A bill of quantities or BOQ as it is commonly known, is a document that lists out different elements of a construction project. These elements are categorised to make it easier for the reader to make sense out of all the information. In South Africa, quantity surveyors and estimators use the standard system of measuring building work. This book will guide you in producing a Bill of Quantities. It categorises all the different categories and shows the user how to measure the different elements.
A typical element in a bill of quantities will be something like “excavations not exceeding 2 meters deep” This will tell the tendering party that there are excavations that are no more than 2 meters deep and it is measured in cubic meters (mᶾ).
The layout of a bill of quantities consists out of five columns.
This all then adds up to a summary page of the different categories and then totals to a final price. The items in a bill of quantities are always excluding VAT, VAT gets added at the end to give a total price inclusive of VAT.
A bill of quantities can be a very lengthy document since every item in a construction project is captured in this document. From excavations of foundations to electrical work. It is the most popular method in construction projects because it also ensures the project stays in budget.
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