Measurement

Question 1

How do you calibrate your measuring tape & why?

Answer 1

• against a steel ruler
• check calibration records and add mine

Errors occur when:
- tape stretches over time / under tension
- markings fade over time / human error

Question 2

How can measurement impact valuation?

Answer 2

Measurement bases yield different figures for the same space

If a rate/m2 is applied, then whether internal walls/columns are included could impact the value

Question 3

What needs to be included on measurement reports?

Answer 3

• Date of measurement
• Method
• Measurement basis
• Plan with reference and scale
• Units
• Accuracy tolerance
• Name of surveyor

Question 4

How are measuring standards governed within the RICS?

Answer 4

Code of measuring practise 2015
- bases of measurement for all buildings except office/residual e.g. retail, industrial

RICS Property Measurement 2018
- bases of measurement for offices & residual property.

Question 5

What are the core definitions in the Code of Measuring Practise 2015?

Answer 5

GEA - Gross External Area

GIA - Gross Internal Area

NIA - Net Internal Area

Question 6

Tell me about IPMS

Answer 6

International Property Measurement Standards (2023)

Seeks to harmonise standards for measuring all building types

Question 7

What is the accuracy of a Trimble GPS device?

Answer 7

• Up to 2.5cm accuracy
• Does depend on the location
• Tolerance is displayed on the screen

Question 8

What Professional Statement did the RICS release to incorporate the International Property Measurement Standards?

What is the aim of this?

Answer 8

RICS Property Measurement, 2018

Establish consistencies in property measurement to be adopted by governments and industry on a global basis

Question 9

What are the general principles of RICS Property Measurement, 2018?

Answer 9

Advise clients of the benefits of using IMPS
Document the reason for not using IMPS
Must provide a date when the measurements are undertaken
State the measuring methodology adopted
Provide the reference and scale of any plans used
State the conversion factor from metric / imperial and any rounding
Measurements and calculations must be clearly documented

Question 10

When would you use GEA as a basis of measurement?

Answer 10

• Town planning
• Council tax valuations
• Building cost estimates for houses

Question 11

When would you use GIA as a basis of measurement?

Answer 11

• Industrial/warehouses, retail warehouses and food stores:
• Estate agency
• Rating
• Valuation
• Building cost estimates for commercial assets
• New homes valuations

Question 12

When would you use NIA as a basis of measurement?

Answer 12

Shops/Offices:
* Estate agency
* Rating
* Valuation

Question 13

What is the internal eaves height?

Answer 13

The clear height between the floor and the lowest point on the underside of the roof e.g. at the eaves

Question 14

What is the site depth?

Answer 14

The measurement from the front to rear boundaries

Question 15

What is a commonly used scale for a building plan?

Answer 15

1:100

Question 16

What is a commonly used scale for a street plan?

Answer 16

1:1250

Question 17

What is a commonly used scale for a location plan?

Answer 17

1:2500

Question 18

What is a commonly used scale for a road map?

Answer 18

1:50000

Question 19

What are commonly used measuring tools?

Answer 19

• Tape measure
• Rod
• Laser device
• Trundle wheel (used for measuring land)

Question 20

How do you check the accuracy of your laser measuring device?

Answer 20

• Check a known distance and record the measurements in a log
• Send devices to be calibrated at least quarterly or if accuracy begins to deteriorate