Bill
The term ‘bill’ can have numerous meanings:
- For most purposes, ‘bill’ is synonymous with ‘invoice’: a bill is a document which requests payment for previously supplied goods. Bills are issued, for example, at restaurants following a meal upon which immediate payment is required. The bill normally accounts for the full price of whatever has been consumed or supplied, includes any taxes and does not allow part-payment. Following payment, the customer normally exchanges the bill for a receipt showing that the supplier has received the due payment. Customers also receive bills from utilities, service providers and credit card companies. The latter typically demand payment by a certain date and give customers the option of paying only a part of a bill but will impose penalties in the form of interest if this option is taken up.
- 'Bill' may refer to draft legislation that becomes a legally enforceable Act if approved by parliament.
- ‘Bill’ may be used in place of ‘bill of quantities’ (BoQ) to refer to a document prepared by a cost consultant (often a quantity surveyor) that provides project-specific measured quantities of the items of work identified by the drawings and specifications in tender documentation for construction works. For more information see: see Bill of quantities.
- ‘Bill’ can also refer to a ‘billboard’ – an external, vertical surface or signboard, sometimes freestanding or fixed to buildings, onto which advertising posters are fixed.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.

















