Extra over (EO)
‘Extra over’ (EO) is a term that is often used when taking off for a bill of quantities (BoQ). Taking off is the process of identifying elements of construction works that can be measured and priced.
When taking off for a BoQ, the term ‘extra over’ can be used to refer to items that to a certain extent have already been measured, but have not been priced at the full value of all their labour and materials. A common example of this is when measuring drain pipes, for which the estimator may determine a cost based on the full length of the pipe measured along its centre-line, and then assess an ‘extra over’ cost for the additional cost necessary to pay for fittings such as bends and junctions. So the cost of a section of pipe with a bend is the cost of the length of the pipe plus the extra over cost for the bend.
EO items should be listed directly beneath the main item over which they are measured, as this simplifies the the interpretation of the BoQ by suppliers. If the EO item cannot be listed immediately beneath, reference should be given in its description in the main item it relates to.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.



















Comments
good explanation