What are Bills of Quantity?
Bills of Quantities provide precise, detailed breakdowns of materials, labour, and work elements, prepared using standard measurement rules for clear transparency across teams - so that every brick, beam and bolt is accounted for before a shovel hits the ground. It turns drawings and specs into clear, comparable quantities enabling you to manage budgets with confidence.
And a great Bill of Quantities shields your project from disputes, giving you the confidence to move forward without uncertainty.
Why a Good BoQ Matters
A project is unlikely to be successful without a strong BoQ that is stress-tested, and could be the one thing holding you back from a commercially successful project.
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Reduces disputes
BoQ errors drive 30–40% of construction disputes and can push costs up by 25%. One avoided dispute can return multiples of the BoQ fee.
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Prevent cost overruns
Pricing the full scope upfront means more visibility on your costs right from the start.
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Compare tenders accurately
’Apples-to-apples’ across packages.
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Improve cash flow & planning
Reliable quantities feeding budgets, CVRs and procurement.
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Risk allowances
Construction projects often face unforeseen risks, from material price increases to project delays. Failing to include contingency allowances in the BoQ can leave the project financially unprepared for unexpected costs.
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Unaccounted-for items
Missing, inaccurate items and work elements represent one of the most significant risks to construction project control and successful delivery
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Used by the industry’s best
The top contractors use BoQs because they know clarity, consistency, and control are what keep projects on track. There’s a reason the best are the best.
200+
BoQs delivered across commercial, industrial and large-scale residential
35%+
improvement in tender return consistency across all of our clients
£1M+
secured in savings via competitive pricing and value engineering
Documents Providing Clarity
We maintain complete professionalism when crafting Bills of Quantity, and with the accessibility of our documentation as a top priority.
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Clear, contract-ready documents (NRM / SMM / CESMM as required)
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Consistent formatting across trades for fair, comparable pricing
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Transparent assumptions & exclusions to prevent misunderstandings later
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Contingency considerations for market volatility and change
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Shareable, readable files so that everyone is on the same page.
Why Partner With Blue Lion Consultants?
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Initial Feedback
Often available within days of draft documents.Tender analysis: 1–2 weeks. BoQ preparation: 2–6 weeks depending on project size.
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Progress Tracking Tools
BoQs can be leveraged as indispensable tools for navigating your project’s complexity, as we help you to understand their unique purposes
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Subcontractors’ Price on a Level Playing Field
Everyone sees the same quantities, so bids stay competitive and level.
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Dedicated Consultant
Your single point of contact, from start to finish, provides independent, impartial advice.
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Tailored BoQ Services
We meet your specific needs, because we understand every project is unique.
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Ongoing Support Throughout the Life of your Project
From initial planning to project completion, we’re here to help manage costs, mitigate risks and deliver a successful outcome.
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Market-Aligned Rates
Informed on market trends and fluctuations in material and labour costs, whilst regularly checking market reports and supplier prices to ensure BoQs reflect current rates
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Clear Assumptions
Transparent in stated assumptions and exclusions, so stakeholders understand the basis of the BoQ and reduces the risk of disputes over omitted items
Frequently Asked Questions
We augment internal teams under pressure. You get speed, independence and consistent formatting across packages, without adding headcount.
Our approach prioritises clarity, consistency and defensibility. Transparent assumptions and properly structured quantities reduce confusion and support resolution.
Skipping a BoQ saves a week but costs months later in disputes, claims, and overruns. We deliver initial feedback within days and finalised BoQs on tight deadlines, without compromising accuracy.
Our experts will discuss your project with you and create a Bill of Quantities based on the information you provide.
Trusted By Industry Professionals
Steve Barker
Commercial Director
VFM
"Raj has provided me and my company with excellent construction cost consultancy. Raj always performs beyond our expectations and we would recommend his services to others."
Steve King
Rail Bid Manager
Kier Group
....he (Blue Lion Consultants) can offer both attention to detail and an understanding of the overall job.....He has always been honest and trustworthy in dealing with me.....I don't feel that I need to check it like I do with some external QS services. That confidence is worth a great deal to me."
Howard Buckley
Pre-Construction Manager
Mears New Homes
"Raj has provided a first class service to the business, working with integrity and to tight timescales whilst still maintaining a high level of accuracy. I would have no hesitation in recommending Raj to any business."