The standard 72-hour timeline starts after questionnaire submission; confirm the start point for designer-call bookings.

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Interior Design BOQ: Sample, Units and Quotation Checklist

See how a BOQ turns a furniture brief into measurable scope, with a worked example and an editable template for vendor pricing.

Published by Houspire

What is a BOQ in interior design?

A bill of quantities, or BOQ, lists the agreed work items, their specifications, measurement units and quantities. A priced BOQ adds rates and amounts. It helps different vendors price the same requirements rather than interpret a vague request differently.

An estimate is an approximate budget. A quotation is a vendor's offer with prices and commercial terms. A vendor can submit a quotation in BOQ format, so check the contents rather than relying on the document's title.

What should each BOQ line contain?

Include an item reference, room, description, dimensions, drawing revision, material and hardware specification, measurement basis, quantity and scope notes. In a priced document, add the rate and amount.

Avoid descriptions such as “premium wardrobe.” Identify the products or leave the selection explicitly pending. A blank specification is an unresolved decision, not permission to substitute anything.

Worked example: a wardrobe and separate loft

The following fictional example demonstrates measurement and arithmetic. The rates are invented teaching figures, not market prices or a fabrication-ready specification. Material and hardware selections still require a separate agreed schedule.

Item Measurement basis Quantity Illustrative rate Amount
Wardrobe, 6 ft × 7 ft frontage Front elevation area 42 sq ft ₹1,500 per sq ft ₹63,000
Separate loft, 6 ft × 2 ft frontage Front elevation area 12 sq ft ₹1,200 per sq ft ₹14,400
Delivery and installation One agreed service 1 lot ₹5,000 ₹5,000
Total before any applicable tax ₹82,400

For this example, assume the wardrobe and loft rates include their cabinet materials, shutters, standard shelves and agreed hinges, and exclude drawers, lighting and site repairs. Installation is priced only in the separate service line. Actual vendors may use another measurement method or scope.

use the worked BOQ example below or use the blank BOQ template below.

Three checks that prevent misleading totals

Define the measurement

State whether square feet refer to cabinet frontage, floor area, wall surface or another agreed basis. For a running-foot rate, define the included height and depth. Ask how corners, lofts and openings are treated.

Prevent double-counting

If the unit rate already includes hinges or installation, do not add those costs again without identifying an additional scope. Separate optional accessories and homeowner-supplied items.

Make exclusions visible

List taxes, transport, fitting, repairs and other necessary work as included, excluded or awaiting confirmation. An unresolved item should not silently become a zero-cost line.

Use one BOQ to compare vendors

Send the same document and drawing revision to each vendor. Ask them to price every line and record substitutions separately. Then compare the complete amount and responsibilities using our interior quotation checklist.

When the design changes, record the original item, revised quantity or specification, price adjustment and delivery effect before approving it.

Frequently asked questions

Is a material budget the same as a complete BOQ?

Not necessarily. A material budget may omit labour, installation and other project work. Check its coverage.

Does a BOQ replace construction drawings?

No. It prices defined scope; it does not explain every fabrication detail. Read what a carpenter needs beyond a 3D render.

Does it guarantee the final cost?

No. Approved changes and agreed provisional items can alter the total. Keep the accepted document and change record together.

Copyable planning worksheets

Copy the following fields into your spreadsheet or planning document. Worked examples are illustrative, not contractor quotations. Blank fields are for your own project inputs.

Interior boq worked example

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Interior boq template

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Plan your room before committing to the build

Houspire offers personalised room visualisation from ₹499 plus GST. For each selected room, the core service provides one photorealistic view showing up to three walls. An itemised material budget and vendor direction are available within the package at no extra charge; select the options you want.

The standard 72-hour design timeline starts after you submit your questionnaire. If you choose a designer call, confirm the applicable start point when booking. Your contractor's construction, materials and installation charges are separate. Confirm any additional drawings or execution support before ordering them.

See room pricing · View the sample-report page

The sample-report page currently asks for an email address to access the dossier.