Commercial Building BOQ: What Changes vs Small Projects
Overview of BOQ complexity on commercial jobs: packages, phasing, and coordination layers.
Added complexity
Larger commercial projects split work into more packages, require tighter integration with MEP and fire strategies, and often tie BOQ to phased handover.
Tenant fit-out may be a separate BOQ from shell and core—interface risk sits at boundaries.
Coordination drawings, RFI logs, and BIM clash reports should inform BOQ descriptions so fire stopping, access panels, and ceiling zones are not priced twice or missed.
Packaging and procurement
Employers may procure façade, lifts, or data centres as separate lots—each needs its own BOQ slice aligned with interface matrices.
Long-lead equipment sometimes moves to early packages; ensure BOQ cross-references those contracts so site installation is not duplicated.
Phasing and sectional completion
When sections complete at different dates, preliminaries and temporary works may need phasing in the BOQ or clear assumptions in the preamble.
Parking, logistics, and crane time often drive cost more than small quantity changes—reflect them in prelims or dedicated items.