Bill of Quantities (BOQ)

A bill of quantities, abbreviated as BOQ or sometimes BQ, is a structured document used in construction and fit-out projects that lists the measured quantities of every material, labor type, and task required to complete the work. It is typically prepared by a quantity surveyor working from the project drawings and specifications. Contractors use the BOQ as the basis for pricing a tender: each line item is expressed in specific units - linear meters of cable containment, square meters of ceiling tile, number of light fittings - and contractors price each item at their own unit rate to arrive at their total bid.

BOQ vs Specification vs Scope of Works

These three documents are related but do different jobs. The specification describes what materials and workmanship standards are required - the cable type, the luminaire product code, the paint system, the performance standard. The scope of works defines what tasks the contractor is responsible for, including explicit exclusions. The bill of quantities adds the measured quantities to those items so they can be priced consistently across multiple bidders.

On a commercial fit-out, the scope of works might state "supply and install LED lighting throughout floors 2 and 3." The specification would define the exact luminaire codes and dimming protocol. The BOQ would list luminaire type A: 84 units, containment trunking 50x50: 186 linear meters, final circuit cabling: 1,240 linear meters. Each contractor prices the same quantities, making bid comparison straightforward and fair.

Bills of quantities are most common on larger commercial construction projects and public sector tenders. On smaller projects, contractors typically prepare their own material takeoffs from drawings and specifications, which is a key source of pricing variation when multiple quotes are received for the same job.