How to Prepare a Construction Estimate and BOQ
A good estimate wins the job and protects the margin. A BOQ is how you get there — itemised, defensible and easy to bill against. Here's the method.
Step 1 — Take-off
Measure quantities from the drawings: excavation (m³), concrete (m³), steel (kg), brickwork (m³), plaster (m²), flooring (m²), and so on.
Step 2 — Apply rates
For each item, apply today's material rate + labour rate. Rates from last month quietly erode margin.
Step 3 — Add overheads and profit
Include site overheads, transport, water/electricity, wastage allowance, contingency, and your profit margin.
Step 4 — Compile the BOQ
| Item | Unit | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excavation | m³ | 27 | … | … |
| M20 concrete | m³ | 14 | … | … |
| Steel | kg | 1200 | … | … |
Step 5 — Convert to a client quote
Add GST, terms and validity, and present it cleanly.
From BOQ to billing
The BOQ isn't just for quoting — it's your yardstick for running bills and P/L. Vystra's calculators speed up the take-off, and the quotation builder turns it into a GST-ready quote and invoices, so your estimate and your billing stay in sync.
Frequently asked questions
What is a BOQ in construction?
A bill of quantities (BOQ) is an itemised list of all materials, parts and labour for a project with quantities and rates, used to price the work and compare bids.
How do you prepare a construction estimate?
Measure quantities from drawings (take-off), apply current material and labour rates, add overheads and profit, then compile into a BOQ or quotation.
What is the difference between estimate and BOQ?
An estimate is the overall predicted cost; a BOQ is the detailed itemised list of quantities and rates that supports that estimate.
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