Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

RICS APC - ERH > Quantification & Costing > Flashcards

Quantification & Costing Flashcards

1
Q

What methods of measurement are you aware of?

A

IPMS - Offices, Resi & Retail - mandatory if asked to use otherwise - will undertake under code. (Incl balconies and limited use areas e.g height less than 1.5m i.e. window reveals)

RICS Code of Measurement Practice - 6th Ed 2015 - GEA/GIA/NIA - all other buildings.

ICMS - International framework for measurement - basis of NRM.

NRM 1, 2 & 3 (2021) - 2021 update to align with ICMS & RIBA PoW 2020 & CPPS (cost prediction proff standard)

CESMM - Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is NRM?

A

New Rules of Measurement
Books published by the RICS to provide a set of measurement rules for estimating / cost planning / procurement for construction projects.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is NRM 1?

A

Provides guidance on quantification of building works for cost estimates and cost plans.

It is the ‘cornerstone’ of good cost management of construction projects – enabling more effective and accurate cost advice to be given to clients and other project team members, as well as facilitating better cost control

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is NRM 2?

A

Provides guidance on the detailed measurement and description of building works for preparation of bills of quantities.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is NRM 3?

A

Provides guidance on the quantification of maintenance works.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the shorter schedule of cost components

A

The Shorter Schedule of Cost Components is designed for assessing compensation events.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the types of cost estimate?

A

Floor area
Functional unit
Elemental

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What information is required for an Order of Cost Estimate?

A 
Location of site
Statement of floor area
Floor plans
Roof plan
Elevations
Sections
Storey heights
Initial risk register
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What information is required for a Formal Cost Plan?

A 
Procurement Strategy
Contract Strategy
Fees 
Budget
Detailed design info
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the sections of NRM?

A 
0 - Facilitating Works
1 - Substructure
2 - Superstructure
3 - Internal Finishes
4 - Fittings Finishes and Equipment
5 - Services
6 - Prefabricated Buildings and Building Units
7 - Work to Existing Buildings
8 - External Works
9 - Main Contractor's Prelims
10 -Main Contractor's Overhead and Profit
11 - Project / Design Team Fees
12 - Other Development / Project Costs
13 - Risks
14 - Inflation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the structure of NRM 1?

A

Part 1 - Cost estimating + cost planning in the context of RIBA stages
Part 2 - Purpose + content of order of cost estimate
Part 3 - Purpose + content of formal cost plans
Part 4 - Tabulated measurement rules
Appendices

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is ICMS?

A

International Construction Measurement Standards
They are a new universal system that enable global comparison of construction project costs.
RICS prepared a global professional statement on cost prediction incorporating ICMS in 2020.

Basis of NRM

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Why does location affect cost?

A 
Availability of materials
Transport cost & routes
Availability of labour
Ease of access to site
Availability of services to site
Vicinity of sites in relation to amenities
Local labour costs
Travel distances
Existing land conditions
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are RPI and CPI?

A

Retail Price Index and Consumer Price Index.
Government’s preferred measures of inflation
May be used to update costs
Use with caution as they are not construction specific
Construction activity does not necessarily reflect the profile of UK economic activity

TPI - inflation measure for tendering for costplans

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the RICS Code of Measurement Practice?

A

A UK measurement guidance note published by the RICS. It gives definitions for GEA, GIA and NIA and explains how to measure them correctly.

To be used on all other asset types that the IPMS does not cover (ie. anything other than offices, retail, resi)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is IPMS?

A

International Property Measurement Standard

IPMS 1 -
The sum of the areas of each floor level of a Building measured to the outer
perimeter of external construction features, which may be reported on a
Component-by-Component basis for each floor of a Building.

IPMS 2 – Office
The sum of the areas of each floor level of an office Building measured to the
Internal Dominant Face and reported on a Component-by-Component basis for
each floor of a Building.

IPMS 2 – Residential
The sum of the areas of each floor level of a Building measured to the Internal
Dominant Face, which may be reported on a Component-by-Component basis for
each floor of a Building.

IPMS 3 – Office The Floor Area available on an exclusive basis to an occupier, but excluding Standard Facilities, and calculated on an occupier-by occupier or floor-by-floor
basis for each Building.

IPMS 3 – Residential The Floor Area available on an exclusive basis to an occupier

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What does IPMS cover?

A

Offices & Residential
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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

When did IPMS come into use?

A

2nd Ed - Jan 2018

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is NRM?

A

New Rules of Measurement provides a standard set of rules and essential guidance for the cost management of construction projects and maintenance works

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What did the NRM CPD event that you attended cover?

