Bill of Quantities Preparation
BOQ Format and Measurement Standards
NCA licensed quantity surveyors with 15+ years experience in BOQ preparation and construction measurement across Kenya. Accurate quantities, fair pricing.
NCA Licensed
15+ Years
QS Specialists
What is a Bill of Quantities (BOQ)?
A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is a document listing all materials, parts, and labor required for a construction project, with quantities and rates for pricing. It is the foundation of transparent tendering and fair contract administration.
In Kenya's construction industry, the BOQ is essential for comparing contractor bids on equal basis, providing a fair basis for interim payments, and managing variations during construction.
📊 Key Fact: Projects without proper BOQ experience 20-40% cost overruns due to unclear scope and disputes. Professional BOQ preparation costs 0.5-2% of project value but saves 5-15% in prevented disputes and fair pricing. Every major construction project in Kenya requires a professional BOQ.
Before BOQ preparation, ensure you have completed your cost estimation and understand your project management requirements.
Standard BOQ Format in Kenya
The standard BOQ format in Kenya follows CESMM4 (Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement) or SMM7 (Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works), depending on project type.
BOQ Structure
- Preliminaries: General conditions, site setup, insurances
- Preambles: Material and workmanship specifications
- Measured Works: Items measured from drawings
- Prime Cost Sums: Allowances for specific items
- Provisional Sums: Contingency allowances
- General Summary: Collection of sections with totals
Item Description Standards
- Standardized Wording: Clear, unambiguous descriptions
- Units: m, m², m³, tonnes, nr, item, sum
- Specification Reference: Linked to specifications
- Measurement Rules: Net quantities unless stated otherwise
Common Units
| Unit | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| m | Linear meter | Pipes, cables, kerbs |
| m² | Square meter | Plaster, painting, paving |
| m³ | Cubic meter | Concrete, excavation, fill |
| tonne | Metric tonne | Steel reinforcement |
| nr | Number | Doors, windows, manholes |
BOQ Preparation Process
BOQ preparation requires systematic measurement from drawings, application of measurement rules, and clear item descriptions.
Preparation Steps
- Obtain Drawings: Architectural, structural, and services drawings
- Study Scope: Understand project and identify work sections
- Take Off Quantities: Measure from drawings (manual or software)
- Apply Measurement Rules: CESMM or SMM7 as applicable
- Write Descriptions: Standardized, clear wording
- Arrange Sections: Logical grouping of work
- Add Preliminaries: General project requirements
- Include Sums: Prime cost and provisional sums
- Prepare Summary: Collection and totals
- Check and Review: Verify accuracy and completeness
Measurement Software
- CostX: Professional quantity takeoff
- PlanSwift: Digital measurement from PDF
- Bluebeam: PDF measurement and markup
- Excel: Manual measurement and pricing
For earthworks measurement details, see our guide on bulk earthworks volume calculation.
Preliminaries in BOQ
Preliminaries cover general project requirements not specific to any work section. They are essential for contractor pricing and project management.
Fixed Preliminaries
- Site Setup: Offices, storage, fencing, utilities
- Insurances: Contractor all-risk, public liability
- Bonds: Performance bond, advance payment bond
- Site Supervision: Project manager, site agent, foreman
- Health and Safety: Compliance, PPE, safety officer
Time-Related Preliminaries
- Site Accommodation: Maintenance and rental
- Plant Standing: Cranes, excavators on site
- Scaffolding: Erection, maintenance, dismantling
- Temporary Works: Formwork, falsework, dewatering
Preliminaries Pricing
- Typical Percentage: 10-20% of project cost
- Underestimating: Causes contractor losses
- Overestimating: Reduces competitiveness
- Accurate Assessment: Based on actual project duration
💡 Preliminaries Tip: Preliminaries should reflect actual project requirements and duration. Time-related preliminaries increase with project duration — accurate schedule estimation is essential.
Measurement Rules
Standard measurement rules ensure consistency and fairness in quantity measurement. Different work types have specific measurement rules.
