Contractor ’ s corner
The person who is tasked with preparing the BOQ ’ s must prepare them in accordance with the rules set out under the standard system of measurement , otherwise further confusion is introduced in to the comprehension of the documents by the estimator .
In summary , a good BOQ will :
• Be set out in the correct format .
• Incorporate accurate and detailed descriptions of the work .
• Include the correct unit of measurement for bill items as set out in the standard system of measurement .
• Correctly identify ‘ extra over ’ rates and the main item over which the extra over rates are measured .
• Incorporate the entire work scope in measured quantities and not leave portions of the work to be measured as lump sums .
The lack of collaboration between SARACCA , Consulting Engineers and Quantity Surveyors since the early 1980 ’ s , has meant that there are some areas of disagreement from contractors with the current standard system of measurement , and these are currently being addressed by a SARACCA sub committee .
Some of the areas that are currently being addressed are :
• Spiral ducting ( not prelevant in the 80s ) not to be to measured as square meter units , but to be measured in meter length per diameter .
• Spiral duct fittings to be measured per fitting per diameter , and not as extra over to ducting .
• Piping to be measured per meter for each diameter and not to include jointing which should be measured separately .
• Pipe fittings to be measured separately per fitting per diameter for all sizes and not as extra over to pipe for each diameter .
• Items of equipment to only relate to the supply and installation of that particular item of equipment and all attaching piping , electrical works to be measured separately .
• Measurement of quantities of Control and Electrical works directly related to the HVAC installation .
The current fast pace of contracting and information flow accentuates the importance of a sound and accurate BOQ . Tendering lead times are far shorter than prior years , giving the estimator less and less time to provide an accurate set of tender documents for adjudication of the tender price and for cost control of the project work during execution phase .
Projects are often not fully designed at time of tender , and an accurate BOQ provides a means of cost control over the life of the project as changes to work scope are issued . The importance of a standard and accurate BOQ should not be underestimated by all contracting parties on any project . RACA
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RACA Journal I March 2021 www . hvacronline . co . za