Key takeaways
- A BOQ lists every item of work with its quantity, unit and rate.
- It makes quotes comparable and milestone payments measurable.
- Changes are priced from the same rates, so there are no surprises.
A bill of quantities (BOQ) is an itemised list of all the work in a building, each line with a description, a unit (cubic feet, square feet, running feet, number), a quantity taken from the drawings, and a rate. Added together, the lines give the contract price.
Why a lump-sum quote is risky
A single figure for "the whole house" hides what is included. When something is missing, the argument starts halfway through the job. A BOQ makes the scope visible before you sign.
What a BOQ does for you
- Compare quotes fairly: every builder prices the same list.
- Pay for work done: milestone bills are measured against BOQ items.
- Price changes openly: variations use the agreed rates.
- Control quality: each line names the specification to be met.
If it is not in the BOQ, it is not in the price. If it is in the BOQ, it is in the building.
Every R&K contract is priced and billed through a BOQ. Read more about how we work, or request a quote for your plot.
