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New to site work? Learn essential terms like BOQ, GFC, and Site Diaries. Avoid beginner mistakes and feel confident from day one on a construction site.



Decode the basics before you step onto a construction site.&nbsp;

Fresh out of architecture school or <a href="https://www.kaarwan.com/course/bim-certification-program-for-civil-engineers?id=151&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog-terms-every-new-site-engineer-must-know&amp;utm_term=seo">engineering </a>college, stepping onto a real construction site can be both exciting and overwhelming. There’s concrete being poured, instructions flying around, and everyone—from labourers to contractors—seems to be speaking a different language.

Terms like BOQ, GFC, and Site Diary are casually thrown around. But no one really stops to explain them. That’s where confusion begins—and miscommunication follows.

If you're entering your first job as a Site Engineer, Junior Architect, or even an Intern, this guide will help you understand three of the most essential terms you'll encounter regularly: 👉 Site Diaries 👉 <a href="https://www.kaarwan.com/course/bim-certification-program-for-civil-engineers?id=151&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog-terms-every-new-site-engineer-must-know&amp;utm_term=seo">BOQs </a>(Bill of Quantities) 👉 GFCs (Good for Construction Drawings)

Let’s break them down and see why they matter on-site.

1. Site Diary: Your Daily Logbook of Reality

A Site Diary, also known as a Site Logbook or Daily <a href="https://www.kaarwan.com/course/bim-certification-program-for-civil-engineers?id=151&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog-terms-every-new-site-engineer-must-know&amp;utm_term=seo">Construction Report</a>, is a document used to record all major activities on a construction site on a day-to-day basis.

Think of it as the journal of the site—only, it’s not personal. It’s official and often legal.

Keep your entries clear, factual, and in chronological order. Avoid personal comments. It’s a professional document and may be reviewed by senior engineers or clients.

2. BOQ (Bill of Quantities): The Project's Budget Bible

A BOQ, or Bill of Quantities, is a detailed document that lists out all the materials, components, and services needed to complete a construction project, along with their estimated quantities and rates.

Prepared by a Quantity Surveyor or the <a href="https://www.kaarwan.com/course/bim-certification-program-for-civil-engineers?id=151&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog-terms-every-new-site-engineer-must-know&amp;utm_term=seo">Estimation </a>Team, the BOQ provides the cost breakdown of the project.

Before raising an order for material or approving a bill, refer back to the BOQ. Ensure the executed quantity doesn’t exceed what’s been approved.

3. GFC Drawings: The Final Word on What Gets Built

GFCs, or Good for Construction Drawings, are the final set of approved design drawings issued by the architect or engineer, meant to be used directly for construction.

GFCs come after all revisions, design changes, and client <a href="https://www.kaarwan.com/course/bim-certification-program-for-civil-engineers?id=151&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog-terms-every-new-site-engineer-must-know&amp;utm_term=seo">approvals</a>. Once issued, no part of the design is supposed to change—unless a formal revision is issued again.

Even if a design is discussed on WhatsApp or over a site visit, you must wait for a GFC revision before executing the change.

Before marking anything on site, verify it with the GFC set. Old or pre-final drawings often linger on WhatsApp groups or email chains. Don’t rely on them.

Explore niches you were intrested in on budget friendly previews/masterclass. Make Informed decisions before you commit.

Let’s say the BOQ mentions 200 sqm of Kota stone flooring. The GFC shows where and how this flooring needs to be laid. You raise the order, execution begins, and each day's activity is recorded in your Site Diary.

Together, they help maintain clarity, cost control, and coordination.

Why This Knowledge Matters Early in Your Career

In the early years, no one expects you to solve structural complexities or lead big meetings. But they do expect you to know your documentation.

Understanding BOQs, GFCs, and Diaries will help you:

And most importantly, you’ll begin to see how design becomes reality.

Construction is chaotic by nature. But good documentation—and your familiarity with it—brings order to the chaos.

“Have you checked the GFC?” or “Is that quantity in the BOQ?” You won’t look confused.

You’ll know exactly what they mean—and more importantly, where to look.

<b><mark class="cdx-marker">Just graduated and want to feel want to work smart on-site? Explore the <a href="https://www.kaarwan.com/course/bim-certification-program-for-civil-engineers?id=151&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog-terms-every-new-site-engineer-must-know&amp;utm_term=seo">BIM Professional course for Civil Engineers</a>, which opens doors for you to manage impactful projects for government and blue-chip firms around the globe.&nbsp;</mark></b>

Learn from professionals who’ve been in your boots.

Site Diaries, BOQs, and GFCs: Must-Know Terms for Every New Site Engineer

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Ar. Pragya Laungani

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Site Diaries, BOQs, and GFCs: Must-Know Terms for Every New Site Engineer

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Ar. Pragya Laungani

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