Structuring a BOQ by Trade Section
A BOQ’s structure is a shared language. When every bidder prices the same sections in the same order, comparison is fast and disputes are fewer.
Standard section order
- Preliminaries / general requirements — site setup, management, temporary works, insurances
- Demolition & site clearance
- Earthworks
- Substructure — foundations, ground slab, basement
- Superstructure — frame, upper floors, roof, stairs
- External envelope — walls, windows, doors, cladding, waterproofing
- Internal finishes — partitions, plaster, floor/wall/ceiling finishes, painting
- Fittings & fixtures / joinery
- Services — plumbing/sanitary, electrical, mechanical/HVAC, fire protection, lifts
- External works — pavements, drainage, landscaping, boundary
Preliminaries vs measured work
Preliminaries are project-wide costs not attributable to one item — site office, cranes, scaffolding, supervision, security, testing. Keep them out of the unit rates so the measured rates stay comparable and re-usable.
Provisional sums and PC items
- Provisional sum — an allowance for work not yet designed (e.g. “₱500,000 for signage, to be expended as directed”).
- Prime cost (PC) item — a supply allowance for a specified item chosen later (e.g. sanitary ware at ₱X per set), with the contractor pricing fixing and profit separately.
Numbering
Number sections and items hierarchically (e.g. 5.2.3). Keep the item reference stable through addenda so “item 5.2.3” means the same thing in every bidder’s return and in the contract.
EngEst Pro organises the Cost Estimator BOQ by category and work section, keeps preliminaries and site overhead separate from measured rates, and supports provisional sums so the bill compares cleanly across bidders.
Put this on autopilot with EngEst Pro
Create a free EngEst Pro account — 5 projects a month, all 8 calculators, PDF BOQ export. No credit card required.
Create Free Account → Run your first estimate in under 10 minutes.