House construction BOQ checklist: what to define before asking for quotations

A good BOQ makes contractor quotations comparable. It should describe measurable work, specifications and exclusions instead of relying on broad labels such as standard or premium.

Structure

Define excavation, PCC, RCC grades, reinforcement assumptions, shuttering, slabs, staircase and structural drawings. Soil and foundation requirements should be treated explicitly.

Masonry and waterproofing

Specify block or brick type, plaster system and waterproofing zones including toilets, terraces, balconies, tanks and other wet areas.

Electrical and plumbing

Record point quantities, wire and switch specifications, DBs, plumbing pipe systems, pumps, tanks, sanitary connections and testing requirements.

Finishes and joinery

Include flooring allowances, wall finishes, paint system, doors, windows, hardware, kitchen and wardrobe scope. Named allowances reduce variation disputes.

External and handover works

Clarify boundary walls, paving, drainage, landscaping, utility connections, cleaning, testing, snag closure and handover documents.

Use the BOQ to compare scope—not just price

Ask every bidder to quote the same revision. Mark exclusions and provisional sums separately and record any approved change after award.

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