A

It was a general overview of NRM suite and how to use them

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

How do you quantify differently for a feasibility estimate or a cost plan?

A

A feasibility estimate will be based on areas or functional units. Usually just GAs and facades are measured.

Cost plans are measured on an component basis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What did you advise the client were the key changes between IPMS and RICS Code of Measurement Practice?

A

On a previous the biggest difference was the inclusion of window reveals in IPMS 1. These are stated as limited use areas.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What did you advise the client were ways to meet the net to gross efficiency ratio target on the masterplanning project?

A

There was a large stepped theatre like ‘touch-down’ space within the atrium which, although was intended as flexible working space, could not be included within NIA. Reducing the area of this and increasing the area of the mazzanine floor would increase net to gross efficient.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is Benchmarking?

A

The systematic method of comparing project performance against others, then using lessons from the best to make targeted improvements.
The ‘Benchmark’ is the best in class.
It is often misused to mean average or minimum performance.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

How can Benchmarking assist Value Engineering?

A

It can inform the spread of cost among construction elements so you can identify if something is ‘high’.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Were you given permission to publish confidential data from your reception benchmarking exercise?

A

I seeked my employer’s approval before using project data

The published report did not identify the data source, project name or employer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

How can benchmarking help inform a client about risk?

A

The greater the range of data, the more risk is involved.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

When collecting benchmark data, what do you use as the ‘base data’?

A

For lump sum contracts, base data is 10 days before the tender return
For projects where price is not fixed, base data is the mid-point of construction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What levels of BCIS location indices are there?

A

Regional
County
District

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Apart from cost data, what else do your benchmarking reports convey? (in words)

A 
The purpose of the exercise
The scope of the exercise
Methodology behind selection of comparison projects
Exclusions
How abnormal have been dealt with
Rebasing factors
Main drivers for the results
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is a star rate buildup

A

Star rate item refersto item for which rate is not listed in the contract.
Can be built up from L/P/M principle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What is GIA

A

Gross Internal Floor Area -
Area of a building measured to the internal face of the perimeter walls at each floor level
Incl - as GEA but excl thickness of perimetre walls & external projections
Excl - external wall thickness, open sided balconies, canopies, greenhouses & garden stores
Use - Building cost estimation, estate agency valuation, property valuation, new home valuation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is NIA

A

Net Internal Area -
The usable area within a building measured to the internal face of the perimeter walls at each floor
level.
Incl - usable areas
Excl - common areas - Wcs, lift rooms, plant rooms, cleaners stores, circulation areas, stat services areas, aircon/heating areas, headroom less than 1.5m, parking areas.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Advanced payments

A

Security

Commercial risk to client

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Inflation

A

TPI - Tender price - applied to tender price returns
Tender Price Index - TPI - Level of inflation used = previous data / market conditions / future predictions ( all back to 1980s date) - BCIS
CPI - Bourne by contrator post contract

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What is incl in payment cert

A 
Contract Sum
Assessment
Project details
Previous cert gross
Deductions
Variations
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Types of BoQ

A

Appox quants & firm quants

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Pricing options for contracts

A 
Lump Sum
Target sum
Remeasureable 
GMP 
Cost plus
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

4 risk categories in NRM

A

Design dev risk
Employer change risk
Construction risk
Employer other risk

40
Q

Diff between price & cost

A 
Cost = how much contractor would pay out = L/P/M & mangement
Price = is cost plus profit = What employer will ulimately pay (plus an contractors OHPor any contingency)
41
Q

How would you measure Struc steelwork

A

Tonnage - SMM7 & NRM

lm x £kg/m

42
Q

Brickwork

A

On a centre line - lm / m2

43
Q

8 sections of elemental sections

A 
faclitating works 
sub
super
FFE
M&E - services
prefab
Extisting works
Int finishes 
works to existing
44
Q

Cost plan v cost estimate

A

Cost plan & cost estimate

Estimate - high level review of works for feasibility

Cost plan - more struc & detailed into sections - costs into cost report (manage costs at precon stage)

45
Q

Prelims

A

Prelims in cost plan - %

Type of project & risk of constraints - 12-15%

46
Q

What is the purpose of BoQ

A

Purpose of BoQ - what works to be undertaken / like to for like pricing / detailed measured breakdown - basis pricing & estimating, tender comparison, valuation analysis

47
Q

What are the RIBA plan of works stages 2020

A 
1-7
0- Strategic definitiion
1- Preparation of brief
2- concept
3 - developed 
4 - technical
5 - Construction
6 - Handover
7 - Use (maintenance)
48
Q

Purpose of cashflow

A

Cashflow:
Funding & drawdowns
Financial reporting & commitments & planning
Corrective actions if cash shortages
Monitoring against porgramme - progress measure

49
Q

What do you do if a BoQ rate is incorrect?