Earthworks Measurement
- Excavation: Measured in m³, classified by material type
- Classification: Soft soil, hard soil, rock (separate items)
- Depth: Separate items for different depth ranges
- Working Space: Measured separately where required
- Batter: Sloping sides measured separately
Concrete Measurement
- Concrete: Measured in m³ net volume
- Reinforcement: Measured in tonnes
- Formwork: Measured in m² contact area
- Finishes: Measured in m²
Measurement Principles
- Net Quantities: No allowance for waste or bulking
- Separate Items: Different materials, sizes, locations
- Clear Boundaries: No overlap between items
- Complete Coverage: All work included
Prime Cost and Provisional Sums
Prime Cost (PC) and Provisional Sums are allowances in the BOQ for specific items or contingencies. Understanding the difference is essential for contract administration.
Prime Cost (PC) Sums
- Definition: Allowance for specific items supplied by client or nominated supplier
- Examples: Sanitary ware, kitchen equipment, special doors
- Contractor Adds: Handling and profit percentage
- Adjustment: Based on actual cost
Provisional Sums
- Definition: Allowance for work not fully detailed at tender
- Examples: Unforeseen ground, statutory authority work
- Adjustment: Based on actual cost or instruction
- Contingency: For unknown conditions
Key Differences
| Aspect | Prime Cost Sum | Provisional Sum |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Specific item allowance | Contingency allowance |
| Definition | Known item, unknown price | Unknown work |
| Adjustment | Actual cost | Instruction or actual |
| Contractor Profit | Percentage on handling | Percentage if instructed |
Need BOQ Preparation for Your Project?
Trust Partners provides professional Bill of Quantities preparation across Kenya. Accurate measurement, clear descriptions, and fair pricing basis.
WhatsApp Us 📞 Tap to Call: +254 718 68 69 67Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bill of Quantities (BOQ)?
A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is a document listing all materials, parts, and labor required for construction project, with quantities and rates for pricing. BOQ purposes: Tendering: Contractors price the same scope for comparison. Contract: Basis for valuation and payment. Cost control: Reference for measuring variations. Valuation: Interim payment calculations. BOQ preparation: By quantity surveyor from drawings and specifications. Standard formats: CESMM (Civil Engineering), SMM7 (Building), and African Association of Quantity Surveyors format. In Kenya, BOQ is essential for transparent tendering and contract administration.
What is the standard BOQ format in Kenya?
Standard BOQ format in Kenya follows CESMM4 (Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement) or SMM7 (Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works). BOQ structure: Preliminaries: General conditions, site setup, insurances. Preambles: Material and workmanship specifications. Measured works: Items measured from drawings. Prime cost sums: Allowances for specific items. Provisional sums: Contingency allowances. General summary: Collection of sections with totals. Item description: Standardized wording for clarity. Units: m, m², m³, tonnes, nr, item, sum. Measurement rules: Net quantities unless stated otherwise.
How do you prepare a Bill of Quantities?
BOQ preparation process: Obtain drawings and specifications, Study scope and identify work sections, Take off quantities from drawings (manual or software), Apply measurement rules (CESMM/SMM7), Write item descriptions (standardized), Arrange in logical sections, Add preliminaries and preambles, Include prime cost and provisional sums, Prepare general summary, Check and review for accuracy. Software: CostX, PlanSwift, Bluebeam, or Excel. Time required: 2-6 weeks depending on project size. Accuracy critical: Errors cause disputes and cost overruns.
What are preliminaries in a BOQ?
Preliminaries in BOQ cover general project requirements not specific to any work section. Fixed preliminaries: Site setup and temporary works, Insurances and bonds, Site supervision and management, Health and safety compliance. Time-related preliminaries: Site accommodation maintenance, Plant and equipment standing time, Scaffold and temporary works maintenance. Preliminaries typically 10-20% of project cost. Accurate preliminary pricing essential: Underestimating causes losses; overestimating reduces competitiveness. Preliminaries should reflect actual project duration and requirements.
What is the difference between prime cost and provisional sums?
