Measurement Flashcards
What is the purpose of property measurement?
To provide consistent and reliable area data to support valuation, marketing, taxation, and professional reporting.
What is the key RICS guidance for property measurement?
RICS Property Measurement (2nd edition) incorporating International Property Measurement Standards (IPMS).
What is IPMS 1 used for?
IPMS 1 is used for measuring the external area of a building, typically for benchmarking and planning.
What is IPMS 2 used for?
IPMS 2 measures the internal area for each floor, used for cost estimation and analysis.
What is IPMS 3 used for?
IPMS 3 is used for measuring areas available for exclusive use, often for agency and valuation purposes.
How does IPMS differ from traditional Net Internal Area (NIA)?
IPMS includes standardised definitions globally, while NIA is based on local standards like RICS Code of Measuring Practice.
What does GEA stand for and when is it used?
Gross External Area, used for industrial and warehouse buildings, planning, and rating.
Describe how you measured a property using IPMS.
I inspected the property, referenced floorplans, measured internal areas using a laser device, and recorded to IPMS 3 standards.
How do you ensure measurement accuracy?
Calibrated equipment, double-checking dimensions, cross-referencing plans, and using consistent measurement standards.
What challenges can arise when measuring property?
Irregular layouts, access restrictions, poor-quality plans, and ambiguous boundaries.
When might GIA be more appropriate than IPMS?
For industrial properties, building cost estimation, or rating assessments.
What is excluded from Net Internal Area (NIA)?
WCs, stairwells, lift shafts, plant rooms, and areas with headroom under 1.5m.
What is the tolerance for measurement accuracy?
RICS suggests a tolerance of +/- 5% depending on the purpose of measurement and complexity.
How do you report measured areas?
With a schedule of areas, methodology statement, assumptions, and plans or diagrams showing measurement zones.
What professional standards govern measurement?
RICS Property Measurement, IPMS, and where applicable, the Code of Measuring Practice (6th edition).