A

If BoQ rate incorrect - should use incorrect rate as per valuation rules
Use similar rate in the BoQ
Could use buildup of star rate

50
Q

What is included in Whole life costings?

A 
Construction costs
Maintenance costs
Operating costs
Occupancy cost
End of life
Plus Income & non construction costs (land & fees)
51
Q

Life cycle costs

A

As above but excl land & fees & income

52
Q

Example of front loading

A

Paint in first val - Front loading

making foundations unrealistically higher than sould be in rates / milestones

53
Q

What issues does over & under valuing works cause

A

Over valuaiton - exposure to client

Under valuation - may prevent contractor fulfilling obligations - must be realistic & reasonable financial assesssment

54
Q

Options for valuation

A

Staged (Milestone)
or
Interim (as per valuation schedule in contract based on % of works compelted on a regular basis (usually monthly)

55
Q

When was the NRM last updated

A

Issued Oct 2021 - came into effect Dec 2021

56
Q

Why do quantities need to measured in a uniform way?

A

To provide a consitent trusted method of measurement across the industry

57
Q

What are the different methods of measurement?

A

IPMS - International Property Measurement Standards (Offices & Resi)

ICMS - International Cost Measurement Standards 2019 2nd Ed (Infrastructure)

RICS Code of Measurement (Offices & Retail)

NRM (ss SSM7)

CESMM - Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement

58
Q

Can tell me what is your understanding of RICS code of Measuring Practice?

A

2015 - precise definitions of calculations of sizes - areas and volumes
And description or spec of land / buildings
Core defintions of GEA / GIA / NIA

59
Q

When would it be used in your day to day employment?

A

If undertaking high level benchmarking across simialar schemes would use GIA

GEA - The area of a building measured externally at each floor level. Town Planning / Building cost estimate for resi properties for insurance purposes / Coucnil tax for houses

GIA - The area of a building measured to internal face of external wall at each floor level.
Used - New homes valuation, ratings on commercial propoerties, building cost estimates.

NIA - Area of building measure to internal face of perimetre walls at each floor level.
Used - Rating for shops, valuation & marketing of shops, offices & businesses.

60
Q

GEA, GIA and NIA how are they each measured?

A

See above

61
Q

What new standards have been introduced (ICMS)?

A

ICMS - Internaltion Cost Management Standards 2019 - Offering global constincey in presenting construvciton and other Life Cycle Costs

62
Q

Will the Employer’s Requirements be available at cost plan stage?

A

RIBA Stage 3 - concept design = cost plan - ERs developed during stage 3

63
Q

Which method of measurement would you consider is the most appropriate for measuring civil engineering works?

A

CESMM - Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement - Ed 4 2012

64
Q

What is the purpose of NRM 3?

A

NRM 3 - Quantification of Maintenance works

65
Q

How do British Standards affect the measurement of construction works?

A

British Standard (BS) are technical specifications or practices that can be used as guidance for the production of a product, carrying out a process or providing a service - as such if change in BS - it may need to be reflected in the way that element is measured and quantified

example?
Part L - consider thermal performance - need to know if using benchmarking may be change

66
Q

How do the Building Regulations affect the measurement of construction works?

A

They identify what types of buildings are exempt (such as temporary buildings).
Requirements for specific aspects of building design and construction - as such any changes may need to be reflected in the measurement of specific packages of work.

example?
- need to know if using benchmarking may be change

67
Q

What is your understanding of the shorter schedule of cost components?

A

Used to assess Compensation Events under NEC - Elements of people, Equipment, Plant and Materials, Subcontractors, charges, manufacture and fabrication, design and insurance. The schedules relate to the rates contained in the Contract Data.

68
Q

What current challenges is Covid and/or Brexit bringing to Quantification & Costing?

A

More work forced online - implications in understanding how software works, calibration of scales, check measures.
How delays and additonal costs associated with Covid are dealt with ?
Fluctuation material rates - historic data not reliable
Risk allowance

69
Q

Give me an example where have undertaken measurement of construction works using a standard method of measurement? Which standard method of measurement did you use?

A 
NRM 2 - Cladding brick panels
Measurement of:
Wall areas over 600mm wide - m2
Wall areas under 600mm wide - lm
Areas to soffits under 600mm wide -lm 
Deduction of openings - doors & windows 
Working around windows & doors, vents - nr
Measurement of heads, jambs, sills, flashing, angles, fire stops, - lm
70
Q

Tell me more about this challenge of the method of measurement of removal of asbestos ducts you refer to in your summary of experience.

