Before you build.

What should you check before approving a BOQ?

A low total does not necessarily describe the same building. Compare estimates against the same drawings, material specifications and measurement rules.

1. Drawing version: identify the plans used to measure the work. Updated layouts can change quantities.
2. Item descriptions: check material specifications, units and what labour or equipment is included.
3. Exclusions: ask whether site preparation, external works, services and other project requirements are included or separately priced.
4. Rate basis: distinguish assumptions from confirmed supplier or contractor quotations. Confirm validity and applicable commercial terms.
5. Changes: agree how revised quantities and owner selections will be recorded and priced.

Keep the approved BOQ and drawing revision together. Compare subsequent changes against that baseline rather than overwriting the original estimate.

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How BIM helps you review the building before site work

A three-dimensional model can make relationships between spaces, structure and services easier to discuss. A useful coordination review identifies an issue, assigns responsibility and records the decision needed to resolve it.

Ask what information the model contains, which disciplines are included and which drawings it represents. A visual model is not automatically detailed enough for procurement or quantity measurement. Incomplete inputs and later changes still need review.

For a homeowner, the practical questions are simple: does the layout meet your needs, have conflicting requirements been discussed, and do the model and current drawings describe the same proposal?

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Before construction starts: an owner’s checklist

• Confirm site dimensions, access and available survey information.
• Agree room requirements, intended use and budget priorities.
• Ask the responsible professionals to confirm project-specific approvals and required investigations.
• Coordinate drawings and list unresolved design decisions.
• Review quantities, specifications, exclusions and payment milestones.
• Identify long-lead selections and the sequence of work.
• Agree who approves changes and how progress will be reviewed.

The exact requirements depend on your plot, building and scope. Use this as a discussion guide with your project team.

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Keep site decisions connected to drawings and quantities

When a layout or finish changes, record the drawing revision, affected work, cost implication and owner approval before execution. A short decision log makes it easier to understand why the current scope differs from the original plan.

At progress reviews, compare completed work with agreed milestones and discuss decisions needed for the next stage. Photographs support these discussions, but should be considered alongside measurements and the agreed scope.

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A construction budget starts with a defined scope.

Start with the building, not a square-foot figure

A useful budget describes what will be built and what is included. Record site location, approximate area, intended use, number of levels and the drawings available. A preliminary allowance and a measured estimate serve different purposes; ask which one you are reviewing.

Separate the cost groups

• Design and project-specific investigations.
• Site preparation and building works.
• Electrical, plumbing and other agreed services.
• Interior finishes, fitted furniture and external works.
• Items purchased directly by the owner.

For each group, record the specification, quantity basis, exclusions and whether the amount is an allowance or a quotation. Ask the project team to identify applicable approvals and commercial charges separately.

Compare the same scope

Before comparing totals, align drawing revisions, material specifications and included work. A lower figure can reflect a missing item rather than a lower rate. Read the BOQ review checklist alongside each estimate.

Keep room for unresolved decisions

List uncertain site conditions and selections still to be made. Discuss an appropriate contingency with the team instead of assuming a universal percentage. Review how design changes would affect quantities and the work sequence.

Connect payments to agreed work

Document payment milestones, the basis for assessing progress and how changes will be approved. Keep the original budget and a separate change log so the current forecast remains understandable.

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Make interior decisions before ordering materials.

Write a room-by-room brief

List how each room will be used, the furniture to retain, storage needs and daily movement. Confirm site measurements before committing to fitted furniture. A useful brief explains the practical problem as well as the visual preference.

Coordinate points before finishes

Review furniture layouts with electrical points, lighting, plumbing and appliance requirements. Resolve access and maintenance needs with the responsible trades before closing surfaces. Keep the current drawings together so suppliers work from the same information.

Make a selection schedule

• Room and item reference.
• Material, finish and dimensions.
• Quantity and measurement basis.
• Supplier lead time and installation responsibility.
• Approval status and alternatives still under review.

Check what the quotation includes

Ask about hardware, preparation, transport, installation and other scope-specific items. Confirm who measures and who approves shop drawings. Use the construction budget guide to separate allowances from confirmed prices.

Plan installation and review

Agree the order of work and the checks needed before the next trade starts. At completion, record outstanding items and collect the maintenance information supplied for installed products.

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