Preparation of the Bill of Quantities (CESMM4)

The Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is the central document prepared under CESMM4, which provides structured information on work quantities to allow contractors to tender accurately and enable valuation during execution. Its preparation must follow the classification, description, and measurement rules set out in CESMM4.

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1. Purpose of BOQ Preparation

The BOQ serves two main purposes:

1. Tendering:
   • Gives contractors precise quantities and descriptions to price.
   • Ensures fairness and consistency in bids.
2. Contract Administration:
   • Becomes the basis for valuing work during construction.
   • Used for interim payment certificates, variations, and final account.

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2. Key Principles of BOQ Preparation (as per CESMM4)

1. Comprehensive Coverage
   • Every item of work required by the contract should be included.
   • Nothing should be left ambiguous.
2. Clarity and Simplicity
   • Descriptions should be brief, clear, and consistent.
   • Avoid unnecessary detail, but provide enough to prevent disputes.
3. Use of Work Classification
   • BOQ items should follow CESMM4’s Work Classification (Classes 1–25 + Z).
   • Items divided by nature, location, and cost significance.
4. Unit of Measurement
   • Quantities should be expressed in standard CESMM4 units (m, m², m³, kg, tonne, hr, item, etc.).
5. Sufficient Itemization
   • Different types of work should not be grouped unless identical.
   • Example: Excavation in soft soil vs. excavation in rock must be separate items.

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3. Components of a BOQ in CESMM4

A properly prepared BOQ consists of the following sections:

1. Preamble
   • Explains the method of measurement used (CESMM4).
   • States how incidental works, preliminaries, and special provisions will be dealt with.
   • Covers details like waste, testing, plant hire, etc.
2. Work Items (Classified)
   • Divided into CESMM4 classes (Earthworks, Concrete, Pipework, Structural Steel, etc.).
   • Each class divided into sub-items (e.g., excavation in different strata).
3. General Items (Class A)
   • Items like mobilization, temporary works, traffic management, etc.
4. Special Works / Non-standard Items
   • If mechanical, electrical, or complex building works exist, they are separately described (as CESMM4 allows only simple incidental building works).
5. Provisional Sums and Prime Cost Sums
   • For works where quantities cannot be measured precisely at tender stage.

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4. Steps in Preparing the BOQ (Practical Process)

1. Study Drawings & Specifications
   • Review contract documents, specifications, and design drawings.
2. Classify the Works
   • Divide work into CESMM4 classes (earthworks, concrete, steelwork, etc.).
3. Break Down into Items
   • Create measurable items with clear descriptions.
   • Example:
     • Excavation in soft soil up to 2 m depth – Unit: m³
     • Plain concrete in foundations (1:4:8 mix) – Unit: m³
4. Apply Measurement Rules
   • Follow CESMM4 measurement principles (e.g., net dimensions, no deductions for voids under 0.5 m³, etc.).
5. Assign Units of Measurement
   • m³ for earthworks/concrete, m² for finishes, m for pipelines, etc.
6. Quantify the Works
   • Take off quantities systematically.
   • Use dimension sheets, squaring, and abstracting methods.
7. Compile into BOQ Format
   • Class-wise listing.
   • Order of items as per CESMM4.
8. Check & Finalize
   • Ensure completeness.
   • Cross-check with drawings and specs.
   • BOQ should be concise but comprehensive.

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5. Example Extract of a BOQ (CESMM4 style)

Item No.	Description	Unit	Quantity	Rate	Amount
1.01	Site clearance, removal of vegetation, disposal	ha	1.50	—	—
2.01	Excavation in ordinary soil not exceeding 2 m depth	m³	3500	—	—
2.02	Excavation in hard rock requiring blasting	m³	1200	—	—
3.01	Plain cement concrete 1:4:8 in foundations	m³	250	—	—
4.01	Reinforced concrete M25 in beams	m³	80	—	—
4.02	Reinforcement steel Fe500, including bending & placing	tonne	12.5	—	—

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6. Importance of CESMM4 BOQ Preparation

• Transparency – Ensures all bidders tender on the same basis.
• Accuracy – Reduces disputes over variations and payment.
• Efficiency – Simplifies interim payment certification.
• Legal Standing – Acts as a contractual reference for scope, quantities, and rates.