The execution, management and completion of a construction project requires several documents. One of the most important tools of cost planning is a BOQ, which acts as a budgeting tool as well as a reference document for verifying material usage in building projects. Read on to understand the BOQ full form in tender, BOQ meaning, BOQ format, the importance of a BOQ in civil engineering and construction, types of BOQs and BOQ vs BOM.
What is BOQ in Construction?
A BOQ full form is a Bill of Quantities, which is an important construction document, especially in tendering processes. A construction BOQ format incorporates lists of materials, labour, equipment and other items required for the completion of a building project. The quantity, unit rates and total costs of all of these items are specified in a BOQ, helping contractors and property owners understand the cost of construction. Promoting transparency in building procedures, BOQs also make the process of preparing a final construction bill more efficient and smooth.
Types of BOQ
Approximate BOQ
An approximate BOQ, as the name suggests, provides an approximate quantity of all the materials, labour and equipment required. Also known as a provisional or notional BOQ, this document is prepared when there is insufficient information to completely quantify all the items accurately. Although all the items are mentioned and described clearly, their quantities are left incomplete and may vary during the construction process.
Firm BOQ
A firm BOQ is one which is fully finalised based on all the construction drawings and documents. It completely details out all of the items which will be required for the completion of a building project, along with the rates and quantities. Normally, the monetary charges for any deviation from this BOQ must be borne by the contractor or builder. Thus, such a BOQ in a contract safeguards the interests of both the property owner and contractor.
Approximate and firm BOQs can further be classified into the following types:
- Trade Bills/ BOQs for Specific Works: A Bill of Quantities can be prepared only for certain specific works—such as flooring, plastering and roofing—rather than for the whole building project. These are useful when different agencies are responsible for different parts of the project. The project cost can be organised into multiple divisions in such a case. For example, a Bill of Quantities for interior works will include items like wood, stone and decorative products, while a painting BOQ includes materials like putty, primer, brushes and paint.
- Location BOQ: This BOQ details out items based on their location in a project. For example, the ground floor and first floor or the South and North portions of a site are all outlined separately.
- Elemental BOQ: Such a BOQ divides the construction process into several steps and the quantities and rates of items required for each step are specified in order. For example, first site clearance/ cleaning, then excavation and earthwork, then the laying of the foundation, next the erection of columns and so on.
The Importance and Benefits of a BOQ in Tender
A BOQ is essential to a construction process for several reasons, such as:
- Tendering: A BOQ helps property owners invite tenders for the construction of their projects. Contractors are provided all the details of the project, based on which they present the cost at which they will be able to execute it. The property owner can then evaluate different offers and make an informed decision on the best choice.
- Contract Preparation: A construction contract between a builder or contractor and the property owner is prepared on the basis of a BOQ. This document is proof that a contractor has agreed to all the work specified in the contract and BOQ.
- Budget Planning: Cost estimates before construction begins, as well as the final construction bill provided upon completion, are prepared on the basis of BOQs. These help property owners understand the project cost and manage their finances accordingly.
- Material Acquisition: Builders can acquire all the materials and items required for a project in advance, significantly reducing project timelines. Items that are not easily available can be stocked in the required quantities to ensure that no delays or stoppages occur after the construction begins.
- Minimisation of Errors: Since a BOQ specifies every item and material required for the execution of a project, tracking of ordered materials becomes much easier. This leaves little room for material overuse, misuse and theft, paving the way for a smoother and more efficient process.
BOQ Preparation and Components
Commonly included aspects in a BOQ are:
- Specifications of all the materials and items required for the building construction.
- Quantities of each of the materials and items in standard units like sq ft, cu ft and running feet.
- List of all the labour (in quantitative values) and equipment required for the project.
- Unit rates and total cost of all items.
A BOQ is typically prepared by the quantity surveyor, project manager, contractor, contracting agency or builder, based on the scale and complexity of a project. The process of preparing a BOQ construction document involves and is dependent on several aspects, including:
- Project Initiation and Design: Architectural design drawings play a major role in determining the quantity of materials required for a project. Floor plans dictate space requirements, along with details like materials used for doors, windows and flooring. Electrical and plumbing drawings outline the details of MEP fittings, while elevational drawings detail out cladding and other finishing materials.
- Soil Testing: Soil testing is an important aspect of ascertaining the types, depth and design of a foundation and all other structural elements. These significantly impact the total cost (sometimes making up half of the project cost) and quantities of materials like concrete and steel.
- Site Survey: A site survey provides important site details like level differences and boundary conditions. Tricky on-site conditions—such as large level differences needing earth filling—require additional work, whose components are included in a BOQ.
A lot of online tools for calculating construction costs with a sample BOQ are available today. Check out Brick & Bolt’s house construction cost calculator with details of different rate packages for obtaining approximate values.
BOQ vs BOM (Bill of Materials)
A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and a Bill of Materials (BOM) vary significantly, although they are often confused to be the same. A BOQ lists out all the items required for the execution of a project, such as materials, labour, equipment and provisional accommodation for labourers. However, a BOM only specifies details of the materials required. Although such a bill is useful to obtain a rough estimate of the project cost and acquire all the materials needed, it does not provide the comprehensive view required for financial planning. A BOM is typically prepared for the main purpose of material procurement and is not part of a construction contract. BOQs, however, are generally essential documents for tendering and in construction contracts.
Obtaining a Detailed Bill of Quantities For Your Project
Getting a BOQ prepared and then obtaining cost estimates from multiple contractors for analysis can be a tedious task. Brick & Bolt, a leading construction company in India, provides accurate cost estimates from the first discussion with potential clients. Customised designs are then prepared, along with detailed BOQs, helping property owners navigate the pre-construction process with ease. With 470+ quality tests (QASCON) conducted and a 10 year structural warranty provided for every project, the company has become one of the most reputable construction companies in the country. Contact Brick & Bolt today to obtain detailed cost estimates with BOQs for building your dream home!
Hemali Patel