Prime Cost (PC) sums: Allowances for specific items to be supplied by client or nominated supplier. Examples: Sanitary ware, kitchen equipment, special doors. Contractor adds handling and profit percentage. Provisional Sums: Allowances for work not fully detailed at tender. Examples: Contingency for unforeseen ground, Work by statutory authorities. Adjusted based on actual cost or instruction. Both included in BOQ for pricing but adjusted during construction. Clear definition prevents disputes.
How do you measure earthworks in BOQ?
Earthworks measurement in BOQ: Excavation: Measured in m³, classified by material type (soft, hard rock), Separate items for different depths, Allowance for working space and batter. Fill: Measured in m³ compacted volume, Material source specified (borrow pit, excavation reuse), Compaction requirements stated. Disposal: Surplus material disposal in m³ or tonnes, Haul distance specified. Measurement rules: Net volume from drawings, No allowance for bulking or shrinkage, Working space and batter measured separately. Accurate earthworks measurement critical: Major cost item in most projects.
How much does BOQ preparation cost in Kenya?
BOQ preparation costs in Kenya: Quantity surveyor fees: 0.5-2% of construction cost. For KES 50 million project: KES 250,000-1,000,000. Small project (under KES 10M): KES 50,000-200,000. Medium project (KES 10-50M): KES 200,000-800,000. Large project (over KES 50M): KES 800,000-3,000,000+. Costs vary with: Project complexity, Drawing quality, Time available, and QS experience. Value of professional BOQ: Accurate pricing basis, Reduced disputes, Fair tender comparison, and Effective cost control. Investment in quality BOQ prevents costly errors.
What are common BOQ errors?
Common BOQ errors: Measurement errors: Incorrect quantities from drawings, Missing items, Double counting. Description errors: Ambiguous wording, Missing specification references, Incorrect units. Omissions: Missing preliminaries, Missing provisional sums, Missing sections. Pricing errors: Arithmetic errors, Rate not matching description, Missing profit and overheads. Prevention: Check measurements independently, Use standard descriptions, Review against checklist, Have second QS review, Use software for calculations. Errors discovered during construction cause variations and disputes.
Bill of Quantities Preparation
BOQ Format and Measurement Standards
NCA licensed quantity surveyors with 15+ years experience in BOQ preparation and construction measurement across Kenya. Accurate quantities, fair pricing.
NCA Licensed
15+ Years
QS Specialists
What is a Bill of Quantities (BOQ)?
A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is a document listing all materials, parts, and labor required for a construction project, with quantities and rates for pricing. It is the foundation of transparent tendering and fair contract administration.
In Kenya's construction industry, the BOQ is essential for comparing contractor bids on equal basis, providing a fair basis for interim payments, and managing variations during construction.
📊 Key Fact: Projects without proper BOQ experience 20-40% cost overruns due to unclear scope and disputes. Professional BOQ preparation costs 0.5-2% of project value but saves 5-15% in prevented disputes and fair pricing. Every major construction project in Kenya requires a professional BOQ.
Before BOQ preparation, ensure you have completed your cost estimation and understand your project management requirements.
Standard BOQ Format in Kenya
The standard BOQ format in Kenya follows CESMM4 (Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement) or SMM7 (Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works), depending on project type.
BOQ Structure
- Preliminaries: General conditions, site setup, insurances
- Preambles: Material and workmanship specifications
- Measured Works: Items measured from drawings
- Prime Cost Sums: Allowances for specific items
- Provisional Sums: Contingency allowances
- General Summary: Collection of sections with totals
Item Description Standards
- Standardized Wording: Clear, unambiguous descriptions
- Units: m, m², m³, tonnes, nr, item, sum
- Specification Reference: Linked to specifications
- Measurement Rules: Net quantities unless stated otherwise
Common Units
| Unit | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| m | Linear meter | Pipes, cables, kerbs |
| m² | Square meter | Plaster, painting, paving |
| m³ | Cubic meter | Concrete, excavation, fill |
| tonne | Metric tonne | Steel reinforcement |
| nr | Number | Doors, windows, manholes |
BOQ Preparation Process
BOQ preparation requires systematic measurement from drawings, application of measurement rules, and clear item descriptions.
