A bill of quantities (BoQ) is a key document for construction projects. It provides a detailed list of materials and their costs, making it easier to prepare for tenders and quotations.
When preparing a BoQ, make sure to follow a standard methodology. This will reduce the chances of errors, such as incorrect measurement of quantities or double counting items.
Item Numbers
When creating a bill of quantities, it is important to ensure that the descriptors and measurements are accurate. Even small errors can multiply, leading to inflated budgets and problematic bidding. The right approach to preparing and calculating a BoQ can eliminate unwanted rework and save contractors money.
A properly prepared BoQ is essential for both owners and contractors, as it promotes transparency and parity in tendering and project completion. The document also serves as a critical record of project parameters, reducing confusion and conflict in the event of disputes or claims.
The first step in preparing a bill of quantities is obtaining the design team’s drawings and specifications. The quantity surveyor will then take off the quantities and use the data to calculate the cost of the works. During this process, the quantity surveyor will be able to assess the feasibility of the project and provide the client with a detailed estimate.
Candy has a number of features to help with the calculation of item numbers on a BoQ. For example, the software has a Column Name option that allows users to add columns that calculate Net Amount x No. off or Gross Amount x No. off, which can be helpful for generating resource analysis reports. In addition, users can select a rate from the Cost Item Rates table and assign it to an individual BoQ item.
Units of Measurement
Bills of quantities (BOQs) are a critical part of any construction project. They provide a clear picture of all the materials and labour required for the project and allow contractors to prepare precise cost estimates. A BoQ also helps to standardise the tendering process and increase transparency. However, preparing an accurate and reliable BoQ requires meticulous planning and precision. Here are some tips and best practices that can help you prepare a high-quality BoQ for your next project.
The first step in preparing a bill of quantities is to identify the work to be done and calculate its quantity. This is usually done by breaking down the project into work trades based on a standard work breakdown structure, such as CSI MasterFormat. The work trades are then grouped into subcontractor packages. This makes it easier for contractors to understand the scope of the work and to bid on it.
A bill of quantities should clearly indicate the unit rates of the items. The unit rates should include the cost of labor, materials, plant and equipment, as well as overheads and the main contractor’s profit. The unit rate should be accompanied by a detailed description and an item number.
It is also important to make sure that the units of measurement on a bill of quantities are accurate. Inaccurate measurements can lead to inaccurate cost estimates and misallocations. Additionally, it is important to consider any wastage and allowances when calculating quantities.
Unit Prices
A bill of quantities is a crucial document in construction projects. It allows contractors to accurately estimate the required resources and costs of a project, and ensures that all aspects are taken into account during the construction process. In addition, it promotes transparency and parity during the tendering process by ensuring that all bids are accurate.
The preparation of a BoQ begins with reviewing the relevant project documents, including plans and specifications. It then includes detailed itemisation of all materials and labour requirements. The quantity surveyor then calculates the unit prices, which are used to prepare the bids. These can be calculated in a variety of ways, depending on the type of project. For example, BoQs can be prepared using a standard cost estimating methodology or by using software that provides pre-built formulas.
Quantity surveys can also identify work that is not identified in the drawings or specification, such as ductwork and plumbing services. Typically, these works are added to the BoQ as an annotated list, with notes giving their location. This helps the contractor to identify these items and avoid costly mistakes during construction.
In some cases, the BoQ will contain a contingency sum to cover unforeseen expenses. This is to ensure that the project will run as smoothly as possible, and prevent any unnecessary delays or expenses. The amount of the contingency should be clearly stated in the document, and any ambiguities or errors should be disclosed to the contractor as soon as they are noticed.
Costs
An effective bill of quantities is a critical tool in construction projects. It allows the contractor to prepare a bid that reflects the exact scope of work and materials required for the project, thus providing a fair comparison between different contractors. This helps to ensure that all work is covered by the contract and that the contractor can complete the job on time and within budget.
The preparation of a BoQ is normally done by a quantity surveyor or a cost consultant, which are professionals who specialize in estimating materials. Ideally, the BoQ should be prepared during the pre-construction phase. This is because it is important to get it right the first time so that there is no confusion during tender negotiations.
During the preparation of a BoQ, it is necessary to obtain the design team’s drawings and specifications. It is also essential to understand the type of contract to be used and all associated terms and conditions. It is also important to understand the concept of ‘taking off’, which is the process of identifying elements of the building that can be measured and priced.
Once all the materials, equipment, and labor have been calculated, a percentage for overheads and profit can be added to the item rate. This percentage may be anything from 2.5 to over 25 percent. Finally, a contingency sum should be included to cover any unexpected costs that might occur during the build.