 | 2.00 | 4,000.00 |
| 4 | Formwork for Concrete | m² | 50 | 20.00 | 1,000.00 |
| 5 | Backfill Material | m³ | 100 | 15.00 | 1,500.00 |
| Total Cost | – | – | – | – | 16,000.00 |
This simple bill of quantity example illustrates how each task and material is listed along with the respective quantities and costs. The bill of quantity concrete work is a significant part of this example, which is typical for construction projects involving structural components.
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 can used to Evaluate & Compare
BOQ gives components that will be used in the project and they can be evaluated thoroughly. On tender projects, can be used to compare the contractors on the basis of each item.
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.
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.
- 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
Bill of Quantity vs. Bill of Material
The bill of material (BoM) and bill of quantity (BoQ) are both essential in construction projects, but they serve different purposes:
| Feature | Bill of Quantity (BoQ) | Bill of Material (BoM) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Provides an itemized list of materials, labor, and services required for a construction project. | A list that focuses solely on the materials needed for a project. |
| Application | Used mainly in the tendering and construction phases of a project. | Primarily used in the procurement and manufacturing phases. |
| Scope | Includes labor, overhead, and often equipment. | Material-specific, typically focusing on raw materials or components. |
| Level of Detail | Offers detailed quantities of materials and work, often broken down by units and tasks. | Focuses on the types and amounts of materials needed but may not include labor. |
Bill of Quantity Software and Templates
Several software options and templates are available to help streamline the preparation of a bill of quantity. Many professionals prefer using bill of quantity excel templates, which offer the flexibility of customizing formats and formulas. Additionally, bill of quantity software free download options provide advanced features for more complex projects.
Popular software includes:
- CostX: This tool helps automate the measurement and costing process, allowing users to input digital plans and automatically generate BoQs.
- Bluebeam Revu: Known for its take-off and estimating capabilities, Bluebeam also supports BoQ preparation.
- Microsoft Excel Templates: Several bill of quantity excel templates are available online for free, offering preformatted columns for materials, labor, and costs.
Bill of Quantities vs Scope of Work
A bill of quantity and a scope of work are both essential documents in construction, but they serve different purposes:
| Feature | Bill of Quantity | Scope of Work |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Provides detailed quantities and costs for a project. | Describes the tasks to be performed in the project. |
| Detail Level | Highly detailed, often includes material descriptions and labor rates. | Less detailed, focuses on overall tasks. |
| Application | Used mainly for cost estimation and tendering. | Used to define what work is required by the contractor. |
Detailed Example of a Bill of Quantity
To better understand how a BOQ functions, let’s delve into a practical example. Suppose we are preparing a BOQ for a residential building project. The BOQ might be structured as follows:
1. Preliminaries
| Item | Description | Quantity | Rate (USD) | Total Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site Preparation | Clearing and grading | 500 sq.m. | 5.00 | 2,500 |
| Insurance | Project insurance for 12 months | 1 policy | 1,200 | 1,200 |
| Utilities | Temporary electricity and water | 1 set | 800 | 800 |
| Site Office | Setup and maintenance of site office | 1 unit | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| Subtotal | 6,500 |
2. Work Sections
Excavation
| Item | Description | Quantity | Rate (USD) | Total Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk Excavation | Excavation for foundation | 1,000 cu.m. | 20.00 | 20,000 |
| Trenching for Services | Trenches for plumbing and wiring | 200 m | 15.00 | 3,000 |
| Subtotal | 23,000 |
Concrete Works
| Item | Description | Quantity | Rate (USD) | Total Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Concrete | Including formwork and finishing | 150 cu.m. | 120.00 | 18,000 |
| Slab Concrete | For ground floor slab | 100 cu.m. | 130.00 | 13,000 |
| Subtotal | 31,000 |
3. Descriptions
- Site Preparation: This includes clearing vegetation, leveling the site, and preparing it for construction. It often involves heavy machinery and labor.
- Excavation: Involves digging and removing earth for foundations and services, ensuring proper depth and alignment.
- Concrete Works: Includes the supply and placement of concrete for structural elements like foundations and slabs.
4. Quantities
Quantities are measured in units relevant to the work section. For example:
- Site Preparation: Square meters (sq.m.)
- Excavation: Cubic meters (cu.m.)
- Concrete Works: Cubic meters (cu.m.)
5. Rates and Costs
Rates are typically derived from market research and historical data, covering all aspects of material, labor, and overhead costs.
Comparing Different Types of Bills of Quantity
The structure and detail of a BOQ can vary based on the project size, type, and complexity. Here’s a comparative table illustrating different types of BOQs:
| Type of BOQ | Description | Typical Use | Example Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit Rate BOQ | Lists quantities and unit rates separately. | General construction projects | Residential buildings, roads |
| Lump Sum BOQ | Provides a single total sum for each work section. | Fixed-price contracts | Renovation projects, small buildings |
| Approximate BOQ | Offers estimated quantities and costs. | Preliminary cost estimation | Feasibility studies, early-stage planning |
| Detailed BOQ | Highly detailed with all work sections and items. | Large and complex projects | High-rise buildings, large infrastructure |
Practical Applications of a Bill of Quantity
1. Cost Estimation
The BOQ is instrumental in preparing accurate cost estimates, allowing project managers to forecast expenses and allocate budgets effectively. For example, using the detailed BOQ for concrete works, project managers can estimate the total concrete cost required and budget accordingly.
2. Tendering
In the tendering process, contractors use the BOQ to submit competitive bids. A well-prepared BOQ ensures that all bidders have a clear understanding of the scope and cost of work, resulting in more accurate and comparable bids.
3. Project Management
Throughout the project, the BOQ serves as a reference for monitoring progress and controlling costs. Project managers can compare actual costs against the BOQ to identify any discrepancies and take corrective actions if necessary.
4. Payment and Valuation
The BOQ provides a basis for progress payments to contractors. As work progresses, the quantities of completed work are measured and compared to the BOQ, ensuring that payments are made based on the actual work done.
Challenges in Preparing a Bill of Quantity
While the BOQ is a vital document, preparing it can be challenging due to several factors:
- Accuracy: Ensuring that quantities and costs are accurately estimated is crucial to avoid budget overruns.
- Detailing: A detailed BOQ requires comprehensive information, which can be time-consuming to compile.
- Changes: Changes in project scope or design may necessitate updates to the BOQ, requiring additional effort and coordination.