Preparation Steps
- Obtain Drawings: Architectural, structural, and services drawings
- Study Scope: Understand project and identify work sections
- Take Off Quantities: Measure from drawings (manual or software)
- Apply Measurement Rules: CESMM or SMM7 as applicable
- Write Descriptions: Standardized, clear wording
- Arrange Sections: Logical grouping of work
- Add Preliminaries: General project requirements
- Include Sums: Prime cost and provisional sums
- Prepare Summary: Collection and totals
- Check and Review: Verify accuracy and completeness
Measurement Software
- CostX: Professional quantity takeoff
- PlanSwift: Digital measurement from PDF
- Bluebeam: PDF measurement and markup
- Excel: Manual measurement and pricing
For earthworks measurement details, see our guide on bulk earthworks volume calculation.
Preliminaries in BOQ
Preliminaries cover general project requirements not specific to any work section. They are essential for contractor pricing and project management.
Fixed Preliminaries
- Site Setup: Offices, storage, fencing, utilities
- Insurances: Contractor all-risk, public liability
- Bonds: Performance bond, advance payment bond
- Site Supervision: Project manager, site agent, foreman
- Health and Safety: Compliance, PPE, safety officer
Time-Related Preliminaries
- Site Accommodation: Maintenance and rental
- Plant Standing: Cranes, excavators on site
- Scaffolding: Erection, maintenance, dismantling
- Temporary Works: Formwork, falsework, dewatering
Preliminaries Pricing
- Typical Percentage: 10-20% of project cost
- Underestimating: Causes contractor losses
- Overestimating: Reduces competitiveness
- Accurate Assessment: Based on actual project duration
💡 Preliminaries Tip: Preliminaries should reflect actual project requirements and duration. Time-related preliminaries increase with project duration — accurate schedule estimation is essential.
Measurement Rules
Standard measurement rules ensure consistency and fairness in quantity measurement. Different work types have specific measurement rules.
Earthworks Measurement
- Excavation: Measured in m³, classified by material type
- Classification: Soft soil, hard soil, rock (separate items)
- Depth: Separate items for different depth ranges
- Working Space: Measured separately where required
- Batter: Sloping sides measured separately
Concrete Measurement
- Concrete: Measured in m³ net volume
- Reinforcement: Measured in tonnes
- Formwork: Measured in m² contact area
- Finishes: Measured in m²
Measurement Principles
- Net Quantities: No allowance for waste or bulking
- Separate Items: Different materials, sizes, locations
- Clear Boundaries: No overlap between items
- Complete Coverage: All work included
Prime Cost and Provisional Sums
Prime Cost (PC) and Provisional Sums are allowances in the BOQ for specific items or contingencies. Understanding the difference is essential for contract administration.
Prime Cost (PC) Sums
- Definition: Allowance for specific items supplied by client or nominated supplier
- Examples: Sanitary ware, kitchen equipment, special doors
- Contractor Adds: Handling and profit percentage
- Adjustment: Based on actual cost
Provisional Sums
- Definition: Allowance for work not fully detailed at tender
- Examples: Unforeseen ground, statutory authority work
- Adjustment: Based on actual cost or instruction
- Contingency: For unknown conditions
Key Differences
| Aspect | Prime Cost Sum | Provisional Sum |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Specific item allowance | Contingency allowance |
| Definition | Known item, unknown price | Unknown work |
| Adjustment | Actual cost | Instruction or actual |
| Contractor Profit | Percentage on handling | Percentage if instructed |
Need BOQ Preparation for Your Project?
Trust Partners provides professional Bill of Quantities preparation across Kenya. Accurate measurement, clear descriptions, and fair pricing basis.
WhatsApp Us 📞 Tap to Call: +254 718 68 69 67Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bill of Quantities (BOQ)?
