A bill of quantities (sometimes referred to as ‘BoQ’ or ‘BQ’) is a document prepared by a cost consultant, this article explores Common mistakes in bills of quantities. (aka Take off’s)
It is very important that bills of quantities are prepared according to a standard, widely recognised methodology. This helps avoid any ambiguities or misunderstandings and so helps avoid disputes arising through different interpretations of what has been priced.
Inaccurate measurement of quantities.
The inclusion of irrelevant preliminary items (this can be due to using preliminary items from a previous project which, although it may be similar, contains differences in scope).
Insufficient information given in the descriptions.
Omissions and discrepancies between the BoQ and the drawings or specifications (perhaps due to out-of-date or inaccurate information being used).
Omissions or double-counting of items (this can be due to more than one quantity surveyor working on the same bill).
Omission of temporary works items.
There can also be errors made in the pricing, such as:
Incorrect understanding of the work method.
Past performance used to assume future productivity.
The inexperience of the estimator.
Ignoring the relationship between items of work.
Changes that are made late in the process.
Inaccurate assumptions regarding items in the BoQ.
Arithmetic errors.
Differences in currencies not considered.
The above are just some of the common mistakes in bills of quantities.
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We produce Take off’s and Bills of Quantities to the highest industry standards and cover all aspects of construction. No Job is too big or small.
Check out our website at http://www.takeoffbill.com or contact us at plans@takeoffbill.com today for a free quotation for our services.
