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Interior & Exterior Works · Question
Short answer
A bill of quantities, often called a BOQ, is a line-by-line list of every work item in an interior job, with its description, unit, measured quantity, rate and resulting amount. It turns a vague quote into a document you can read, question and measure against, and it becomes the basis for payments, extra work and final accounts.
Think of the BOQ as the contract's shopping list with prices attached. Instead of one lump figure for a shop, you see items such as partition, false ceiling, flooring, carpentry, paint, lighting points and the quantity of each, usually measured in area, length or number.
A good BOQ describes each item well enough that two contractors would price the same thing. That means material type, finish, thickness class, brand where agreed, and what the rate includes, such as labour, hardware and cleaning.
The same list helps at later stages. When work is measured at the end of a month, the measured quantity is checked against the BOQ line. When you want an addition, it is priced as a new line rather than argued over.
| Column | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Description | Material, finish, brand or equivalent, inclusions |
| Unit and quantity | Square area, running length or count, and how it was measured |
| Rate | Whether it covers material, labour and fittings together |
| Amount | Quantity times rate, plus any stated allowance |
Watch for provisional sums and lump lines
Lines such as "miscellaneous" or "as required" hide scope. Ask for them to be broken into items or capped with a written allowance.
Check that the BOQ agrees with the drawings and the scope document. If an item is drawn but not listed, it may be treated as extra later.
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This answer is general information, not advice on your particular case. Terms, eligibility, and requirements change, so check the current position with the relevant institution or authority.