Quantification and Costing (Level 3)

Question 1

What is NRM?

Answer 1

New Rules of Measurement (1,2 and 3) provides a standard set of measurement rules and essential guidance for the cost management of construction projects and maintenance works.

Question 2

What are the three NRM?

Answer 2

1 = Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building works.

2 = Detailed measurement for building works.

3 = Order of cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance works

Question 3

When were the new issues effective from?

Answer 3

The were effective from 1 December 2021

Question 4

What is the RICS code of measuring practice?

Answer 4

The RICS code of measuring practice was produced to provide precise definitions of how to measure buildings. This includes GEA, GIA, NIA.

Question 5

What is IPMS?

Answer 5

International Property Measurement Standard (IPMS)

Question 6

Why was IPMS introduced?

Answer 6

To establish a consistent methodology for measuring buildings around the world.

Question 7

What are the key differences between IPMS and RICS code of measuring practice?

Answer 7

COMP was the previous measurement standard which regulated primarily RICS member nations, whereas the IPMS is now a global measurement standard.

Some key differences in the methods of measurement is that COMP used NIA whereas IPMS uses NLA (net lettable area) - a key difference in this is that areas such as external balconies are included within NLA whereas would not be included in NIA

Question 8

What is BIM?

Answer 8

Building Information Modelling - the process of creating and managing digital information about a built asset

Question 9

What are the RIBA plan of works?

Answer 9

Stages 0-7:

0 = Strategic Definition
1 = Prep and Brief
2 = Concept Design
3 = Developed Design
4 = Technical Design
5 = Construction
6 = Handover
7 = In use

Question 10

What level of design is required for cost plans?

Answer 10

Stage 3 - NBS outline spec
Stage 4 - NBS detailed spec

Question 10

How do you provide cost information at various stages?

Answer 10

Stage 1-2 Cost Model
Stage 3-4 Cost Plan
Stage 5 Final Account

Question 11

What is GEA?

Answer 11

Gross External Area is the area of a building measured externally at each floor level.

Question 12

What is GIA?

Answer 12

Gross Internal Area is the area of a building measured to the internal face of the perimeter walls at each floor level

Question 13

What is NIA?

Answer 13

Net Internal Area of a building is the usable area measured to the internal finish of the perimeter or party walls

Question 14

What are the sources of cost data?

Answer 14

Primary, Secondary, First Principles

Question 15

What is Primary cost data?

Answer 15

Primary cost data is provided by yourself. This would be from market testing and project rates you have previously used. Accurate.

Question 16

What is Secondary cost data?

Answer 16

Secondary cost data is data from other sources such as price books or rates from other projects you have not previously worked on. (SPONS)

Question 17

What are first principles sorces of cost data?

Answer 17

First principles sources of cost are rates that you build up yourself from the key components.

Question 18

What is an example of first principles source of cost?

Answer 18

Ductwork - galv duct, insulation, brackets, bends, dampers, grilles, Sundries & Prelims

Question 19

What are schedules of works?

Answer 19

Schedule of works are ‘without quantities’ lists often produced for small projects and alteration work.

Question 20

What are schedules of rates?

Answer 20

A quantified list included as part of the contract sum splitting out all the individual items of work e.g. staff, materials

Question 21

How do you carry out valuations?

Answer 21

Receive Application, Visit Site and assess the works progression, Negotiate Value of works complete, Issue reccommendation

Question 22

What is an addendum?

Answer 22

An addendum is a document that you use to add terms or make changes to an executed contract without invalidating the original.

Question 23

What information is required to measure preliminaries?

Answer 23

• Contract duration.
• Location.
• Type of project (New Build vs. Refurb).
• The size of the project.
• Temporary works.
• Security.
• Methodology.
• Programme.
• Services.
• Employers accommodation.
• Contractor designed work.
• Sectional completion.
• Insurances / Bonds.

Question 24

If it was found that a Bill rate was blatantly wrong for example £100
was included as a rate instead of £1, how would this be resolved?

Answer 24

• The works would be valued in accordance with the agreed rate contained within the contract.
• If identified within the tender documents prior to the contract being agreed then the rate could be
  amended in accordance with the Tendering rules in place, but otherwise both parties would have to
  stand by the rate.

Question 25

What would you include within the BoQ where works are to be carried
out by Nominated Subcontractor?

Answer 25

• A prime cost sum would be incorporated including:
• An allowance for the cost of the Nominated Subcontractors work (based on the quotation).
• An allowance for the contractor to price for attendances such as accommodation, welfare,
  storage, handling, materials & cleaning.
• An allowance for a percentage addition for any other charges & profit.

Question 26

What is Simpsons Rule?

Answer 26

Simpsons is a mathematical formula for approximating the area under a curve over a given interval.

Question 27

How would your approach to measurement change if you worked in Dubai?

Answer 27

I would need to measure in accordance with the method of measurement appropriate for that country.

Question 28

How do you measure something unique for example a statute of the
client?

Answer 28

• If it could be broken down easily into the parts that are in accordance with the method of measurement, I would use this as the basis for measurement.
• Otherwise I would have to insert an item with a detailed description of the works with a section to include a Provisional Sum.

Question 29

How do you deal with ground water under NRM2?

Answer 29

• Ground water is measured under Section 5 for Excavating and Filling.
• It is measured on an itemised basis with the original below ground level being stated and reference to whether the water is polluted.
• If the post contract water level differs from the pre-contract level the measurements must be taken and revised accordingly.
• The method and place of discharge is left to the discretion of the contractor unless stated otherwise.

Question 30

What is a Preamble?

Answer 30

• A preamble is an explanation of a document that is commonly found in contracts, specifications and bills of quantities.
• It can help with the interpretation of the document.
• It includes a description of the parties to the contract.
• The background to the document.
• Measurement procedures that have been adopted.

Question 31

What are method related charges?

Answer 31

• A method related charge is a one-off item related to the method of carrying out the work and does not form part of the permanent works.
• They are not considered proportional to the item of works to be carried out.
• For example provision of temporary propping required for a weakened elevation of an existing building.

Question 32

What are time related charges?

Answer 32

Time related charges are method related charges that are considered proportional to time taken to carry
out the works for example plant hire.

Question 33

What are fixed charges?

Answer 33

Fixed charges are method related charges that do not vary with time for example Service Connection Charges.