Field guide · BOQ preparation
How to prepare a bill of quantities from drawings
A bill of quantities is not produced by measuring alone. It is a controlled path from project information to auditable descriptions, quantities and prices.
Fix the information set
List every drawing, specification, revision and instruction used. Resolve obvious conflicts and record assumptions before measurement starts.
Choose the measurement basis
Confirm the applicable method, project conventions, units and work breakdown. Cite the official standard instead of copying protected tables into your own publication.
Plan the taking-off sequence
Break the project into logical elements or trades. A consistent sequence helps prevent omissions and makes checking easier.
Take off the dimensions
Record dimensions in an auditable order. Use timesing for repeated work, mark deductions clearly and keep drawing references beside the measurement.
Square and check
Calculate each dimension line, verify units and perform independent checks on high-value or repeated quantities.
Abstract similar work
Collect quantities with the same description, unit and specification. Do not merge items whose pricing assumptions differ materially.
Write measurable descriptions
Describe what is being measured, its material or workmanship characteristics, location and any information required by the applicable method.
Bill and price
Transfer quantities into the BOQ structure, build or select reviewed unit rates, then state preliminaries, allowances and commercial mark-ups transparently.
Run final controls
Check arithmetic, omissions, drawing coverage, provisional items, page totals, references and the basis of estimate before issue.
CHECKING / OMISSIONS
Use two different checks
Coverage checking asks whether every relevant drawing area, element and specification requirement has been considered.
Quantity checking asks whether dimensions, deductions, timesing, units and arithmetic are correct. Passing one check does not mean the other has passed.
PRIMARY REFERENCES
Continue with the official material
This guide summarizes a general workflow; the governing documents remain the applicable professional and measurement publications.
Move from method to working document
Take off, build rates and prepare the BOQ in one place.
BillMate is an offline-first BOQ and rate-estimation workspace for quantity surveyors and contractors.