Do You Provide a Detailed BOQ and Specifications?

Yes—any serious build should come with a detailed BOQ (Bill of Quantities) and written specifications. That’s the only way you can compare quotes fairly, control your budget, and avoid “assumed” items that become surprise charges later.

A detailed BOQ lists the materials, quantities, and scope of work per trade. Specifications define the exact quality level (brands, thickness, mix ratios, installation standards, allowances).Together, they make the quote transparent and enforceable.

What a “Detailed BOQ” Should Include (Non-Negotiable Sections)

1) Preliminaries

• Mobilization, supervision, safety, temporary facilities

• Construction schedule + deliverables

2) Siteworks

• Excavation, backfill, compaction

• Hauling allowance (truckloads or m³)

• Drainage scope, termite treatment (if included)

3) Structural Works

• Concrete works (footings/columns/beams/slab)

• Rebar sizes and estimated quantities

• Formworks and scaffolding scope

4) Walls + Plastering

• Wall system type (CHB/AAC/panel) and thickness

• Plastering/rendering scope and finish level

5) Roofing

• Roof framing type and thickness

• Roof sheets brand/profile, insulation (if any)

• Gutters/downspouts scope

6) Architectural Finishes

• Floor finish per area (tile size/type/allowance)

• Ceiling type and design (flat/drop/cove)

• Paint system (primer/topcoat brand + coats)

• Doors/windows specs (frame type, glass thickness, screens, hardware)

7) Plumbing & Sanitary

• Pipe type (PPR/uPVC), sizes, and layout scope

• Waterproofing locations (T&B, balconies)

• Fixture list with allowance/spec

8) Electrical

• Wire type/brand and sizes

• Panelboard capacity, breakers

• Number of outlets/switches/lighting points

• Grounding details, meter base scope (if included)

9) Turnover & Warranty

• Punchlist process

• Testing/commissioning

• Warranty coverage and after-sales

What “Specifications” Must Clearly State

A BOQ without specs is still risky. Your specs should define:

• Materials: brand/model, grade, thickness (not “standard”)

• Installation method: waterproofing system, tile adhesive, curing

• Allowances: exact ₱ cap per item (tiles, fixtures, lighting)

• Finish level: Basic vs Standard vs Premium definitions

• Exclusions: clearly written to avoid disputes

If specs are vague, expect variation orders.

Why BOQ + Specs Protect You (Real Benefits)

• Prevents hidden exclusions

• Makes quotes comparable (apples-to-apples)

• Controls upgrades and allowance overruns

• Reduces rework and change orders

• Protects both owner and contractor legally

Red Flags (Meaning BOQ is NOT truly detailed)

• “Lump sum” only with no breakdown

• No quantities, no unit costs, no scope per area

• “Tiles included” without tile size/allowance

• “Electrical included” without point count and wire sizes

• Siteworks included without hauling allowance

What to Ask Your Builder (Copy-Paste)

1. Can I see the BOQ per trade with quantities and scope?

2. Can you provide a specification sheet (brands/standards/allowances)?

3. Are siteworks, permits, and utilities included? If not, what’s excluded?

4. How do you handle allowance overruns and variation orders?

5. Can you attach BOQ + specs as part of the contract?

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Do You Provide a Detailed BOQ and Specifications?

What’s Included and Excluded in Your Quotation or Cost per Sqm? (The Checklist That Prevents Budget Blowouts)

Cost per sqm” is only useful if you know exactly what’s inside the price. Two builders can quote the same ₱/sqm and deliver completely different outputs because of allowances, exclusions, and vague scopes.

A reliable quotation must include:

• Scope per trade (what work is covered)

• Material/brand/specs (or clear allowances)

• Quantities/BOQ (or a detailed breakdown)

• Inclusions + exclusions list (written, not verbal)

• Siteworks + permits + utilities clarity

Why Cost per Sqm Misleads Lot Owners

Cost per sqm becomes dangerous when:

• the quote says “included” but no specs

• finishes are “allowance only” (too low)

• siteworks/hauling are capped with small limits

• utilities are assumed “by owner”

• the design is not final (sqm changes later)

Rule: If it’s not written, it’s not included.

