What is BOQ Estimation and Why Does It Matter?

Any professional contractor in Kenya will insist on the development of a BOQ before any construction. Bill of Quantities, commonly referred to as BOQ, is a document that is formulated in the construction industry to specify the complete cost of construction. It contains the costs of labor, material, and tasks required to complete a construction project. Professionally made BOQ account for every nail, brick, and bag of cement that should be used in a construction project. It serves as a communication tool between the contractor and the clients, and any other third-party consultant that will be used in the construction project.

There are two types of BOQ:

1. Bill of materials (BOM)

This is a detailed list of all the materials required for your project, including quantities and costs. It includes exact quantities, specifications, and estimated costs. An accurate BOM helps you avoid shortages, over-purchasing, and wasting money on unnecessary items.

2. Bill of labor

It is a breakdown of all labor costs, including skilled and unskilled labor, their work, timelines, and rates. A professional BOL ensures you pay fair wages, avoid delays, and know exactly what each stage of the project will cost.

The combination of these two is the backbone of reduced instances of money loss during building projects. At Timely Architecture and Engineering Survey, we insist on BOQs because:

• It prevents unexpected budget overruns by providing a clear financial roadmap
• Improves transparency between you and your contractor, reducing disputes
• Enables competitive tendering and fair pricing when sourcing contractors
• Support long-term financial planning and cash flow management for developers and homeowners.

To achieve this, we use advanced software and proven methods to provide accurate construction cost estimation services that remove guesswork. This technological input, coupled with our previous experience in construction in Kitengela, assures our clients of clarity, accuracy, and peace of mind.

Project Costing Explained – Breaking it Down Step-by-Step.

As seen, a BOQ will tell a client what they need and in what quantity. Project costing, on the other hand, is the process of combining the information from the BOQ with market prices, labor rates, overheads, contingencies, and profit margins to come up with a total amount needed to complete a project.

You can think of a BOQ as a shopping list with all materials and labor, while a project costing is the final receipt that has the exact price you will pay. Let’s break it down further using a 3-bedroom bungalow in Kitengela as an example.

As per the recommendation of most of our clients, we like to prepare BOQs and project costing in stages of construction. We divide our construction projects into 7 sections

1. Land preparation and foundation

Accounts for about 20% of the construction cost as it is the backbone of any construction project.

It includes clearing, excavation, soil testing, trenching, and laying the foundation.

2. Walling and structure: This is where the house takes shape, and accounts for 30% of total costs.
3. Roofing: This aims at safeguarding your home from the elements. It includes putting in trusses, sheets, tiles, and waterproofing. And accounts for 15% of all costs.
4. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP): These are the different activities that make a home functional, including wiring, switches, water pumps, fixtures, and drainage.
5. Finishes and Painting
6. Contingencies and Professional Fees: it includes all permits, approvals, supervision, and a buffer for unexpected costs.

Without the best BOQ estimation and project costing in Kitengela, many clients underestimate finishing costs and contingencies, leading to cost overruns. At Timely Architecture and Engineering Survey, we help you plan for every shilling, ensuring that your project moves smoothly without surprise expenses.

To make your work even easier, we offer construction cost estimation services that include phased payment plans, cash flow projections, and recommendations for cost optimization. This level of detail allows you to anticipate financial obligations before breaking ground.

Common Mistakes People Make with BOQ Estimation and Project Costing

Many homeowners and developers make avoidable mistakes that lead to wasted money and delays. Some of the most common include:

• Relying on guesswork; this is especially experienced when you hire unprofessional contractors that use rough estimates or verbal quotes, instead of a professionally prepared BOQ.
• Ignoring hidden costs – permits, approvals, professional fees, and utility connections.
• Choosing the cheapest contractors – the basis of choice should be the quality of service being offered, as this prevents future issues, and the need for hiring alternative replacements in the middle of the project.
• Failing to plan for price fluctuation- materials costs can change during construction, affecting your final budget.
• Not including contingency funds – it is necessary to leave room for adjustments when unexpected site conditions arise.

These mistakes can result in stalled projects, disputes with contractors, or running out of money mid-construction. With access to the best BOQ estimation and project costing in Kitengela, you avoid these traps. Our construction cost estimation services are transparent, data-driven, and designed to project your investment.