In the Zambian residential construction space, the terms 'BOQ', 'Material Schedule', and 'Quotation' often get mixed up and used interchangeably.
But they are all different in meaning and function.
If these terms confuse you, trust me, you are not alone! This article will help break it down for you:
Material Schedule in Zambia (also called a bill of materials)
A Materials Schedule is a detailed list of all the materials you’ll need at different stages of your build. Every piece of wood, every nail, every tin of paint is listed out based on where and when it’s needed.
This document is what most homeowners in Zambia are looking for when they ask for a 'BoQ'.
A Material Schedule is prepared by a Quantity Surveyor in Zambia and will often cover all stages of your project from start to finish.
If you're doing a self-build, which is the popular building method in Zambia, the Material Schedule is your best friend for planning, price shopping, and organizing your purchases. This helps you stay on top of the fluctuating costs of building materials in Zambia.
Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for Zambian Construction Projects
A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is a document that lists the total materials and labour required for various works (e.g. blockwork, steelwork, etc.) on your building project.
A BoQ may not always show materials and labour separately but will show the total rate (materials and labour) for, for instance, painting 1sqm or laying 10m of roofing sheets.
A BoQ in Zambia is prepared by a qualified Quantity Surveyor and includes the scope of work required to execute the project.
It is used by homeowners to request and compare bids from contractors, and it helps contractors with bulk buying of building materials.
Quotation from Contractors in Zambia
A quotation is a document that lists the materials, labor, equipment, and any other expenses involved in completing a building project.
A quotation is prepared by a contractor or builder for either each stage of the project separately, if you are building in stages, or for the full build if you are going in one non-stop go.
If you are building slowly in stages, as is typical in Zambia, a contractor or builder is unlikely to prepare a quotation for the full build. If you want the overall cost of your project, you should get a Material Schedule from a Quantity Surveyor.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Costing Document for Your Build
So, next time you need a cost breakdown for your construction project in Zambia, make sure you know which document you need. It can save you a lot of confusion (and possibly some unexpected costs!).
Also, remember that any cost breakdown prepared by a contractor or builder will include their overhead cost and profit margin, whereas a BoQ and Material Schedule prepared by a Quantity Surveyor will only include the project cost based on your architectural drawings and prevailing market prices in Zambia.
