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Bill of Quantities: Your Blueprint for Transparent Tendering

In the UK construction industry, a Bill of Quantities (BoQ) has long been the cornerstone of measured contracts and transparent tendering. It enables contractors to price on a consistent basis and clients to compare bids fairly. In London’s competitive landscape, having a well-prepared BoQ is invaluable. At PEJA Surveying, we are expert in producing clear and accurate bills of quantities to underpin your project finances.

What Is a Bill of Quantities?

A Bill of Quantities (BoQ) is a document prepared (often by a quantity surveyor) that itemises all the works required for a construction project, with quantities, units, descriptions, and sometimes provisional sums.

It serves as the basis for contractors to submit prices and for clients to manage variations, interim valuations, and final accounts. The BoQ ensures all tenderers are pricing the same quantities and work scopes.

Types of Bill of Quantities

  • Firm BoQ (Lump Sum) — precise quantities, fixed before contract, minimal remeasuring.
  • Approximate BoQ — used when design isn’t fully developed; quantities are approximate and remeasured later.
  • Elemental BoQ — structured by building elements (foundations, superstructure, finishes).
  • Trade/Sectional BoQ — broken down by trade packages (electrical, plumbing, carpentry). 

Each type has advantages and is selected based on project complexity, design maturity, and procurement strategy.

Why a BoQ Matters in London Projects

1.    Tender fairness and clarity — all bidders price against the same quantified scope.

2.    Cost control — BoQ offers a baseline for interim valuations and variation management.

3.    Risk mitigation — better visibility into scope gaps or omissions before work starts.

4.    Transparent contract administration — easier to manage changes, claims, and final accounts.

5.    Market benchmarking — clients and QSs can compare unit rates across tenders.

Best Practices in Preparing a BoQ

  • Use consistent measurement rules and British standards
  • Include clear descriptions with full details and references
  • Break down works into logical, manageable items
  • Include preliminaries, provisional sums, and contingencies
  • Review for completeness and alignment with drawings and specs
  • Cross-check pricing assumptions and rates
  • Maintain version control and clarity for revisions 

Standards and quality in BoQ preparation are essential. Measurement accuracy and correct unit pricing avoid disputes later.

How PEJA Surveying Delivers BoQ Services

  • We prepare bills of quantities aligned with UK standards and London market conditions
  • BoQs are integrated with cost plans, tender analysis, and contract administration
  • We support clients to interpret BoQ results, value engineer, and manage variations
  • Our BoQ services are customisable depending on project scale and complexity 

Conclusion

A well-crafted Bill of Quantities is more than just a pricing tool it’s a foundational document that promotes fairness, clarity, and financial control. For any London-based project seeking transparency, efficiency, and precise quantity surveying support, PEJA Surveying offers professional BoQ services that help you bid, build, and settle with confidence.

Location: Quicks Rd, London SW19 1EX, UK

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