Quantification and Costing of Construction Works - L3 Flashcards
Why were the New Rules of Measurement introduced?
– The previous Standard Method of Measurement (SMM7) was purely designed for the production of
bill of quantities for tender purposes.
– This resulted in a lack of guidance and uniformity around preparing cost estimates and cost plans when
using SMM7.
– The NRM was introduced to provide a common and consistent basis for the production of order of
cost estimates and cost plans and to give Employers more confidence around their inclusions.
What is the structure of the NRM 1?
The key sections of NRM1 are:
– Part 1: General introduction explaining the purpose of the document and how it should be
used.
– Part 2: Measurement rules for the production of order of cost estimates.
– Part 3: Measurement rules for the production of elemental cost plans.
– Part 4: Tabulated rules of measurement for elemental cost planning.
– Appendices: With references to the definitions for GIA, functional units, NIA, elemental
breakdowns, templates and general information required for cost plan production.
Why should you use the New Rules of Measurement?
– The NRM provides a common and consistent basis for the production of order of cost estimates and
cost plans.
– This provides added confidence to Employers.
– In the event that a QS or firm is pursued for negligence, the use of NRM would provide a means of
defense as it represents best practice.
– QS’s are not required to follow the NRM if they judge it as unsuitable for their specific project but they
must have a good reason as to why this approach has been taken.
What are the NRM 1?
– The RICS New Rules of Measurement 1 is the Order of Cost Estimating and Elemental Cost
Planning.
– This provides a structured basis for measuring building works and for the production of Cost
Estimates and Cost Plans.
What is meant by the abbreviation GEA?
– Gross External Area.
– This is the area of the building measured externally at each floor level.
What is meant by the abbreviation GIA?
– Gross Internal Area.
– This is the area of the building measured to the internal face of the perimeter wall at each floor level.
– The GIA excludes external open sided balconies, fire escapes, canopies, external walls and fuel stores.
What is meant by the abbreviation NIA?
– Net Internal Area.
– This is the area of usable space measured to the internal face of the perimeter wall at each floor level.
– The NIA excludes internal structural walls and columns, spaces with headroom less than 1.5m,
permanent lift lobbies, toilets, cleaners’ cupboards and plant rooms.
Where are the abbreviations GEA, GIA and NIA defined?
The Code of Measuring Practice published by the RICS.
What is the purpose of the Code of Measuring Practice?
The Code of Measuring Practice provides precise definitions to permit the accurate and consistent
measurement of buildings.
What would you expect the percentage of NIA to GIA to be?
– The percentage would depends on the type of project being undertaken for example whether this was a
school, hospital or office.
– In the case of an office building, I would expect the NIA to GIA percentage to be in the region of 70-
85%.
– Where 70% is considered as relatively inefficient, a percentage of 85% is extremely efficient.
What do you measure in accordance with?
– The method of measurement to be adopted depends on the region, project and client that I am
working with, for example in the United Kingdom in the Building sector, typically the New Rules of
Measurement would apply.
– However if working on Rail or Civils projects it is more common practice for the Civil Engineering
Standard Method of Measurement to be adopted.
How do you measure structural steelwork under NRM 2 and what
other items would you measure in association?
–
– The measurement rules for Structural Steelwork are contained within section 15.
– Steelwork members are to be measured in tonnes and itemised according to their respective lengths,
weight and type for example:-
– Lengths
Lengths not exceeding 1.00m.
Lengths over 1.00m but not exceeding 9.00m.
Lengths exceeding 9.00m.
– Weights
Weight not exceed 25kg/m.
Weight between 25-50kg/m.
Weight between 50-100kg/m.
– Type
Columns.
Beams.
Rafters.
Bracing.
Purlins and cladding rails.
– Other items to measure in association with steelwork include framing erection, permanent formwork,
cold rolled purlins and cladding rails, isolated structural member, filing hollow sections, surface
preparation, surface treatment and localised protective coatings.
How do you measure brickwork walls under NRM and what other
items would you measure in association?
– The measurement rules for Masonry are contained within section 14.
