Comparisons1 min read
Turnkey or a bill of quantities? The real difference
The difference is not only in the price, it is in who carries the risk. This guide sets out when each arrangement suits you better.
Eng. Ahmed El-Shennawy
Structural engineer · NSCO Construction
Under a turnkey contract the contractor carries the risk on quantities and prices. Under a bill of quantities you carry it yourself. That is the essential difference; everything else is detail.
The two arrangements side by side
| Criterion | Turnkey | Bill of quantities |
|---|---|---|
| Final price | Known from the start | Emerges as the work ends |
| Quantity risk | On the contractor | On the owner |
| Flexibility to change | Limited | Higher |
| Supervision needed | Less | Heavy |
When should you choose turnkey?
- When you cannot follow the work day to day
- When you want the final cost known from the outset
- When you are travelling, or far from the site
Frequently asked questions on this topic
01Is turnkey more expensive?
On the face of it it can be, because the contractor prices the quantity risk. But a bill of quantities usually ends up costing more than expected once the quantities grow.
02Can I change the specification during construction?
Yes, with a written change order stating the cost and time difference before the work begins.
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