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0 INTRODUCTION A bill of quantities or BOQ is a document detailing the qualitative and quantitative aspects of every constituent parts of a proposed construction project (Hackett and Robinson (2003) and Chan (2002)). It is a document or a book containing a long list of all the items of works for construction. Each of these items is complete with the description of material, labour and workmanship for the work and its quantity (NSW Legislative Council, 1991; Marsden, 1998; Seeley, 1997 cited in Davis & Baccarini, 2004). Basically, it is a document with detail information about the type, nature and quantities of the finished work in a construction (Willis, et al 2002). Normally, it is compiled together with the form of tender, specification, preliminary bill and list of drawings to form a tender document. Based on the nature and complexity of construction works, various types of bill of quantities have been formalised to cost and quantify the works. These include: Trade and work section bills, Operational bills, Activity bills, and Civil engineering bills. The bill of quantities is basically divided into four parts; Preliminary and general items, the measured works, Description of materials and Workmanship, and General summary. This document is outlining a comprehensive list of all items in a typical bill of quantities and briefly describing what is contained in each section.

2.0 MAIN ISSUE 2.1 PRELIMINARY AND GENERAL ITEMS The preliminary and general item is that part of the bill of quantities which...... This part of the bill of quantities covers the following: 2.1.1 PROJECT PARTICULARS The project particulars comprises of the following: 2.1.1.1 The Parties - This clearly defines the stakeholders involved in the project e.g. the employer and other expertise (quantity surveyors, architect, structural engineers, water and drainage engineers etc). 2.1.1.2 The Works This will clearly state the works that will be covered by the bill of quantities in accordance with the tender documents and drawings. 2.1.1.3 Site Description this clearly states the location of the site. 2.1.1.4 Inspection of Site This is where the contractor visit and inspect the proposed site at his own expense prior to tendering and shall acquaint himself with the site, the accessibility of the site, the nature of the ground, the position, and extent of all services, hidden services and mains, local conditions, the full extent and character of the works covered by the contract, the supply of and the conditions affecting labour, materials the conditions under which the work is required to be executed, and no claim for variation, alterations or additional payment will at any time be considered or admitted on the grounds of lack of knowledge of the works and lack of information, deficiency of description as occasioned by any default of inspection on the part of the contractor or by any contingence arising which could be ascertained or indicated as a result of such inspection. 2.1.1.5 The Site Generally This states that the tender shall be deemed to reflect a comprehensive appreciation of the constraints imposed by the site on the carrying out of the works arising from: Its conditions and size The rights of users of adjacent and surrounding property to the safe unrestricted use of their premises and environment. It will also state clearly the use of the site e.g. the site shall not be used for any purpose other than the works. 2.1.1.6 Drawings The drawings from which the bill of quantities have been prepared, together with location drawings component details and the proposed contract drawings are as listed in the contract document 2.1.1.7 The Contract This part will state what the articles of agreement and conditions of contract will comprise of e.g. the standard bidding documents. 2.1.1.8 The Employers Requirements This will comprise the tender and other related matters.

2.1.1.9 Interpretation this will define the criteria for tender submission and the conditions on which tenders will be considered or rejected, including the immediate step to seek for tender clarification. 2.1.1.10 Acceptance This will state the criteria for successful tender acceptance. The process of the tender acceptance has to complete the following stage; Ascertainment of the trading status of the tenderer whose tender is under consideration. Formal agreement to changes or adjustments that may be required to the tender as submitted. The employer is not bound to accept the lowest or any tender or to pay the costs of expenses arising from submission of any tender and the employer the reserves the right to obtain further tenders without obligation if so desired.

2.1.2 BILLS OF QUANTITIES This will clearly state the following in the bills of quantities: That the prices contained in the bills of quantities are deemed to include all risks and obligations described referred to or implied. That the bill of quantities, the preliminary and specification are complementary and are to be read together in association with the drawings. That material shall be ordered from the drawings and not the bills of quantities. Items in the preliminaries and bills of quantities left unpriced are deemed o have been allowed for elsewhere in the prices. All quantified and unquantified items must be priced.

