Bill of Quantities
A document listing all the materials, labour, and quantities needed for a renovation project, used to get accurate and comparable quotes from contractors.
A bill of quantities (often called a BoQ) is a structured document that breaks down a renovation project into individual items, specifying the quantity, unit of measurement, and description of every material and labour task required. It is one of the most effective tools for getting accurate and comparable prices from contractors.
What a bill of quantities looks like
A typical BoQ is organised by trade or area, with each item described in detail:
| Item | Description | Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Remove existing kitchen units and dispose | 1 | Job |
| 1.2 | Supply and fit base units (600mm standard) | 8 | Nr |
| 1.3 | Supply and fit laminate worktop, 30mm | 4.5 | Linear m |
| 1.4 | Supply and fit ceramic wall tiles, 300x600mm | 12 | Sq m |
Each contractor then adds their unit rates and totals, giving you a clear price breakdown.
Why a bill of quantities is useful
- Fair comparison — when every contractor prices the same list, you are comparing like for like rather than guessing what each quotation includes
- Transparency — you can see exactly where the money is going, making it easier to identify where costs can be reduced
- Change management — if the project changes, you can price variations against the original BoQ rates rather than negotiating from scratch
- Budget tracking — as work progresses, you can track what has been completed against the original quantities
Do you need one?
For smaller renovations (a single bathroom or a kitchen replacement in a standard layout), a detailed scope of work and specification may be sufficient. A full bill of quantities becomes more valuable on larger projects — whole-house renovations, extensions, or projects involving multiple trades — where costs can escalate quickly without clear quantity tracking.
Traditionally, a bill of quantities is prepared by a quantity surveyor (QS). However, for residential renovations, an architect, designer, or experienced general contractor can often produce a simplified version. The key is that it is detailed enough to compare quotes fairly.