The Use of Bills of Quantities in Construction Projects - An Australian Survey

Abstract

Bills of Quantities (BQs) have existed in one form or another for over 300 years. Debate over the use, benefits and problems of BQs has been long standing. A literature review on BQs is reported herein. The review found little empirical research into the use of BQs. Much of the literature is based on unsubstantiated opinion. The results of a survey of 86 Australian construction professionals, primarily consultant quantity surveyors, are reported to provide some empirical evidence of issues related to the use of BQs in construction projects. The key findings are that there is a strong desire to simplify the measurement process; there is a reluctance by building principals to formalise BQs as part of the contract; over the past five years there has been little change in the use of BQs by either clients or contractors; and BQs account for less than 25% of quantity surveyors' work load. The most useful aspect of BQs is its ability to provide a common basis for assessing change in a project.