5 Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Villa Construction BOQ

A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is the single most important document in a villa construction contract. It converts a set of drawings into a priced, line-by-line breakdown of every material, labor item, and system in the build - so both sides know exactly what is being paid for before a single block is laid. A vague or incomplete BOQ is the most common reason villa projects in Abu Dhabi run over budget or stall in disputes. Before you sign, here are five questions worth asking any contractor.

1. Does It Show Quantities, Not Just a Lump Sum?

A proper BOQ lists measured quantities - cubic meters of concrete, square meters of flooring, running meters of piping - priced individually, not a single rounded figure for "structure" or "finishing." Quantities let you compare quotes item by item and confirm the pricing matches what your drawings actually call for.

2. Are Provisional Sums Clearly Marked?

Items not yet finalized at contract stage - a client-selected kitchen brand, a specific tile range - are usually carried as provisional sums. Make sure these are labeled as such, not buried inside a fixed price, so you know which figures are firm and which can still move once selections are made.

3. What's Included in Preliminaries?

Site mobilization, supervision, temporary facilities, and authority fees are usually grouped under preliminaries. Ask what's covered here versus billed separately, so there are no surprise line items once work is underway.

4. How Are Variations Priced?

Changes during construction are normal - but the BOQ should state the rate basis for pricing any variation (unit rates carried from the original BOQ, not a fresh negotiation each time). This keeps mid-project changes fair and predictable.

5. Is the Contractor Licensed and Classified?

In Abu Dhabi, building contractors are classified by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) according to project scale and specialty. Ask for the DED trade license and DMT classification certificate, and confirm both are current before signing anything.

A detailed BOQ protects both sides - the client knows exactly what they are paying for, and the contractor knows exactly what they are building. Every AGC proposal is priced this way before work starts on site.

AGC Team

Reviewing these five points before signing won't just protect your budget - it sets the tone for how the rest of the project will be managed. A contractor willing to walk through their BOQ line by line is generally one willing to be held to it on site.