Bill of Quantities

Bill of Quantities - Definition

The Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM) defines a bill of quantities as a list of items giving brief identifying descriptions and estimated quantities of the work comprised in a contract.

The purposes of bill of quantities

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Tendering Valuation of interim certificates Valuation of variations Ordering of materials Reference during the construction quality and cost Construction planning and monitoring Sub-contractor quotation Final accounts Cost analysis for future use

Primary Function of the bill of quantities

The principle use is to obtain competitive tenders; for this purpose bills should be as standardized as possible in method of measurement, format and layout.

Bill of quantities fully describe and accurately represent the works to be executed, including the obligations required of the contractor, and so provide a uniform basis for the preparation of competitive tenders.

Format of bill of quantities

(1) List of principal quantities (2) Preamble to the bill of quantities

(3) Day work schedule, if required

(4) Work items, usually classified as in the CESMM (5) Grand summary

BOQ Layout
Item Nr.
20 90
10 28 20 20

Description

Unit

Qty

Rate

Amount

Example Road Project

1 General items (as described in class A of the CESMM) 2 Earthworks 3 Road works, foot paths and verges 4 Bridges 5 Road markings 6 Road signs 7 Culverts 8 Surface water drainage 9 Street lighting