What Is BOQ Preparation?
A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is a structured document that lists the measured quantities of work, materials, and items required for a construction project, organised by trade or section with item descriptions and units. BOQ preparation takes available project documentation and organises it into this structured format, so it can be priced, compared, and used to support tendering or cost planning. It's typically one of the key documents contractors and consultants use during tendering and commercial review.
What This Service Covers
Depending on project scope and documentation, BOQ preparation may cover:
- Structured BOQ sections organised by trade or work section
- Item descriptions consistent with the documentation provided
- Units and measured quantities for each item
- Trade and category breakdowns
- Material- and labour-related quantities, where applicable
- Organisation suitable for tender or cost-planning use
Not every project includes the same information — coverage is based on the documentation you're able to provide for that project.
Who Uses This Service?
BOQ Preparation is typically used by:
- Main contractors
- Subcontractors
- Developers
- Construction consultants
- In-house estimators
- Teams preparing a tender or bid submission
What You Receive
A completed BOQ typically includes:
- A structured Bill of Quantities
- Item descriptions
- Units and quantities
- Trade or category breakdown
- Measurement basis, where applicable
- Supporting quantity schedules, where required
The exact layout and file format are agreed with you as part of scope review.
How It Works
- 1
Project Documentation
You share the drawings, specifications, and any other project documentation available.
- 2
Scope Review
We review what's been provided and confirm the scope of the BOQ with you before work begins.
- 3
Measurement & Quantification
Quantities are measured and organised into BOQ sections, item by item.
- 4
Description & Structuring
Item descriptions, units, and trade breakdowns are added to build the structured BOQ.
- 5
Checking & Organisation
The BOQ is checked for consistency and organised into a tender- or pricing-ready format.
- 6
BOQ Delivery
The completed BOQ is delivered to you in the agreed format, ready to support tendering or cost planning.
Documents & Information Required
BOQ preparation can work from available project documentation such as:
- Architectural drawings
- Structural drawings
- MEP drawings, where applicable
- Specifications
- Schedules
- Tender documents
- Revisions or addenda, where issued
Not every project requires every document — we'll confirm what's needed based on what you're able to provide during scope review.
Quality & Technical Review
Every BOQ is reviewed against the source project documentation before it's delivered, checking item descriptions, units, and quantities for accuracy and consistency. This technical review is carried out by our estimating team as a standard part of the service.