What Is an Interior BOQ? Eight Checks Before Signing
Written by Nitipoom Dechwongya, Founder of Penthouse Design Group · Updated October 2026
A BOQ, or Bill of Quantities, itemises work, quantities, units, unit rates and totals within the project scope. It does more than state a final sum: it shows what you are paying for, the applicable materials/specifications and exclusions. Comparing contractors requires the same drawings, specifications and BOQ, not just the total at the end.
What Should an Interior BOQ Include?
Common sections include preparation and demolition, floors, walls, ceilings, built-in, paint/finishes, doors/glazing, electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, equipment and project-specific work. More important than section names is whether each item can be traced to drawings and specifications.
Each item should include at least:
- A clear work description
- Quantity and unit
- Material, model or reference document
- Unit rate and total
- Notes, conditions and exclusions
Eight Checks Before Signing
1. Does the Scope Match the Drawings?
Review room by room and section by section. If cabinets, feature walls or service points appear in drawings but not the BOQ, ask whether they are listed elsewhere, included in a lump sum or excluded.
2. Are Quantities and Units Reasonable?
Check whether items are measured in square metres, metres, points, sets or lump sums. Too many lump sums make pricing and later variations harder to assess.
3. Are Materials Defined Clearly Enough?
Equivalent or as drawn without a reference can be interpreted differently. Link items to material specifications, approved samples or drawing codes.
4. Where Are Inclusions and Exclusions Listed?
Check transport, protection, debris disposal, cleaning, overtime, building-management charges and repairs to existing conditions. These may sit outside the main price.
5. What Do Building Services Cover?
Electrical work might cover points only, or include equipment, light fittings, control boards and testing. Clarify air conditioning, plumbing and specialist systems in the same way.
6. What Are Provisional Sums and Allowances?
Items awaiting final specifications may have temporary amounts. Establish how the final price will be adjusted, when approval is required and whether associated costs apply.
7. How Are Variations Priced?
Agree quotation, approval and variation-order records before additional work starts. Verbal agreements can affect both cost and timing.
8. Do Payment Terms Relate to Actual Progress?
Read payments together with measurable milestones, acceptance records, materials delivered to site and the agreed contract. Do not read the payment schedule separately from the programme.
How to Compare BOQs from Different Contractors
- Use the same drawings and revision
- Use a common BOQ template and units where possible
- Record differing interpretations in a clarification schedule
- Account for exclusions before comparing totals
- Check specification and quantity differences; do not choose on the lowest price alone
- Consider relevant experience, the site team, quality control and warranty terms together
How Does a BOQ Relate to Budget and Design?
A useful BOQ depends on clear scope and drawings. Changes to design affect quantities and prices. Budget planning should therefore begin with Defining Scope and Priorities, using the BOQ to check the scope rather than replace design.
For detailed built-in projects such as Grand Bangkok Boulevard 49, linking 3D views, construction drawings, specifications and measured quantities reduces the gap between what is shown and what is priced.
FAQ
Is a BOQ the Same as a Quotation?
They may be part of the same document set. A BOQ focuses on items and quantities; a quotation may summarise price and conditions. There should be enough detail to check scope.
Should I Choose the Cheapest BOQ?
Not on the total alone. Check whether quantities, specifications, services and exclusions are equivalent, along with the capability of the team to deliver the details.
Will the Price Change if Actual Quantities Change?
It depends on the contract type and measurement terms. Establish variation-pricing methods and approval responsibility before work starts.
Who Should Review a BOQ?
The owner should review scope at a level they understand, with the design team or project manager checking consistency with drawings, specifications and site constraints within their agreed roles.
Discuss Your Interior Design Project
For a home, condo or restaurant interior project in Bangkok and Greater Bangkok, share plans, the room list, references and a budget range through Contact Us to discuss design scope. Choose Design Only without engaging Penthouse for construction. If you continue into construction, we build only projects designed by Penthouse and prepare BOQ from those project drawings and specifications. We do not provide construction-only quotations for contractor price comparisons. Explore Interior Design Services
Prepared by Penthouse Design Group — Interior Design and Construction Team