What’s Usually INCLUDED (If It’s a True Turnover Build)

Use this as your baseline checklist.

1) Preliminaries

• mobilization, temporary facilities (sometimes)

• site supervision (engineer/foreman)

• safety and protection works (basic)

2) Structural + Shell

• excavation (with stated scope), footings, columns, beams, slab

• walls (CHB or panel system), plastering/rendering (if included)

• roof framing + roof cover + gutters (specs matter)

• exterior paint system (primer/topcoat spec)

3) Architectural Finishes

• floor tiles (with tile size + brand/allowance)

• ceiling system (type + height + design complexity)

• interior paint

• doors/windows (materials + thickness + hardware)

• stairs (if 2-storey)

4) MEPF (Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing)

• plumbing rough-in + fixtures (with allowance/spec)

• electrical rough-in + panelboard + outlets/switches (count matters)

• lighting points (often included, fixtures often NOT)

5) Standard Turnover Testing

• basic testing/commissioning (limited)

• punchlist rectification (within scope)

What’s Commonly EXCLUDED (The “Hidden” Budget Killers)

Even good builders exclude these unless explicitly included:

A) Siteworks beyond a basic allowance

• excess excavation, extra hauling/trucking

• retaining walls (sloped lots)

• major drainage works / soak away systems

• poor soil solutions (extra footing depth, more rebar)

B) Permits + professional fees

• signed/sealed plans, design fees (sometimes separate)

• building permit fees, processing, revisions

C) Utilities & connections

• electric meter/service application, transformer upgrades (if needed)

• water meter connection, tank + booster pump

• septic upgrades, leach field extensions

• internet conduit beyond basic

D) External works

• perimeter fence, gate, driveway upgrades

• landscaping, exterior lighting, CCTV

• kitchen cabinetry and wardrobes (often excluded or allowance only)

E) Owner-supplied items

• appliances, specialty lighting fixtures, premium sanitary fixtures

• smart home systems, solar, water heater systems

The 12 Questions You Must Ask Before You Sign

1. Is this quote construction-only or full turnover?

2. Do you have a written inclusions/exclusions list?

3. What are the allowances for tiles, doors, windows, fixtures, cabinets?

4. How many outlets, switches, lighting points are included?

5. Roof spec: what thickness/type of steel, insulation, gutter scope?

6. Paint system: how many coats, what brand/class?

7. Waterproofing: where exactly is it applied (T&B, balconies)?

8. Siteworks: what’s the hauling allowance (truckloads/m³)?

9. Are permits included? If yes, what exactly (fees + processing + sign/seal)?

10. Utilities: what’s included for water tank, pump, meter base, grounding?

11. What’s the change order (VO) process and markup?

12. Is there a BOQ or detailed breakdown I can review?

Red Flags (Walk Away or Rewrite the Contract)

• “All-in” but no inclusions list

• “Standard finishes” without specs

• allowances with no amounts

• no VO/change order rules

• lump-sum quote with no BOQ or breakdown

Best Practice: Demand a 1-Page Inclusions/Exclusions Matrix

Ask your builder to provide a simple legend:

• ✅ Included

• ⚠️ Included with allowance (state ₱ amount)

• ❌ Excluded (owner pays)

• ◻️ Optional add-on (priced)

That one page prevents 80% of disputes.

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What’s Included and Excluded in Your Quotation or Cost per Sqm? (The Checklist That Prevents Budget Blowouts)

Hidden Costs People Don’t Expect When Building a House (Siteworks, Permits, Utilities, and More)

Most “budget blowouts” happen because the quote covers structure + finishes, but the real-world costs live in siteworks, approvals, connections, and exclusions. Here’s the hidden-cost checklist lot owners should budget for before signing.

