⚖️ Market Comparison
BOQ Review vs. Contractor Estimate — What's the Difference?
Many homeowners confuse a contractor's initial estimate with a proper BOQ. They are fundamentally different documents with very different implications for your project.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Typical Approach | Buildogram Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Level of detail | Estimate: Often just a total number or a few line items | BOQ: Every activity itemized with quantities and specifications |
| Material specifications | Estimate: Usually absent or vague | BOQ: Brand, grade, and specification per item |
| Contractual status | Estimate: Not contractually binding | BOQ: Part of the construction contract — legally binding |
| Change management | Estimate: Changes are verbal and disputed | BOQ: Changes documented in signed change orders |
| Cost escalation protection | Estimate: None — contractor can claim anything | BOQ: Locked scope and rates — escalation requires change order |
| Engineering basis | Estimate: Usually based on area only | BOQ: Based on actual quantities from approved structural drawings |
ℹ Note
BOQ adequacy depends on completeness, specifications, and realistic quantities. Buildogram's audit service evaluates all these dimensions.
Common Questions
Can I ask my contractor to convert their estimate to a BOQ?
Yes. Insist on a detailed BOQ before signing. If the contractor refuses or says "we don't do BOQ", this is a significant red flag. Submit the estimate to Buildogram's BOQ audit service for a gap analysis.
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