Construction Glossary
Bill of Quantities
Also known as BoQ
Definition
A bill of quantities is a document that lists every measured item of work and material on a job, with quantities and units, ready to be priced. It is usually prepared to RICS NRM rules so the same measurement means the same thing to everyone tendering. Each contractor prices the same list, which makes bids easy to compare. It also becomes the basis for valuing variations and interim payments.
A bill of quantities breaks a project down into individual items such as cubic metres of concrete, square metres of brickwork or numbers of doors. Each item carries a description, a unit and a measured quantity taken off the drawings. The contractor adds a rate against each line, and the totals build up the price.
Bills are normally measured to a recognised standard, in the UK that is the RICS New Rules of Measurement. That standard keeps descriptions and units consistent so there is no argument about what is and is not included.
Why it matters
A clear bill of quantities means you are pricing exactly the same scope as everyone else, so you win or lose work on price and not on guesswork. It cuts disputes because the measured quantities are agreed up front, and it gives you a fair basis to value extras when the job changes.
We measure your drawings and produce a fully itemised bill of quantities to RICS NRM, branded as your own, ready to price or send out to tender.
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