A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is the most important document in your construction project after the drawings. It turns the design into a priced list of work. If you understand your BOQ, you understand exactly what you are paying for.

What a BOQ contains

• Item description: what work is to be done, for example “RCC M25 in columns” or “vitrified tile flooring”.
• Specification: grade, size, thickness, brand or approved equivalent.
• Unit: cubic metre, square metre, running metre, kilogram or number.
• Quantity: how much of that item, worked out from the drawings.
• Rate: price per unit.
• Amount: quantity multiplied by rate.

Five things to check

1. Is every drawing item included?

Compare the BOQ with your drawings. Missing items such as waterproofing, railings or a stair room become expensive extras later.

2. Are specifications clear?

“Good quality tiles” is not a specification. Look for size, type, brand or approved equivalent, and allowance per sq.ft.

3. Understand allowances

An allowance is a budget for an item you will choose later, for example ₹45 per sq.ft. for floor tiles. If you choose something more expensive, only the documented difference should be charged.

4. Look for provisional sums

Provisional sums cover work that cannot be measured yet, such as rock excavation. Ask how they will be measured and approved.

5. Read the exclusions

Every BOQ should list what is not included: design fees, approvals, GST, boundary wall, borewell, appliances and so on. Exclusions are where most budget surprises hide.

Package rate vs itemised BOQ

With a per sq.ft. package, the BOQ fixes the specifications and allowances behind the rate. With a Cost + 15% contract, the BOQ is your estimate, and you see the actual bills as work progresses.

Ask questions before you sign

A good builder will walk you through the BOQ line by line. At Bhava Engineering, scope, allowances and exclusions are written into the agreement before work starts. See how we work.