JS Quantification and Costing

Question 1

L2 - Can you tell me some rules within NRM2 for measurement of finishes on BP Phase West

Answer 1

For painting, if the girth is under 300mm thick, it is measured as a linear length. If it is over 300mm thick it is measured as a m2
Any fabric finishes, so the wall papers I had to measure to certain rooms, if the area was less than 1m2 it was measured as a linear length, over 1m2 was a m2

Question 2

You describe using NRM2 to produce a Bill of Quantities, what does this look like?

Answer 2

Three parts; general, rules for measurement including info required, how to produce a BoQ, then 3 section is tabulated rules

Question 3

On Gillingham House, how did you measure the steel

Answer 3

length x weight /1000 = tonnage

Question 4

How did you measure the brick façade on Gillingham House?

Answer 4

Measured to the centre line on the GA plans then worked out the height on the elevations

Question 5

Gillingham House

How did you build up the costs for the brickwork?

Answer 5

Different options around the façade; one option was a PCC option and the other SFS; I built up the costs for the SFS by costing the frame, brick slip, movement joints and membranes etc. The PCC I had a meeting with a supplier who provided costs

Question 6

Q&C - On Walstead, what was your advice to the client?

Answer 6

My advise was that, the type of cost estimates will change depending on the level of design that is available at the time of costing. I advised the type of cost estimate that would be most appropriate when there is limited design, in this case I advised a FUM would be the most appropriate

Question 7

Can you talk me through your advise on the Amazon Commercial Fit Out Project

Answer 7

I advised the client of bespoke elements of the design such as internal planting, the staircase and joinery items before advising the client of the costs to inform them if they were in or out of budget.

Question 8

L2 - Amazon - You mention about obtaining quotes for bespoke elements; what was your process?

Answer 8

I spoke to 3 to 4 suppliers in order to obtain quotes, who supplied a supply and install cost. I then added % add on for prelims and OHP for the contractor

Question 9

Can you give me an example of how you assessed a rate on Henry Dickins?

Answer 9

There was a cost submitted to unblock a internal rainwater outlet. The QS submitted a lump figure so I went back and asked for more detail. Once he sent the costs for the labour 2nr x 300 per day and a break down for locating the blockage, cutting into the cast iron stack, removing the blocking and replacing pipework i was able to view the rates and make an assessment.

Question 10

How to assess whether the rates are fair and reasonable?

Answer 10

I look at the build up of the rate; supply of material, install costs including labour and benchmark any rates where possible against other projects. I also ask the quantity surveyor to obtain a number of quotes to ensure value for money is being achieved

Question 11

Can you give an example of when there was an adaptation to the rate?

Answer 11

There was an item in the pricing document to DOFF clean all elevations to the block of flats. The client requested that the external garden walls were to be DOFF cleaned as well. The contractor submitted a rate for the DOFF clean which had increased from the contract rate. I advised my client that, due to the area of the wall being a lot smaller, and increase is acceptable due to economies of scale.

Question 12

Can you name some other reasons why a rate may increase?

Answer 12

Quality of the product, for example, hardwood and softwood doors, method of fixing, conditions of the site and time of year

Question 13

What do you mean by in or out of scope?

Answer 13

I would check to see whether the items of work there were raising were all ready included within the pricing document or whether they were a variation to it.

Question 14

You have mentioned GIA - Where are they defined? What do these initials GEA, GIA and NIA stand-for?

Answer 14

Code of Measuring practice, 6th edition applies to all building classes except offices and residential buildings

Question 15

How did you present ve to the client? What headings were included in the VE schedule?

Answer 15

Function / Element
Cost
Alternative to current design
Cost, quality and function analysis
Recommendation

Question 16

What is Value Engineering?

Answer 16

a ‘systematic approach’ to delivering the required functions to the required quality at the least cost

Question 17

What does the RICS Valuing Change Guidance Note say about change?

Answer 17

In the first instance, use contract rates, then fair and reasonable assessment, day works and schedule 2

Question 18

What are the options for pricing documents and when would you use each of the types?

Answer 18

Activity schedule, schedule of works, BoQ

Question 19

What is IMPS 1

Answer 19

The sum of areas from the outer perimeter of the external features

Question 20

What is IMPS 2

Answer 20

The sum of area measured to the internal dominant face

Question 21

What is IMPS 3

Answer 21

The floor area available on a exclusive basis

Question 22

How did you build up your external wall rate

Answer 22

Had a supply and install cost for the brickwork itself, installation, brick ties, internal wall, mortar

Question 23

Why did NRM replace SMM

Answer 23

SMM was more focused around the production of BoQ, meaning that there was confusion and inconsistency around measurement as cost estimates and cost plans were more common

Question 24

What is the structure of NRM 1

Answer 24

Introduction
Measurement rules for cost estimating
Measurement rules for cost planning
Tabulated measurement rules for elemental cost planning

Question 25

If a client wanted to utilise a BoQ, what would advise

Answer 25

It is a lot longer and costly process due to the detail in the BoQ. Also, the client would take the risk on quantities if the BoQ is not approx quantities.

Question 26

When undertaking high level feasibility studies for clients how do you manage the risk of the lack of design detail in the cost plan?

Answer 26

Design development contingency

Question 27

What is a typical design development contingency

Answer 27

10%

Question 28

What is IPMS?

Answer 28

Internal National Property Standards ensure that properties are measured in a more consistent way

Question 29

What are the main types of classification under IMPS

Answer 29

Commercial, Residential, Retail and Industrial

Question 30

Under IPMS 2, what is meant by internal dominant face?

Answer 30

inside surface area comprising more than 50 per cent of the lowest 2.75 m measured vertically

Question 31

What is ICMS 3?

Answer 31

benchmarking and reporting of construction project cost and. carbon. Used for carbon life cycle costing

Question 31

What things do you consider when taking rates from other tenders?

Answer 31

The time of the tender and the location, weather i ned to adjust them to London rates

Question 32

What sub elements are containined with frame under NRM1?

Answer 32

Steel frames, space frames and decks, concrete casings for steel frames, concrete frames, timber frames, specalist frames

Question 33

Confidential Resi Project

How did you applie the funcitional unit method?

Answer 33

I split the costs between houses and apartments and got a benchmark unit rate for a house and a benchmark unit rate for an apartment, then multiplied the total by the amount stated in the architect’s UMS. I then applied a % for OHP and any risk allowances.

Question 34

Amazon POP

What information did you provide to the subcontractors

Answer 34

I provided a quantited take off for them to insert rates, including a count of each of the spoke joinery items and a description, also included floor plans, CGI of the bespoke items

Question 35

Henry Dickins

Can you give me an example of a variation and how you measured it?

Answer 35

Talk about the levelling screed