What is the full form of BoQ

BoQ: Bill of Quantity

The full form of BOQ is a Bill of Quantity. It is a form of the document, prepared by a cost estimator to calculate the exact cost of project work, to find the total cost we multiply item work by their rate. For tendering and contracting, it is one of the most important documents. We get a rough idea about the cost of a project through the Bill of Quantity that is tendering firm willing to offer. This information is important for them to fill a higher or lower rate with respect to their rate while contracting. It is popularly known as BoQ.

Types of BoQ In construction

1. Bill of material: We calculate material costing through the estimation of the material quantity and their unit rate in these documents. Let's understand with an example, Cement quantity is 400 bags for the project and its rate per bag is 300 Rs. Its estimated cost will be, 400*300=12000 Rs.
2. Bill of Labor: In these types of documents, labor costing is estimated from the labor quantity and their rate per day. Let's understand with an example if 5 laborers are required to complete any work in 2 days on-site and their per day wages are Rs. 400, then total cost can be estimated through BoQ.
   =5* 400*2= 4000 Rs.

Format of Bill of Quantity

Generally, an excel sheet is used to make the Bill of Quantity. Quantities software like Pro core, Assemble, and Spectrum can also be used. But the format of the bill of quantity never changes, the only difference is in the software we don't have to calculate whereas, in the excel sheet, excel formulas are used to calculate.

Format of Bill of Quantity includes Sr. No, Description of an item of work, Numbers, Quantity of material or labor, and Total Quantity with their suitable unit. An example of a bill of quantity for construction excel sheet format is:

The process that is involved in the preparation of the Bill of Quantity:

1. Estimating Quantity of Material:

Suppose, the following is the bill of quantities sample for a house,

2. Finding Out Unit Rate for Various Items of Work

Schedule of Rate (SOR) is documentation where the unit rate for a different item of construction is given. SOR contains a list of various items of work. It helps in the preparation of estimates and also serves as a guide in setting rates in connection with contract agreements, a schedule of rates for all items of work is maintained in the form of printed books as Schedule of Rate(SOR).

The schedule of rates consists of a group of items such as excavation items, concrete items, masonry items, demolition items, plumbing items, electrification items, etc. SOR is periodically revised because rates of items mentioned in the schedule of rates keep varying. It is revised usually after 3 years. The Public works Department (CPWD), a premier construction organization of the government of India, maintains a printed schedule of rate books for various items or work, and an estimate is prepared with these rates. 2500 to 3000 items are contained in SOR. There are different subheads under the CPWD-SOR like building work, road work, water supply, and sanitary items, etc.

The rate of finished item is worked out by the analysis of the rate with the standard equipment of materials, labor, equipment, and necessary sundries like water charges, contractors profit, etc.

Example of Bill of Quantity (BoQ) for Construction Excel Sheet

Bill of Quantities example for construction calculation is given below,

Advantages of Bill of Quantity

• It provides Details of Work: In the Bill of Quantity, the full attribute of an item of work is given with their quantity which gives the person who is bidding an idea about the project work.
• Opportunities like comparison and evaluation comes with it: As we have already discussed that BoQ tells us about the detail of all the items of work, which helps us a lot in the evaluation. And through this, we can compare offers offered by different contractors for each item. This helps us in getting the best out of every detail.
• It helps us in defecting problems before we start working: Full detailed work of the project is contained in this, which can be used in a proactive manner to defect problems. After we find problems, we can find suitable solutions.
• Better project planning: Planning is the most important part of the project and the Bill of Quantity plays an important role in the planning. In BoQ item's work, its cost and its quantity is presented, so half of the work is already done. We only have to manage sources and duration of work completion.
• We get ample time to find good suppliers: After the completion of planning, we have enough time to look for good suppliers. As we have time, we also have the option of negotiating. The total cost of the project is reduced due to this.
• No Guesswork: Exact and real information is presented in the Bill of Quantity which leaves no place for guesswork. Guesswork is not a good idea in project works.
• It results in good Time Management: We have all the details before starting the project, so we can arrange the sources on time and the project would be completed on time.
• It helps in the reduction of cost: Time management and cost are interrelated. If we use our time effectively, it will result in the project being cost-effective.
• Better project management tool: Bill of Quantity is considered as one of the best project management tools. If a person already knows about items required, suppliers, time frame, etc.
• It helps in maintaining transparency: Every item with its work quantity and its rate is given in BoQ. There are no chances of corrupt practices.