2.1.2.1 Contract This section will clearly state the form, type and conditions of contract. 2.1.2.2 Errors in the Tender Bills of Quantities This will state the remedies to the errors in the submitted bills of quantities. 2.1.2.3 Contractors Liability This will define the contractors attention as drawn from the conditions of contract on regard to injury on person and property and employers identity, insurance against injury to person and damage theft to and insurance of the works against fire etc. 2.1.2.4 Notices and Fees In this section, the contractor shall give notice to local authorities and public undertakings and allow for the payment of all fee charges. 2.1.2.5 Rates and Taxes in this section, the contractor shall include in his tender for all rates, taxes and other charges of a similar nature which may be levied by the appropriate authority upon temporary buildings, plant, equipment or any other matters used either on site or elsewhere for purpose of the works.

2.1.2.6 Obligations and Restrictions Imposed by the Employer this section comprises the following; Access to and possession or use of site: This defines the contractors own arrangements for providing maintenance and reinstating on completion adequate safe access to and from the site. Limitation of working space: This defines the extent to which the contractor shall restrict his operations, that is within the confines of the site except when providing mains services and drainage works which extend beyond the site boundary. 2.1.2.7 Management of the Work This simply states how the works will be managed. 2.1.2.8 Labour Returns This section tells the contractor to submit each month to the architect a statement of the manpower employed on the works in the various skills and trades and whomsoever employed. 2.1.2.9 Programmed and Progress Chart This is the chart which the contractor should submit two copies to the architect of he program and the progress of the principal operations. 2.1.2.10 Measurement of Covered Works This states and provides the provision for measurement of the work before it is covered. This usually allows the architect at least three days notice for inspection and measurement of the works. 2.1.2.11 Tests and Samples This states the section on which samples of materials and products to be used in the works are submitted to the director of buildings before orders are placed. 2.1.2.12 Use and Disposal of Materials Found on the Site this is the part in which the remedy for disposal of the materials found on the site is stated e.g. the right to dispose of sand, aggregate and top soil found on the site is reserved by the architect. 2.1.2.13 Information to the Director of Buildings- this entails supplying the director of building or other authorities all the information required by them in connection with application and returns, progress or other matters that may be required. 2.1.2.14 Live Drains Service Mains-this involves the ascertainment of the location of and protection of all water, electrical, telephone services, drains and sewers. Affording access to the controlling utilities for disconnections inspection and other activity that may be required to deal with the presence of the services and drains. Ensuring that the employer is indemnified from all claims costs and charges arising from damage or severance to the services and drains. Notifying the controlling utility of any damage and take all protection of property. Agreement with the architect should be made before the works begin the condition of the water mains, hydrants, valves, boxes and location points and schedule the findings.

2.1.3 SECURITY, SAFETY AND PROTECTION 2.1.3.1 Protection of trees and shrubs- this section states that careful preservation and protection of those trees and shrubs not required to be removed should be fully observed. More-so, any tree or shrub injured damaged or removed without written permission of the director of buildings shall be replaced at no cost to the employer with a tree or shrub of similar species and size. 2.1.3.2 Notice board- this section calls for the provision of a sign not less than 3x2.5metres on which is displayed the names of the works employer and the name of the consultant all painted by hand to the Director of Buildings design with space for the names of the contractors and sub-contractors names. 2.1.3.3 Temporary office-this states that an office of a required size shall be provided. 2.1.3.4 Access and Possession or Use of Site - this clearly states that the contractor shall make his own arrangements for providing, maintaining and reinstating on completion adequate safe access to and agrees from the site. His proposal for access and agrees shall be submitted to the authority for approval prior to their implementation. 2.1.3.5 Limitation of Working Space-This defines the extent to which the contractor shall restrict his operations, that is within the confines of the site except when providing mains services and drainage works which extend beyond the site boundary 2.1.4 CONTRACTORS GENERAL COST ITEMS 2.1.4.1 Management and Staff -this section covers all employees involved in order to carry out the project. 2.1.4.2 Director and control-this part clearly defines that the director and control should 2.1.4.3 Overtime- In this section the provisions and conditions for the cost of overtime are laid out. It says provide for the cost of overtime working and gain prior written authorisation of the Director of Buildings 2.1.4.4 Site accommodation-this section calls for the provision of temporary accommodation for welfare of personnel, secure weather protection of materials and fire resistance storage of inflammable materials. it further states that temporary offices and pit latrine accommodation of a standard and in such positions as the Director of Buildings may approve should be provided. More-so it say that keep the buildings in clean and sanitary conditions, remove on completion make good all works disturbed. 2.1.5 SERVICES AND FACILITIES 2.1.5.1 Water-this part calls for the provision and supply of clean, fresh water, including costs of connection , consumption, temporary storage and distribution, all other materials, plant and equipment, labour and need for compliance with the requirements of the water authority.

