If you ask three different contractors in Dehradun for a quote to build a house, you will likely get three completely different numbers based on a vague "per square foot" rate. The only way to compare apples to apples is with a Bill of Quantities (BOQ).
What is a BOQ?
A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is a detailed document that breaks down a construction project into specific, measurable items. Instead of saying "I will build your house for ₹2,000 per sq ft", a BOQ says:
- Earthwork: 450 cubic metres of excavation
- Concrete: the measured volume and structural grade stated in the engineer-approved design
- Steel: the measured reinforcement quantity and grade stated in the structural drawings
- Brickwork: 3,500 square feet of 9-inch brick wall
Why the "Per Square Foot" Rate is Dangerous
When a contractor quotes a flat rate, they are guessing. To ensure they make a profit, they might cut corners on hidden items. They might use a lower grade of cement, increase the spacing between steel rebars, or exclude necessary structural elements like plinth beams.
A BOQ protects both the homeowner and the contractor by making every material and labor cost explicit. If you want to upgrade your tiles from ₹50/sqft to ₹150/sqft, a BOQ makes it mathematically simple to calculate the exact price difference.
The CivVision Approach
At CivVision, we don't start construction without a complete BOQ. Our design process results in detailed structural and architectural drawings, from which we extract precise material quantities. This means our turnkey construction contracts are grounded in reality, not guesswork.
Furthermore, the BOQ is loaded into the CivVision Intelligence app, so you can track actual material consumption and progress payments against the original baseline directly from your phone.
Ready to plan your home properly?
Start with a transparent BOQ and professional design.
Explore our cost packagesThis guide is educational. Project quantities, specifications, structural design and approvals must be prepared or reviewed for the specific site by the appropriately qualified professionals.