A bill of quantities (BoQ) breaks a building project into measured items so every contractor prices exactly the same scope. This page shows what a BoQ for building construction looks like: the main sections and typical measured items. It also explains how to read one and how to use it after the contract is signed.
If you want the step-by-step method, read how to create a bill of quantities.
What is in a bill of quantities?
A BoQ is usually prepared by a quantity surveyor from the drawings and specification. It has:
- a preamble explaining the measurement method and pricing rules;
- measured sections by trade or element, each item with a description, unit and quantity;
- provisional sums and prime cost items for work not yet fully designed or selected;
- a summary page collecting the section totals.
Typical sections in a building BoQ
Preliminaries
- Site establishment, temporary fencing and amenities
- Supervision and site management
- Insurances, permits and fees
- Scaffolding, cleaning and waste removal
Site preparation and earthworks
- Clearing, stripping topsoil and levelling the building pad
- Imported fill and compaction, which is common on Perth sand lots
- Excavation for footings and service trenches
- Retaining walls where the site slopes
Foundations and substructure
- Strip and pad footings (concrete m³, reinforcement kg or m)
- Concrete slab on ground, with mesh, membrane and edge beams
- Termite management systems
Superstructure
- External double-brick cavity walls or brick veneer (m²)
- Internal brick or framed walls (m²)
- Lintels, wall ties and damp-proof courses
- Roof framing, roof cover, sarking, gutters and downpipes
- Windows and external doors (number)
Internal finishes
- Wall render or plaster, and plasterboard ceilings (m²)
- Waterproofing to wet areas (m²)
- Floor and wall tiling (m²)
- Internal doors, joinery and painting
Services
- Electrical points, switchboard and lighting
- Plumbing, sanitary fixtures and hot water
- Air conditioning
- Smoke alarms
External works
- Driveways, paths and paving
- Fencing, letterbox and landscaping
- Stormwater soakwells and drainage
How to read a BoQ
- Description: what the work is, including material, size and standard.
- Unit: how it is measured (m, m², m³, kg, no., item).
- Quantity: the net measured amount, without waste unless the preamble says otherwise.
- Rate: filled in by the tenderer, including labour, materials, plant, waste and usually overheads and margin.
- Amount: quantity × rate.
How a BoQ is used after the contract is signed
- Progress claims: the percentage complete of each item is valued at the contract rates.
- Variations: added or omitted work is valued using the same rates.
- Final account: provisional sums are adjusted to actual cost and variations are reconciled.
Benefits of using a BoQ
- Like-for-like tender comparison.
- Clear scope, so fewer disputes about what was included.
- Agreed rates for variations and claims.
- Better resource and procurement planning.
Related: what is a bill of quantities?, BoQ vs bill of materials and BoQs for structural steel works.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this sample as a template?
You can use the structure. Quantities and rates must come from your own drawings and current quotes.
Who fills in the rates?
In a tender BoQ, the contractors do. A quantity surveyor may also price a copy as a pre-tender estimate.
Need a bill of quantities for your project? Measure Manage prepares BoQs for Perth and WA builders, developers and owners. Call 0498 202 445, email info@measuremanage.com.au or see our bill of quantities service.