2.1.5.2 Lighting and power-this section states that electric power supply for lighting and power plant together with all cables, portable leads, fittings, all other materials, plant equipment and labour should be provided 2.1.5.3 Temporary telephones-this emphasises the installation of the telephone for use throughout the contract period 2.1.5.4 Safety, health and welfare-this is the safety, health and welfare facilities and other statutory regulations and local working rules. it calls for the ensuring of all personnel, and visitors on the site and plan and arrange the works with safety as one of the major consideration 2.1.5.5 Site Administration and Security-it defines the administration of works as to avoid trespass, obstruction, nuisance, damage, injury to persons and property outside the boundaries of the site. Taking such measures of protection and security as to avoid trespass and unrestricted entry, damage wanton and inadvertent, theft and injury by and to those whose access tot he is unauthorised paying particular attention to children. 2.1.5.6 Rubbish disposal-this provides the remedy for clearing up and removal of all rubbish and debris as the work proceeds and on completion, leaving the structure and surrounding areas clear of all plant and material 2.1.5.7 Protection-This emphasises on providing and maintaining all temporary measures of protection for the works and the public paying particular attention to the needs of the blind and infirm 2.1.5.8 Control of noise pollution-this emphasises on noise control, taking precautions to reduce the noise and vibration emanating from plant on the works. 2.1.5.9 Weather protection-this emphasises on taking all reasonable measure to prevent or minimise delays during adverse weather 2.1.6 MECHANICAL PLANT 2.1.6.1 Plant, tools and vehicles -This stresses on providing all the plant, tools and vehicles required for the due execution of the whole of the works 2.1.6.2 Personnel transport- this highlights the need for provision of transportation of personnel for and from the site. 2.1.7 TEMPORARY WORKS 2.1.7.1 Scaffolding- provides all general scaffolding required for the executions of the works. 2.1.7.2 Temporary roads and hard standing- Provide temporary roads, hard standings and paths

2.2 DESCRIPTION OF MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP This basically describes the materials and workmanship to be involved in the project. The following are described in this section: 2.2.1 STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP The specification for materials and workmanship is the standard General Specification of materials and workmanship for building woks. These shall be read as mutually explanatory one with the other. Where a particular specification is incorporated, it will take precedence and shall prevail over the standard General Specification should any conflict discrepancy arise between documents 2.2.2 MATERIALS all materials shall be of the specified quality if specified , shall be of the best quality, no better quality being obtainable, trade usage s to the contrary notwithstanding. All materials shall be from approved manufacturers. The Director of Buildings may require the contractor to submit samples of any samples materials to be used in the works and if so required the contractor shall submit samples without delay. Where a British Standard is referred to in the specification the relevant material or article shall comply therewith. Where a Zambian Standard, exists which properly covers an article, at the Date of tender, then the conditions of that Zambian Standard shall apply provided that the cost of the material or article so supplied shall not exceed that of the cost complying with the British Standard. 2.2.3 WORKMANSHIP All workmanship shall be of the highest possible standard and shall accord with the recommendations in any appropriate current British or Zambian Code of Practice 2.3 MEASURED WORKS This part of the bill of quantities basically describes all the works which have been measured. 2.3.1 EARTH WORKS This covers all works during site levelling. 2.3.1.1 Top soil - This involves the removal of top soil to the depth of 150mm for nonvegetative soils and 300mm for soils with low bearing capacity.