The 7 Hidden Cost Buckets

Plan for these on top of your main construction cost:

1. Siteworks & Ground Conditions

2. Permits, professional fees, and compliance

3. Utilities & connections (power/water/internet/drainage)

4. External works (fence, gate, driveway, landscaping)

5. Finishes “upgrade creep” (allowances that are too low)

6. Logistics (access, hauling, temporary utilities, security)

7. Contingency + change orders

Practical planning rule: add 15%–30% buffer on top of base construction estimates depending on site complexity.

1) Siteworks (The #1 Surprise Cost)

These can add a lot even before the house “starts.”

Common hidden siteworks:

• Excavation, cutting/filling, backfilling, compaction

• Hauling and disposal (truckloads add up fast)

• Retaining wall (sloped lots / boundary issues)

• Soil issues (soft soil needing thicker footings or extra rebar)

• Drainage, soakaway, canal tie-ins, riprap

• Termite treatment / soil poisoning (often excluded)

• Access road protection, temporary ramps, re-grading after build

Red flag: “Siteworks included” but no written scope, quantities, or hauling allowance.

2) Permits + Paperwork + Professional Fees

Even if a contractor helps, these may still be billed separately unless clearly included.

Often missed:

• Architectural & engineering design fees (full plan set)

• Signed/sealed plans (architect/civil/structural/electrical/sanitary)

• Building permit + ancillary permits

• Boring/soil test or topographic survey (recommended)

• Fees for revisions, re-submissions, and extra prints

• Inspections and compliance costs (varies by project)

Tip: Ask for a line item: “Permits and Processing – Included/Excluded?”

3) Utilities & Connections (People Assume These Are Automatic)

Your house can be “finished” but not livable without these.

Hidden items:

• Temporary power/water during construction

• New electrical service application, meter base, grounding, main breaker upgrades

• Water connection fees, meter, storage tank, booster pump

• Septic tank upgrades or additional leach field (depends on soil/space)

• Stormwater connection or drainage improvements

• Internet conduit/termination points

• Streetlight/ROW requirements in some subdivisions

Red flag: No allowance for meter, service entrance, or water tank/pump.

4) “Outside the House” Works (Usually Not in Base Quotes)

These are easy to forget because they’re not inside the floor area.

Common exclusions:

• Fence, gate, perimeter wall

• Driveway, walkway, garage slab upgrades

• Landscaping, grading, exterior lighting

• Rainwater drainage extensions

• Lanai/patio/deck (sometimes optional)

• Mailbox, house number signage, CCTV conduits

  
  

5) Allowances That Are Too Low (The Silent Budget Killer)

Many quotes include “allowances” that look okay—until you choose actual items.

Usually underestimated:

• Tiles (especially large-format), tile adhesive/grout

• Toilet bowl, lavatory, shower set, heaters

• Lighting fixtures, switches, outlets, panel upgrades

• Kitchen cabinets, countertop, sink, faucet

• Doors, windows, screens, hardware

• Paint system (primer + topcoat quality)

• Ceiling design (drops/coves/insulation)

Rule: If it says “allowance,” ask: brand/spec + max amount + what happens if you exceed it.

6) Logistics & Site Constraints

Your lot’s access affects cost even if design stays the same.

Hidden logistics costs:

• Tight access = manual hauling = more labor days

• Material handling and storage constraints

• Security/guardhouse fees in some subdivisions

• Delivery charges and “waiting time” charges

• Protection works (neighboring property, road damage)

• Portable toilet, site shed, temporary fencing

• 
  

7) Change Orders + Contingency (This Is Where Budgets Die)

Even a great plan changes once construction begins.

Budget protections:

• Contingency: 8%–12% (flat lot) / 10%–15% (sloped/complex)

• Clear change order rules: written VO, pricing, and approval before work starts

The “Hidden Cost” Checklist You Should Require in Writing

Ask your builder for a one-page list that clearly marks:

• ✅ Included

• ⚠️ Included with allowance (state amount)

• ❌ Excluded (client pays)

• ◻️ Optional add-ons

And request:

• BOQ/specs

• Siteworks scope + hauling allowance

• Permit scope

• Utility scope

• Payment milestones + VO process

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Hidden Costs People Don’t Expect When Building a House (Siteworks, Permits, Utilities, and More)