BOQ & Cost FAQs FAQs

BOQ stands for Bill of Quantities. It is a detailed itemized document listing all construction activities, materials, quantities, specifications, and rates in a construction project.

A per sq.ft. quote is a single number with no detail. It can include or exclude anything the contractor decides. A BOQ makes every item explicit — if waterproofing is missing from a BOQ, you can see it. If it's missing from a per sq.ft. quote, you only find out when the contractor asks for extra money.

Your contractor should prepare the BOQ based on your approved architectural and structural drawings. Alternatively, Buildogram prepares BOQs from your drawings as part of our construction service or BOQ audit service.

Our BOQ audit reviews your contractor's BOQ for missing items, underspecified materials, unrealistic quantities, and rates outside Chennai market range. You receive a written audit report within 2–3 working days.

Please contact Buildogram directly for current pricing on BOQ audit services. Pricing depends on project scope and BOQ complexity.

Yes. Many of our clients use the audit report to request their contractor to address specific gaps or clarify underspecified items before signing the contract.

A change order is a written, signed document recording any modification to the original construction contract — scope changes, material substitutions, or cost adjustments. Never allow construction changes to proceed without a signed change order.

Common hidden costs include: SBC soil testing, anti-termite treatment, sump and overhead tank construction, compound wall and gate, staircase and parapet wall, external drainage, electrical main panel and earthing, temporary site setup, transportation, and crane charges.

No. ₹1,500 per sq.ft. is not realistic for quality residential construction in Chennai in 2024–25. Such quotes typically exclude major items, use substandard material grades, or are designed to attract mobilization advances. Request an itemized BOQ for any quote.

At minimum M25 for all structural elements (columns, beams, slabs, footings). Never accept M15 or M20 for structural RCC. The concrete grade should be explicitly stated for each element type in the BOQ — not just "structural concrete".

Yes. Buildogram contracts are based on an itemized BOQ. The contract price is fixed for the scope defined in the BOQ. Any additions are handled through signed change orders at transparent rates.

A provisional sum is an amount included in the BOQ for work whose exact scope or cost is not yet defined at time of contract. Examples include: site clearance costs dependent on actual conditions, or rock excavation contingency. Provisional sums are common but should be small relative to total contract value.