BOQ Essentials for High-Rise (G+45): From Take-Off to Billing

Accurate bills of quantities (BOQs) are the backbone of budgeting and cost control on high‑rise projects. A slight miscalculation multiplied across 45 floors can turn a minor oversight into a huge cost overrun. This guide shows how to get your BOQ right from the start, avoiding those painful surprises later.

**Who this helps:** This post is for quantity surveyors, estimators and planning engineers working on tall buildings in India or the Gulf. Whether you’re preparing your first BOQ or looking to tighten up your process, the steps below will keep you on track.

## Foundations: What a clean BOQ looks like

A good BOQ is a clear, structured list of every item of work on your project, with units, quantities and descriptions that leave no room for ambiguity. For a G+45 building your BOQ should be broken down by elements such as foundations, superstructure, façades and MEP systems. Each line item should state:

- **Item description:** e.g. M25 grade concrete for slabs, 8 mm rebar, curtain wall glazing panels, fire‑rated doors.

- **Unit of measurement:** cubic metre (m³), square metre (m²), running metre (m), number (No.).

- **Quantity:** the total measured quantity for that item.

- **Rate:** the agreed rate per unit.

- **Amount:** quantity × rate.

When all items are measured consistently and presented in this way, everyone from your client to the billing engineer reads the same information.

## Step‑by‑step quantity take‑off

1. **Review drawings:** ensure you have the latest architectural, structural and MEP drawings. Note any discrepancies and obtain clarifications.

2. **Segment the project:** divide the building into logical zones – basement, podium, typical floors, roof, core, façade and MEP. This helps organise your measurements and avoid double counting.

3. **Take measurements:** measure lengths, areas and volumes using digital take‑off tools or manual methods. For example, calculate the volume of a slab: *Concrete volume = length × width × thickness*.

4. **Apply unit weights:** for rebar, calculate weight using *Rebar weight = length × unit weight per metre*.

5. **Cross‑check with standards:** follow standard measurement codes such as IS 1200 (India) or SMM7/CIQS (GCC) to ensure your BOQ is compliant.

6. **Compile quantities:** assemble your measurements into the BOQ format described above.

### Example BOQ lines (excerpt)

Item | Unit | Quantity | Rate (INR) | Amount (INR)

--- | --- | --- | --- | ---

M25 concrete for typical floor slab | m³ | 300.0 | 7,500 | 2,250,000

8 mm TMT rebar in slab | kg | 24,000 | 70 | 1,680,000

Curtain wall glazing panels | m² | 1,800 | 5,200 | 9,360,000

Fire‑rated doors | No. | 150 | 12,000 | 1,800,000

## India vs GCC site notes

On Indian sites, M25 grade concrete and Fe 500 rebar are common for residential towers. In the GCC, higher concrete grades such as M30 or M35 and epoxy‑coated rebar are often specified due to hotter climates. Measurement rules also vary: India follows IS codes while GCC projects may reference the Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM). Always adjust your BOQ to local standards.

## Common mistakes and how to fix them

- **Missing openings:** forgetting to deduct windows and doors from wall areas skews your quantities. Always subtract openings.

- **Duplicate items:** avoid counting the same work in multiple sections by organising your BOQ systematically.

- **Wrong units:** mixing up m² and m³ leads to huge discrepancies. Double‑check units for each item.

- **Assumed quantities:** never guess. If a drawing lacks information, request clarification.

## Mini QA/QC checklist

- Verify that you are using the latest revision of drawings.

- Check measurement rules against IS 1200 or CESMM.

- Cross‑check quantities with the design and site teams.

- Document any assumptions or clarifications obtained.

- Ensure units and descriptions are consistent throughout.

- Review your calculations for arithmetical errors.

## FAQ

**How often should I update my BOQ?** Update your BOQ whenever there is a design change or variation order. Regular updates help keep budgets under control.

**Which measurement codes should I use?** For Indian projects, use IS 1200. In the GCC, follow CESMM or SMM7 as specified in the contract.

**How do I handle variations?** Document changes in scope clearly, re‑measure affected items, and update the BOQ to reflect the new quantities and amounts.

**Level up with BHADANIS – Construction Project Planning & Management (Level 5)**: This course dives deeper into planning methodologies, work breakdown structures and advanced billing techniques for large projects.

You can also explore **BHADANIS – Tendering & Construction Contracts Management Level 3 & 4**, and **BHADANIS – Building Estimation & Costing Course** to expand your knowledge across contracts and estimation. These courses will give you the structured approach needed to produce accurate BOQs and manage project costs effectively.