2.3.1.2 Site preparation - This involves the cutting down of trees and grubbing up their roots, cutting of grass, removal and treatment of termites nests and cleaning the site generally. 2.3.1.3 Excavation - Excavation is the process that involves excavating and disposing of materials as prescribed in the design. Excavation below normal water level, running silt or sand and rock is measured in cubic meters irrespective of the depth. Excavations involving rock can only be removed by means of wedges, compressed air or other special plant or explosives. Excavations involve the following: surface excavation, basements, foundation trenches, pits, pipe trenches, breaking up (concrete, block work, paving etc), existing cesspits, disposal of excavated materials and surface treatments. 2.3.1.4 Disposal of water - This is done to keep the excavation free from water i.e. all water except spring or running water and water below the water level in the ground. 2.3.1.5 Planking and strutting - This is done as a means of providing support to the sides of the excavation by a process known as timbering to trenches or steel sheet piling. 2.3.1.6 Hardcore filling - This is required to be disposed and compacted in layers as described stating the maximum thickness of the layers. 2.3.1.7 Piling - Piling is provided were the soil has a low load bearing capacity and the load needs to be transferred to the hard rocky strata for stability. 2.3.2 SUBSTRUCTURE CONCRETE WORKS These include works from excavation to slab level. The following are covered in this section: 2.3.2.1 Foundation and bases - A foundation is the base of a building which transmits both the dead and live loads to the ground. Concrete in foundation may be plain in-situ or reinforced depending on the weight of the building. 2.3.2.2 Slab - The slab is the level surface built on top of the foundation walls which helps in the even distribution of the loads imposed on it. It can be either plain or reinforced depending on the weight it supports. The damp proof membrane (DPM) is placed between the slab and the blinding to prevent moisture transmission by capillary action. 2.3.2.3 Formwork - Formwork in the foundation helps in giving shape to the concrete slab. The materials used include: timber, nails and steel in special cases. 2.3.2.4 Block work - Blocks filled with concrete are used in foundation walls. They are filled to make them solid and stronger than hollow blocks. Brick force is applied to every two courses in foundations.

2.3.3 CONCRETE WORKS Concrete work includes all structural components of concrete. 2.3.3.1 Concrete-Concrete is a mixture of cement, water and aggregate which takes the shape and texture of its mound or formwork on site. The cement water ratio depends on the strength of concrete required. Concrete is cured by methods specified by the design team. Curved labours on concrete are described irrespective of the radius. 2.3.3.2 Roads, footpath and paving - Concrete works foot paths and paving are each described in accordance with the rules for beds. 2.3.3.3 Beams and columns-Concrete in beams, columns, lintels and the like is usually reinforced because concrete is weak in tension. The amount of reinforcement depends on the weight being supported. 2.3.3.4 Steps and staircases - Steps and staircases are reinforced according to the specifications. 2.3.3.5 Reinforcement-The material widely used in reinforcement is steel and other metals in special conditions. The steel reinforcements are usually deformed to increase the bond between the reinforcement and the concrete. The size of reinforcements depends on the loads it can carry in columns, piers, brickwork and foundations etc. 2.3.3.6 Formwork-This is a method of supporting wet concrete to allow it to set and be moulded into different shapes as specified by the design team. In the super structure it is used in supporting lintels, columns, piers, upper floors, stair cases and concrete walls. Curved surfaces, conical surface and spherical surfaces also require formwork as a support during construction. 2.3.3.7 Formwork to surfaces-Formwork to surfaces such as horizontal soffits of floors, roofs, landing, stair cases and sloping surfaces are measured in square meters. 2.3.3.8 Formwork to edges and risers-Formwork of beds, roads, footpaths, paving, suspended floors, landing, roofs, kerbs and staircases is given in linear meters stating the width in 100mm.formwork to edges and soffits of projecting eaves and hobs is in linear meters were it is not exceeding 300mm. 2.3.3.9 Formwork to bands and cornices-Formwork to projecting or sunk bands, cornices, throat, grooves, chases, rebates, chamfers are given in linear meters stating their size. 2.3.4 PRECAST CONCRETE UNITSPrecast units are stated as follows: 2.3.4.1 Steps and stair cases-Steps, winders, landing, solid balustrade panel is each enumerated separately stating the extreme size. Members of irregular shapes are also described including nosing, rebates, fair ends, returned ends, shaped ends and wall ends.

