Level 1 - IMPS / CoMP

Question 1

What is the difference between IMPS and CoMP?

Answer 1

Code of measurement practice is a guidance note

IPMS is a professional statement which is mandatory for RICS members and firms and if not used members must document the reason for the departure

Question 2

Can you expand on the differences?

Answer 2

Key differences are:
1. Balconies are included in IMPS but stated separately
2. IMPS measures to the internal dominant face and can include glazing areas if over 50% of the IDF
3. Columns are included in IMPS 3 and excluded in CoMP (NIA)
Therefore, IMPS areas likely to be higher than CoMP when compared

Question 3

For what projects is IPMS mandatory?

Answer 3

Practice statement 2018 – mandatory for offices and residential

I dont have experience in other areas

Question 4

What are the 3 Options of IPMS 3 for residential Buildings?

Answer 4

IPMS 3 A – Exclusive occupation
Outer face of the external wall – detached dwellings (as IMPS 1)
Outer face to centre line of party wall – Attached dwellings / multi-unit dwellings
Includes internal walls

IPMS 3 B - Exclusive occupation
Internal dominant face
Finished Surface level on outer face of shared walls
Measured as IMPS 2 (GIA) for attached dwellings)
Includes internal walls

IPMS 3 C - Exclusive occupation
Room by Room basis
Eg Excludes internal walls

Question 5

How would you split the area schedule into different functions (components) if using IPMS (Residentail)?

Answer 5

Into component parts as stipulated in the IPMS Guidance Note, such as;

• Living Space;
• Circulation Areas;
• Structural Elements;
• Other Areas i.e. Balconies.

Question 6

What is the RICS status of IPMS?

Answer 6

• Mandatory for office and residential
• Must advise clients on benefits of IPMS
• Must document the reason for not using

“RICS members are expected to advise their client or employer on the benefits of using IPMS. However, it is understood that IPMS is not suitable in all circumstances and in these circumstances RICS members must document the reason for departure.”

Question 7

Is IPMS Mandatory?

Answer 7

Adopting IPMS terms when calculating or reporting the area of office and residential floor space on an IPMS basis is mandatory
Yes – Office & Residental

Question 8

What is ICMS and why is it different to IPMS?

Answer 8

International Construction Measurement Standards
ICMS is a high level framework for cost reporting and data collection
IPMS is standards for measuring buildings (similar to CoMP)
ICMS – Cost
IPMS – Quantification

Question 9

Are you aware of RICS Cost Prediction Professional Statement, what does it set out?

Answer 9

Aim is to promote global best practice in cost prediction and implement ICMS for RICS members and firms

Question 10

Can you expand more on IPMS 3 and its options?

Answer 10

IPMS is most similar to NIA in CoMP

For Residential and retail buildings IMPS is split into IPMS A, B & C
A. IPMS A – Exclusive occupancy measured to the External Wall (consistent with IMPS 1)
B. IMPS B – Exclusive Occupancy measured to the IDF of the External Wall (Consistent with IMPS 2) & goes to the centre line on party walls
C. IPMS C – Exclusive occupancy on a room-by-room basis eg excludes internal walls

Question 11

What are some key differences between IPMS and CoMP?

Answer 11

Balconies and Terraces are included but stated separately
Measures are taken to the IDF can include glazed areas if over 50% of the IDF
Columns are included in IMPS 3 but excluded in NIA

Question 12

What are some key differences inclusions / exclusions in NIA (CoMP)?

Answer 12

Included:
• Artia and Entrance halls in sole occupation
• Kitchens
• Ramps
• Areas occupied by non-structural walls (subdividing accommodation in sole occupancy)

Excluded 
•	Aria and entrance halls in common use 
•	Toilets 
•	Plant rooms 
•	Stairs
•	Circulation 
•	Areas with less headroom than 1.5m