Start from the drawing set
A BOQ is only as good as the drawings it references. Before you list quantities, confirm you have architectural floor plans, sections, and structural layouts with grid dimensions.
For residential jobs in Nigeria, group work by trade: substructure, blockwork, roofing, finishes, MEP, and external works. That mirrors how contractors buy materials and deploy gangs on site.
Use consistent units
Stick to m² for finishes, m³ for concrete, kg or tonnes for steel, and counts for doors, windows, and fixtures. Mixing units in the same section creates confusion at procurement.
Where drawings show millimetres, convert once at the BOQ stage and note the source dimension so site teams can spot-check.
Separate quantities from rates
Your first pass should be pure quantity take-off — no pricing yet. That lets you reuse the BOQ when suppliers change or when the client asks for value engineering.
In RazorBuilder, generate quantities with calculators or AI estimates first, then attach rates in the BOQ module when you are ready to cost the job.
What to include on every residential BOQ
Earthworks and foundation concrete, blockwork (with block type and height), roof structure and covering, ceiling and plaster, floor finishes, paint, doors and windows, sanitary fittings, and provisional sums for items not fully designed.
Add a short assumptions note: mix ratios, wastage allowed, and whether screeds or waterproofing are included — that prevents disputes during interim valuations.
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