2.3.4.2 Templates and bases-Templates or pad stones, bases to posts, pier caps, chimney caps are enumerated separately stating their sizes. 2.3.4.3 Hollow block suspended construction-Hollow block suspended construction and its reinforcement and its associated formwork are stated. 2.3.5 STRUCTURAL UNITS In this section, structural units (e.g. stanchions; beams purlins; trusses) are enumerated separately stating their sizes. 2.3.6 ROOFS Roofs comprises of flat and pitched roofs and can be conveniently subdivided into two main sections for purpose of measurement, that is, construction and coverings. The order of measurements of these two sections varies in practice, but on balance it is probably better to take the construction of first since this follows the order of erection on site. 2.3.6.1 Roof timbers-The order of the items should follow a logical sequence such as plates, rafters, ceiling joist, collars, purlins, struts, ridge boards, hip and valleys. The roof timbers are measured in meters as roof members, stating the pitch and giving the dimensioned descriptions and these include purlins, struts, ridge boards, binders, bracings, hip and valleys. 2.3.6.2 Coverings-The area of strutting or tiling is measured first in square metres stating the pitch and is deemed to include underlay and battens. 2.3.6.3 Corrugated and troughed sheet roofing-These include the following roofing materials such as asbestos cement, iron, steel, aluminium. Roof coverings are given in square meters and include all cutting and waste. Coverings over 45 degrees from the horizontal and vertical coverings will be described according to the design. 2.3.6.4 Thatch roofing-The following are the types of thatch, marshreed, straw, grass, cutting and facing to abutments, side abutments, tile valleys, metal valleys and chimney are measured in linear metres. 2.3.6.5 Roof decking-Decking includes asbestos cement, steel, aluminium, wood are all measured in square meters .square cutting around openings over 0.5 square meters is given in linear meters except in cases were the work is designed to use standard sheets without cutting. 2.3.6.7 Flat roofs -This comprises of roofs with a pitch of less than 10 degrees. Material components of flat roofs include: 2.3.6.7.1 Asphalt-The main areas of asphalt roofing is measured in square meters stating the pitch .these include and cover the kind quality and size of the materials, thickness and number of coats on which it is applied and surface treatment.

2.3.6.7.2 Built up felt-Built up felt are measured in square metres and stating their pitch. The measurements of the main areas of the roof will be followed by linear items as appropriate giving the girth in 200mm stages. 2.3.6.7.3 Steel metal-The measurement of steel metal roofing indeed, aluminium, copper and zinc is given in accordance with the design. The main areas of sheet metal are taken first, building metre squared stating the pitch and allowing for additional materials at drips, welts, rose, ceams, laps, up stands, down stands, in accordance with the allowance given in the standard method of measurements. 2.3.7 BRICKWORK AND BLOCKWORK Brickwork and block work are measured by the mean length and average height. Fair face and face work are measured on the exposed face of the wall and no deductions are made for voids not exceeding 0.10 square meter. Curved brick works are constructed using the mean radius of the wall. Rough cutting within the thickness requires the use of descriptions of curved work. 2.3.8 JOINERY, CARPENTRY AND IRONMONGERY The kind, quality and treatment of timber is taken into consideration. Preliminary treatments of timber are processes like kiln drying or impregnation. The methods of fixing such as screwing or nailing and other timber prescriptions are also stated. The details of joining such as rebates, grooves, chamfers, rounded edges are also described. 2.3.8.1 Flooring -This caters for both solid and hollow floors. Hollow floors consist of boarding nailed to timber joists. Solid floors are of two main types; suspended and ground floors. The board flooring and strip flooring are measured separately in square metres. The boards used are described in detail. 2.3.8.2 Boarding or panelled linings, casing and partitions-The nominal thicknesses, type of boarding, method of jointing and width of boards required are specified for boarding works. Panelled works nominal thicknesses of framing and panels are detailed. Casings for beams, rounded corners, and pipes etc are specified. 2.3.8.3 Doors, windows, skylights and lanterns-The doors and casements dimensions of folding doors and folding casements are measured irrespective of the size. 2.3.8.4 Ceiling-Materials, system or type of ceiling, acoustics and sizes of ceilings are described. The size, type and quantity of skirting is described in details. 2.3.8.5 Pelmets-Pelmet refers to a narrow strip of wood or cloth which is fixed above a window or door. The material used in construction of the pelmet is stated according to the architects approval. The sizes for both exterior and interior use are given with reference to the specifications. 2.3.8.6 Fascia board-The specifications and materials of the fascia boards and barge boards are given together with all other details necessary.

