The BOQ: What it is and What does this mean for House Construction?

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April 5, 2023
The BOQ: What it is and What does this mean for House Construction? The BOQ: What it is and What does this mean for House Construction?
The BOQ: What it is and What does this mean for House Construction?
What is the BOQ?Components of the BOQWhy the BOQ matters?

Building a house is an exciting endeavor, but it's also a complex and costly one. As a homeowner, you want to ensure that you get the most value for your money, and that requires careful planning and budgeting. One of the most important tools in this process is the BOQ. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the BOQ and its significance in house construction.

What is the BOQ?

The BOQ (short for Bill of Quantities) is a document that lists all the materials, labor, and equipment needed to complete a construction project. It provides a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with each item, making it easier to estimate the total cost of the project and track expenses throughout the construction process.

Components of the BOQ

Generally speaking, the BOQs share the same layout with some differences depending on the building's construction, including:

  • Earthworks & Preparation: Shows the cost in construction preparation, such as ground leveling or old building demolitions.
  • Structural Works: Displays the details and quantities of all structural works, such as reinforced concrete structures, rough concrete, and formwork.
  • Architecture: Roofing, flooring, walls, windows, and paints (Roof tiling, Cement surfaces, Concrete walls, Staircase decorations).
  • Systems: Plumbing and electrical systems.
  • Other (if applicable): To ensure completeness according to the format and list.
An example of a BOQ price estimation document. Image by dotproperty

Why the BOQ matters?

Now that we know what a BOQ is and what details it contains, let's take a look at other important aspects of BOQ that can benefit homeowners.

  • BOQ serves as a tool for comparing prices among contractors before selecting one for construction or renovation. In order to be hired, contractors are required to present a BOQ proposal. By comparing the details in BOQs provided by different contractors, homeowners can determine the average cost and choose the contractor offering the best value.
  • When seeking a loan from a financial institution, it is essential to submit a BOQ proposal as it plays a vital role in evaluating the loan request. The institution reviews the construction cost mentioned in the BOQ to ensure that it matches the loan amount requested by the homeowner.
  • The BOQ provides detailed information about the materials used in construction, enabling homeowners to verify the quality and quantity of materials by comparing them with the specifications in the BOQ. Additionally, the BOQ can serve as a reference document for inspecting the work before the completed project is delivered.

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