What a bill of quantities is and why your build needs one
A bill of quantities, often shortened to BOQ, lists measured construction work with descriptions, units and quantities. When rates are entered, it gives a price for the work described. For a build in Sierra Leone, it helps you see what a quotation includes, compare prices against the same scope and record changes during construction.
Read the description as well as the quantity
Each item needs to identify what is being measured. Concrete can be measured in cubic metres, finishes in square metres and pipework in metres. A description distinguishes the material and the work involved. Two items with the same quantity can require different prices if the specification, location or construction method differs.
Read the BOQ with the drawings and specification. Check that the document identifies the drawing issue used for measurement. If a detail changes, the quantities may need revision. A rate has meaning in relation to its description and the contract terms, so a list of figures without the accompanying scope leaves important questions open.
Separate an early estimate from measured pricing
An early estimate can help you decide whether a design fits the available budget. It uses the information available at that stage and should state its assumptions. A detailed bill is prepared from more developed design information. As drawings and material selections are settled, the cost record should be updated to reflect them.
A total based only on floor area will not describe every difference between plots and buildings. Foundations, retaining work, access, roof construction, drainage and finishes affect the scope. Ask what has been measured and what has been assumed. Quantity surveying can establish the information needed before the work is priced.
Use the same scope when comparing contractors
Give each contractor the same drawings, specification and BOQ. Review the returned rates alongside exclusions, qualifications and supply responsibilities. A blank item needs clarification. An allowance for an undecided finish should be distinguished from a price for a selected product. Record how each difference will be resolved before a contract is signed.
Check external works and services as well as the building. Drainage, connections, paving, boundary works and access arrangements can be overlooked when attention stays on rooms and floor area. A comparison should show whether the quotations include the same work. You can then decide which specification and contractual terms you are accepting.
Record variations against the original work
A variation can add, omit or change work. The record should identify the instruction, changed quantities and pricing basis. Keep it with the drawing or specification revision that caused the change. This connects the amount to an identifiable piece of work and gives the client a basis for approving the cost.
The original contract value and approved variations should remain distinguishable in the cost record. Progress measurement can then refer to the agreed scope and changes. The payment and valuation procedure comes from the contract; the existence of a BOQ alone does not decide when a payment becomes due. Agree those terms before construction begins.
Prepare the information needed for measurement
Gather the current drawings, material specification, site location and known access constraints. Identify unresolved selections. For an existing building, include the proposed alteration scope and available condition information. The quantity surveying appointment should identify the documents required, the measurement work and the cost information to be produced.
ASSAS provides bills of quantities, measurement, estimates and cost control. Our construction contracts also use written terms, recorded costs and one named site lead. Building construction and civil and infrastructure are related services where the bill forms part of a construction package. How we work explains the process for measured pricing, reporting and changes.
Related services
Request a quotation
Request a quotation for a bill of quantities. Send ASSAS your drawings, specification and the purpose of the document through Contact or WhatsApp. We will identify what can be measured and the information still needed.