2.3.8.7 Ironmongery-Particulars of; kind and quality of ironmongery, surface finish, nature of the background to which items are fixed and method of fixing are given. Ironmongery comprises water bars, dowels and cramps, bolts etc. 2.3.8.8 Sundries-Sundries are the various different small things which are considered together, usually because they are not important enough to be considered separately. These include: plugging, holes in timber etc. 2.3.8.9 Structural steelwork -Steelwork is grouped as framed steelwork (i.e. steel mainly or completely framed) and unframed steelwork (i.e. steel in structures mainly or completely unframed). Details of: kind and quality of steel and any tests of materials, workmanship and finished structures are given. 2.3.8.10 Grillages and girders-Grillages and girders are measured in kilograms or tones. Both grillages and girders are classified either as plain or compound. They are further classified as single or multiple. 2.3.8.11 Stanchions, columns and portal frames-Stanchions are also measured in kilograms or tones. Stanchions are of two types; plain and compound. The two types of compound stanchions are compound single and compound multiple stanchions. Columns are classified as solid or tubular columns. Portal frames are also measured in kilograms or tones. 2.3.8.12 Roof members, braces, struts and rails-Roof trusses, gables, hips, valleys, purlins, rails, braces, struts and other members are measured in kilograms or tones. 2.3.8.13 Metal work -Particulars of: kind and quality of metal, gauge, thickness or substance of metal and wire and method of fixing, stating the nature of the background or support to which the metalwork is fixed are stated. The wok and members to be welded are stated. 2.3.8.13.1 Plates, bars, sections and tubes - Metal plates, bars, sections and tubes are formed by casting; rolling, drawing, extruding or other appropriate methods at the contractors option are specially stated. 2.3.8.13.2 Work in sheet metal-Work in sheet metal includes coverings and lining. Coverings are to doors, bench tops, counter tops and the like. Lining is applied to safes, cisterns, sinks and the like. 2.3.8.13.3 Work in wire mesh or expanded metal-The method of fixing (e.g. beads, staples, welding) is stated. Mesh covering and expanded metal covering are measured separately in linear metres stating the size of the mesh and width in stages. 2.3.8.13.4 Composite units-Composite units are measured in detail stating the number of units. Members composite members include: rolled plates, rolled or extruded bars, cast members etc. 2.3.8.13.5 Standard units-Assembling and joining together the component parts of composite units and providing any necessary jointing compound are included in the item concerned. These include: steel door frames, fireproof doors and strong room doors, roof

lights, skirting, picture rails, purlins, duct covers, balustrades and railings, collapsible gates, revolving shutters, surface boxes etc. 2.3.9 PLUMBING AND ENGINEERING INSTALLATIONS Work is grouped as follows: rain water installation, sanitary installation, cold and hot water installation, heating installation stating the type, ventilating and air conditioning installation stating the type, fire fighting installation , hydraulic installation ,compressed air installation and gas installation stating the type . particulars of the following are given ; any regulations, rules, by laws ,kind of materials , quality of materials, gauge thickness, substance of material and any taste with which the material s, plant and equipment are required to comply. 2.3.9.1 Gutter work-The purpose of gutters and fittings is described stating the mean radius for curved gutters. The gutter join, gutter fittings, supports etc. are also described. 2.3.9.2 Pipe work -The purpose of purpose-made pipes and purpose-made pipe fittings is described. The wrapped, coated or lined pipe work is state. Pipe joints, pipe fittings, pipe support, pipe sleeves and plates are given. 2.3.9.3 Ductwork - Ducting (measured over all duct fitting , short running lengths and branches ) is stated in linear meters .materials, heat , bolts, nuts washers ,and everything else necessary for making joints in ducting is deemed to be included with the items. 2.3.9.4 Equipment -All items of equipment such as tanks sanitary and fire fighting applications are fully described. 2.3.9.5 Thermal insulation -Particulars of the following; kind of insulating materials, thickness, finish, and method of fixing are to be given. Insulation is applied to cylinders, tanks, pipe work and fitting. 2.3.9.6 Sundries -Marking the position of holes, mortices, chases and the like in the structure for such installation is included in the sundries. 2.3.9.7 Builders work-Builders in connection with plumbing and engineering installations are grouped together under an appropriate heading and where required to be executed by the plumber or engineer is described and billed with the installation concerned. 2.3.9.8 Electrical installations -Work is grouped as follows: connection to main supply, main switch gear including meters, earthing , transformers and earthing of installations , telephone, bell fire and burglar alarm, clock , lighting and heating fitting etc. 2.3.9.9 Cable ducts and trenches-Cable ducts are measured and given according to the rules in the appropriate sections of the method of measurement. 2.3.9.10 Connections to main supply-Connections to main supply is given as separate items inclusive all notices, watches, lighting and other requisite work or it may be given as a provisional of prime cost sum.