A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is a document listing all materials, parts, and labor required for construction project, with quantities and rates for pricing. BOQ purposes: Tendering: Contractors price the same scope for comparison. Contract: Basis for valuation and payment. Cost control: Reference for measuring variations. Valuation: Interim payment calculations. BOQ preparation: By quantity surveyor from drawings and specifications. Standard formats: CESMM (Civil Engineering), SMM7 (Building), and African Association of Quantity Surveyors format. In Kenya, BOQ is essential for transparent tendering and contract administration.
What is the standard BOQ format in Kenya?
Standard BOQ format in Kenya follows CESMM4 (Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement) or SMM7 (Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works). BOQ structure: Preliminaries: General conditions, site setup, insurances. Preambles: Material and workmanship specifications. Measured works: Items measured from drawings. Prime cost sums: Allowances for specific items. Provisional sums: Contingency allowances. General summary: Collection of sections with totals. Item description: Standardized wording for clarity. Units: m, m², m³, tonnes, nr, item, sum. Measurement rules: Net quantities unless stated otherwise.
How do you prepare a Bill of Quantities?
BOQ preparation process: Obtain drawings and specifications, Study scope and identify work sections, Take off quantities from drawings (manual or software), Apply measurement rules (CESMM/SMM7), Write item descriptions (standardized), Arrange in logical sections, Add preliminaries and preambles, Include prime cost and provisional sums, Prepare general summary, Check and review for accuracy. Software: CostX, PlanSwift, Bluebeam, or Excel. Time required: 2-6 weeks depending on project size. Accuracy critical: Errors cause disputes and cost overruns.
What are preliminaries in a BOQ?
Preliminaries in BOQ cover general project requirements not specific to any work section. Fixed preliminaries: Site setup and temporary works, Insurances and bonds, Site supervision and management, Health and safety compliance. Time-related preliminaries: Site accommodation maintenance, Plant and equipment standing time, Scaffold and temporary works maintenance. Preliminaries typically 10-20% of project cost. Accurate preliminary pricing essential: Underestimating causes losses; overestimating reduces competitiveness. Preliminaries should reflect actual project duration and requirements.
What is the difference between prime cost and provisional sums?
Prime Cost (PC) sums: Allowances for specific items to be supplied by client or nominated supplier. Examples: Sanitary ware, kitchen equipment, special doors. Contractor adds handling and profit percentage. Provisional Sums: Allowances for work not fully detailed at tender. Examples: Contingency for unforeseen ground, Work by statutory authorities. Adjusted based on actual cost or instruction. Both included in BOQ for pricing but adjusted during construction. Clear definition prevents disputes.
How do you measure earthworks in BOQ?
Earthworks measurement in BOQ: Excavation: Measured in m³, classified by material type (soft, hard rock), Separate items for different depths, Allowance for working space and batter. Fill: Measured in m³ compacted volume, Material source specified (borrow pit, excavation reuse), Compaction requirements stated. Disposal: Surplus material disposal in m³ or tonnes, Haul distance specified. Measurement rules: Net volume from drawings, No allowance for bulking or shrinkage, Working space and batter measured separately. Accurate earthworks measurement critical: Major cost item in most projects.
How much does BOQ preparation cost in Kenya?
BOQ preparation costs in Kenya: Quantity surveyor fees: 0.5-2% of construction cost. For KES 50 million project: KES 250,000-1,000,000. Small project (under KES 10M): KES 50,000-200,000. Medium project (KES 10-50M): KES 200,000-800,000. Large project (over KES 50M): KES 800,000-3,000,000+. Costs vary with: Project complexity, Drawing quality, Time available, and QS experience. Value of professional BOQ: Accurate pricing basis, Reduced disputes, Fair tender comparison, and Effective cost control. Investment in quality BOQ prevents costly errors.
What are common BOQ errors?
Common BOQ errors: Measurement errors: Incorrect quantities from drawings, Missing items, Double counting. Description errors: Ambiguous wording, Missing specification references, Incorrect units. Omissions: Missing preliminaries, Missing provisional sums, Missing sections. Pricing errors: Arithmetic errors, Rate not matching description, Missing profit and overheads. Prevention: Check measurements independently, Use standard descriptions, Review against checklist, Have second QS review, Use software for calculations. Errors discovered during construction cause variations and disputes.
