Residential Construction BOQ: Basics for Builders & Owners
How BOQs show up on houses and small residential projects: typical trades, allowances, and what to verify.
Typical trade sections
Residential BOQs often sequence substructure, structure, envelope, interiors, and MEP rough-in/fit-off. Finishes and joinery drive a large share of variation risk.
Early selections for kitchens and bathrooms reduce PC/provisional exposure.
Smaller projects may combine items that commercial jobs split—read descriptions carefully so you do not underprice attendance or builder’s work for services.
What owners should verify
Check that provisional allowances match your expected specification level; upgrading tiles or appliances later flows straight to variations.
Ensure external works, driveways, and landscaping are in scope if you expect them—residential BOQs sometimes omit “soft” items until late.
What builders should lock
Clarify who supplies windows, stairs, and joinery packages; split supply/fix lines if your margin model depends on it.
Align programme assumptions in prelims with realistic weather and inspection hold points for domestic inspections.