2.3.9.11 Distribution boards-The cost of distribution and sub-distribution boards and the like distribution works is stated to be deemed and allowed for in the rates against the items for the supply points 2.3.9.12 Lighting supply points -Lightning supply points are enumerated and described to be inclusive of all conduits, conduit fittings, cable connections and the like are measured separately. 2.3.9.13 Painting conduit-Painting conduit and equipment are measure d and given according to the rules for applicable items of the method of measurement. 2.3.9.14 Earthing conductors-Tapes for earthing are given in linear meters stating he size, saddles, cleats, clips, holdfasts and the like are given in the description stating the type and spacing along the conductor. 2.3.9.15 lightening conductors -Lightening conductors are given in accordance with the rules for earthing conductors. Air termination points are enumerated stating the type, the size and the method of connecting. 2.3.10 FLOOR, WALL AND CEILING FINISHES 2.3.10.1 In-situ finishes-These include rendering, plaster, granolithic, terrazzo, tar macadam are all mixed, cured and measured on site. 2.3.10.2 Tile, slab or block finishes-Works are measured as executed and allowances are made by passing at angles and no deductions are made for voids not exceeding 0.50 square metres. Works to floors, pavements, ceilings and staircases are laid in accordance with rules for in-situ finishing. Bent grass coverings are enumerated stating the size, the radius or girth of the bend and whether bent in the long or short dimension or both. The mostly used block finish is usually plaster which is applied on both the outside and inside to make the finish smooth. The slab can be used as a floor finish or other finishes can be used. 2.3.10.3 Plain sheet finishing- They include the following kinds of sheeting: plywood, chipboard,plasterboard,fiberboard,wallboard,asbestos,cement,plastics,linoleum,cork,rubber,st eel,lead,zinc,alluminium,copper). Finishes to floors, walls are given in accordance with the rules for in-situ finishing. 2.3.10.4 Beds and backing-Beds and backings are given measured by the area of contact with the base but no deduction is made for voids not exceeding 0.50 square metres. Reinforced beds and reinforcement backing is described according to the design. 2.3.10.5 Lathing and base boarding-Lathing and base boarding is followed by the following; Type and thickness of base boarding, treatment of joints, gauge and mesh of lathing and extent of laps and method of fixing 2.3.11 PAINTING AND DECORATIONS

Work is grouped as follows as and each group is given under an appropriate heading; internal work and external works, works required to be executed on members before they are fixed is described. Work is measured by the area covered and appropriate allowance made for extra girth of edges, mouldings, panels, sinking, corrugations, flouting, carvings and enrichments but no deduction is to be made for voids not exceeding 0.50 square metres. 2.3.11.1 Painting and similar works - particulars of the following are given: quality of materials ,nature of work(e.g. lime whiting is tempering, painting, staining ,graining, varnishing),nature of the base on which work is executed, number of priming or ceiling costs, number of undercoats and number of finishing coats stating the surface finish are all measured in square metres.

2.3.12 FENCING Particulars of the following kind of material (e.g. softwood, hardwood, steel), preliminary treatment of material (e.g. impregnating, galvanizing).fencing especially designed to suit sloping grounds is described. Posts , struts and other supports at regular intervals in fencing is given in the description stating the size, the spacing the height above the surface or ground or base and the depth below such surface are measured in square metres 2.4 THE GENERAL SUMMARY The general summary is used if the contractor desires to make any general increase in the contracts subtotal. It is made here and the amount will be treated as a percentage of totals, this is done after deducting the net amount of all provisional and prime cost sums including profit. The rates inserted by the contractor against the items throughout the tender will be deemed to be adjusted accordingly by this percentage. Other items brought forward include insurances, statutory orders and regulations, water for works and any other matters.

3.0 CONCLUSION Evidently, the four component parts of the bill of quantities (P and Gs, Description of materials and workmanship, Measured works and General summary) including the sub sections of each part enhances its use in the project life cycle as they provide standard procedures to be followed during construction works from project inception to completion and eventual hand over. The preparation of the bill of quantities is aided by the use of the standard method of measurement (SMM) applicable. The measured bill of quantities when priced provides a good basis of cost analysis and tender evaluation, as it enables the contractors tendering for works to bid on the same amount of information with minimal difficulties.