– Masonry walls are to be measured in m2 with them being itemised according to wall thickness, type of
construction and method of formation for example:-
– Walls 102.5mm thick, brickwork; built against other work.
– Walls 215mm thick, brickwork.
– Other items to measure in association with masonry include
o Chimney stacks.
o Arches.
o Brick reinforcement.
o Forming cavities.
o Closing cavities.
What is the purpose of a BoQ?
– The purpose of the BoQ is to provide the estimator with an accurate picture of the scope of works and
to provide a common and consistent basis for pricing.
– Following receipt of Tender submissions, the BoQ also forms the basis of the Tender Analysis
allowing an accurate like for like comparison to be undertaken.
– Throughout the post contract stages it also provides the basis for the valuation rules of the contract for
valuing variation items.
– It also enables the contract works to be assessed and valued for the purposes of interim payment.
How would you prepare a BoQ?
– I would meet with the design team to establish when the necessary information will be available, it is important to ensure the information provided is full and final to avoid abortive works.
– Following this I would look to compile all information necessary from the Design Team including:-
o Drawings.
o Specifications.
o Schedules.
o Document Registers.
– Following receipt of the information I would check to see if the information is sufficient to allow the
BoQ to be complied. This largely depends on the form of contract for example under remeasurement
forms the information does not have to be complete but must be substantially complete.
– I would discuss and agree with the client and design the method of measurement to be adopted.
– Prior to commencement of measurement and taking off quantities, I would consider the size of the
Project and break the works down into sections and areas for example:-
o Substructure.
o Superstructure.
o External Works.
– I would then commence Take-off & work from the Substructure upwards.
– When measuring is complete I would look to address the general items section & any preambles.
– Following BoQ production I would carry out regular meetings and review any up
How would you structure a BoQ?
In accordance with an elemental breakdown structure under NRM 2, I would include the following
sections:-
– Preliminaries (Main Contract).
– Facilitating Works.
– Substructure.
– Superstructure.
– Internal Finishes.
– Fittings, Furnishings and Equipment.
– Services.
– External Works.
– Provisional Sums.
– Dayworks.
How would you describe the preliminaries section in a Bill of Quantities?
– The preliminaries detail items of work that are required to enable the construction but are not
associated within the permanent measured works items.
– This could include items such as:-
o Site setup.
o Management & supervision.
o Insurances for the project.
o Task Lighting.
o Protections and temporary barriers.
What information is required to measure preliminaries?
– 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.
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?
– 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.
How do you evaluate a variation which is based on a BQ item which
contains an error?
– Assuming the same nature & conditions are applicable, the variation would be based on the BoQ rate
within the contract.
– Unless both parties agreed to amend the rate to one that is fair and reasonable.
Who owns the copyright to a BQ?
– The originator owns the copyright.
– This is the QS generally who provides the client permission to use the document for its intended
purpose.
How would you deal with a situation where it was discovered a part of
a BQ was missing after the Main Contractor was on site?
– If part of the BQ was missing then I would check to see if it were included as part of the tender
documents & ultimately the contract sum.
– If not then the ultimate responsibility would lie with the Employer.
– Providing the works were still required by the Employer they would be treated as a variation to the
contract.
– I would request that the contractor price the works & advise the Employer on the level of costs
involved before the instruction is issued.
What would you include within the BoQ where works are to be carried
out by Nominated Subcontractor?
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.
What is a Provisional Sum?
– A Provisional Sum is an allowance included within the BQ for works to be carried out where the extent
and design of the work is not yet know meaning the cost cannot be established at the time of agreeing
the contract sum.
– This could include works by a nominated subcontractor or supplier, or a statutory authority.
What is the difference between defined and undefined provisional
sums?
– A defined provisional sum is one that relates to works that cannot be accurately measured, but there is
sufficient information about the works including their nature, method, location, quantity, limitations to
allow planning, programming & pricing of preliminaries to take place. The contractor would therefore
only be entitled to claim for any increase in the cost of the physical works.
– Where there is insufficient information, the works are classed under an undefined provisional sum
entitling the contractor to costs for prelims and an extension to the programme.
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