Key BOQ Items That Cause Change Orders — And How to Reduce Them

A BOQ is not just a list of quantities and numbers. It is the financial and technical translation of the project design.

Any gap between drawings, specifications, and the Bill of Quantities eventually turns into a Change Order.

In many projects — especially government projects — the issue is not always a completely missing item. Often, the real problem is an item written in a way that allows multiple interpretations. This is the most dangerous type of issue because it usually remains hidden until construction begins.

Unclear Items: The Main Cause Behind Change Orders

One of the most common reasons for Change Orders is the presence of vague BOQ items that fail to define the scope of work accurately.

When an item is listed under general terms such as “Electrical Works” or “General Finishes” without sufficient detail, each party develops its own interpretation of what the price includes.

The contractor prices the minimum expectation, while the owner expects the maximum scope. At the first conflict, a Change Order appears.

Reducing Change Orders here is not simply about adding more items. It is about writing BOQ descriptions in a way that leaves no room for interpretation.

Items Related to Design Changes

In many projects, the BOQ is issued before the design is fully finalized or coordinated.

Any later modification to the drawings — even minor — directly impacts quantities and scope.

These items are not necessarily incorrect by themselves, but they become a continuous source of Change Orders when there is no clear mechanism for handling design revisions.

Without such a mechanism, every design change automatically turns into a financial claim.

Temporary Works and Supporting Services

Temporary works such as scaffolding, protection systems, or supporting activities are often underestimated during BOQ preparation.

Sometimes they are ignored completely, or included with insufficient detail.

The problem is that these activities become essential during execution, and when contractors find no proper BOQ coverage for them, they immediately become Change Orders.

Reducing Change Orders starts by recognizing that temporary works are not secondary details — they are a core part of construction cost.

Items Linked to Open Specifications

When a BOQ item is listed without a clear specification reference or technical standard, it becomes a hidden source of conflict.

Differences in material type, execution method, or quality level all create pricing discrepancies during construction.

The usual result is a cost increase claim based on the argument that the actual required specification exceeds what was originally priced.

How to Reduce Change Orders Through BOQ

Reducing Change Orders is not about eliminating Change Orders entirely — it is about eliminating their causes.

The first step is treating the BOQ as a technical document, not just a pricing tool. It must be directly linked to drawings and specifications and reviewed as part of one integrated system.

Second, any item open to multiple interpretations must be rewritten before tendering, not after contract award.

Third, likely future changes should be anticipated, with a clear contractual mechanism established to handle them instead of leaving them undefined.

In large projects, a strong BOQ may not eliminate all Change Orders, but it transforms them from disputes into controlled processes.

The Relationship Between BOQ and Dispute Reduction

Change Orders are not only financial issues — they are gateways to disputes.

The clearer the BOQ, the less severe Change Orders become, the easier they are to evaluate, and the faster they are resolved.

The goal is not “zero Change Orders,” but rather controlled, justified, and manageable Change Orders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reducing Change Orders Through BOQ

What are Change Orders?

Change Orders are modifications to the project scope, quantities, or specifications issued after construction begins, affecting cost, time, or both.

Is BOQ the main reason behind Change Orders?

In a large percentage of projects, yes.

Unclear or incomplete BOQ items are among the leading causes of Change Orders.

Can Change Orders be completely prevented?

No, but they can be significantly reduced and controlled through a clear BOQ, finalized design documents, and a structured contractual process.

Which BOQ items most commonly cause Change Orders?

General items, design-dependent items, and poorly priced supporting or temporary works are among the most common causes.

Is an unusually low BOQ price a warning sign?

In many cases, yes — especially when low pricing results from vague or incomplete BOQ descriptions that later lead to compensation claims through Change Orders.

Who is responsible for reducing Change Orders?

Responsibility is shared between the owner, consultant, and BOQ preparer.

However, the party approving the BOQ without thorough review usually carries the greatest long-term risk.

At Mebco Contracting, we understand that financial discipline is a cornerstone of successful project delivery. Are you looking for an engineering partner specialized in reducing Change Orders and protecting your project budget from unexpected costs? Our team in Riyadh is ready to provide proactive studies and technical planning that safeguard your investment while maintaining execution quality. Contact us today to keep your project on the right track from day one.