A Bill of Quantities is a detailed description of the items that make up the component parts of a building .

The primary function of a bill of quantities is to assist the builder in the preparation of the tender price. Quantities are also prepared for a number of other reasons including:

• Provide a frame of reference/check document of drawings and specification.  

• Establish cost of

• Total building value

• Trade costs

• Individual building items/components

• Materials ordering

• Scheduling of construction work

• Preparation of progress payments

• Cost control

• Preparation of cash flow

What knowledge is required?

• An understanding  of construction technology i.e. construction details and methodology.

• An understanding of materials science.

• An understanding of construction costs.

• An understanding of construction sequencing.

How to quantify

Where do you start quantifying/what is your system? You need a frame of reference that provides guidance or `road map’ that will allow you to be consistent in your procedure.  The correct frame of reference for quantifying is via trade groups egg

Excavation
Concrete
Brickwork
Steel
Carpentry
Roofing
Doors
Windows
Finishes
Plumbing
Electrical
Landscaping

Standards

Standard rules are used for preparing quantities. These rules are referred to as Standard Methods of Measurement. . At this stage there are no single International Standard. Individual countries Professional Quantity Surveying Association will produce their own standard.