A

As part of a client variation I have to undertake quantification and collate costings for asbestos containing ductwork discovered on site.
Upon reviewing the subcontractors measures and prcing I discovered they had measured the ducts twice by applying the measure twice for removal of ducts (incl contents) and disposal of material within ducts.

Due to nature of works not being defined clearly within NRM - I sought market check pricing to determine overall cost which discovered it was in places double measured and costs inflated.

71
Q

Take me through the process of building rates from first principles. How does it work?

A

Understand elements of rates - Labour, plant, materials, subcontract elements plus OH&P

72
Q

Take me through the measurement of foundations for a project such as Barton Court using a standard method of measurement.

A

Foundations at Barton Court - pad and strip
Locating services, Site clearance, removal of obstructions in ground if known, any bulk excavation to get to correct levels.
Excavation of trenches - m3 noting any over 2m deep / in type of soil / water issues
If alongside services - sewer - lm
Blinding in m2 noting thickness
Mesh measured kg/m2 incl type and where bent
No support work needed as mostly within 2m in chalk so solid trenches
All disposal noted to be retained onsite for reuse.
Mass concrete measured in m3 incl spec & stength
Type of finish measured m2
Accessories cast in - HDB - nr

73
Q

Give me an example where you have prepared a pricing document for subcontract works.

A

Prepared the gebrick pricing document for market testing for VE exercise at Barton Court.
Undertook measure of gebrick cladding works
With items for preliminaries / access noted seperately.
Line items for any specific scheudle of rates & OH&P %

74
Q

How did you decide on which pricing document to use?

A 
Differs for different projects - if remeasurement would choose a BoQ, if lump sum may look at an activity schedule or milestone scheudle 
BoQ
Lump Sum
Activity Scheudle
Milestone Schedule
75
Q

Give me an example where you recommended / advised on the use of a particular standard of measurement for a subcontract work package. What did you recommend / advise and why?

A

NRM for Groundworks BoQ prodeuction to ensure consistency of measurement if required post contract for variations

76
Q

Give me an example where you recommended / advised on the use of a particular pricing document. What was the rationale for your recommendation / advice?

A

Milestone Schedule - Groundworks

77
Q

How does a pricing document would help with cost certainty? Explain.

A
  1. Allows for like for like pricing when tendering.
  2. Can cross check rates / prices for the same items/ plug gaps- fair and accurate.
  3. Value extent of works for variations & valuations for payments - assisting transparency & ease of valuing works.
  4. Can also help preparation of cashflows forecasts
78
Q

When would you recommend the use of bills of quantities?

A

If dictated by the type of contract - traditional w quantities or remeasurement.

79
Q

When would you recommend the use of daywork rates as a method of pricing construction works.

A

Remedial, emergency works, unforseen works or no comparative works in BoQs

80
Q

What are the two types of dayworks

A

Prime Cost - Allowance for a material elelemt to change but plant, labour & OHP remain the same
All inclusive rates - Labour, plant, materials plus OH&P

81
Q

What is the OGC ?

A

Office Government Commerce - stages 0-5 similar to RIBA plan of work stages

82
Q

Order of cost estimate

A

High level estimate - cost per m2
RIBA - 0 & 1
2,3,4 cost plans

83
Q

4 primary levels of elements

A 
Group = super / fac works
Elements = upper floors / toxic 
Sub-element = lh coloumn  / contamination
Components = unit of measurement / removal treatment
84
Q

How to value variations

A

Comparable rates
Form a rate on base of contract rate
Quotation
Dayworks

85
Q

When you may used dayworks

A

opening up

emergency

86
Q

Cost data

A

Benchmark
Quotes
Pricing books
Historic data

87
Q

Quantum merrit

A

fair & reasonable

88
Q

head of claims

A

disruption
finance
prolongation
loss of profit

89
Q

Sch 2 quotation

A

JCT detail on how to value a change

90
Q

Review Appendix C in NRM Dec 2021

A

RIBA stages - costs plans at each stage

Appendix A - functional unit

91
Q

Benchmark on NIA

A

In line with NRM - picks up abnormals seperately

92
Q

What are the changes in the new NRM (Dec 2021) ?

A

1) Brought in line with RIBA plan of work stages.
2) Brought in line with ICMS
3) Brought in line with code of measurement

93
Q
  1. What effect do building regulations have on quantification & costings?
A

a. Specification / referral point

b. E.g. BR doc M – standard in sanitaryware for disabled / accessible WCs

94
Q
  1. What impacts has covid had on quantification & costs?
A

a. Lead in / availability / increasing prices / shortages

95
Q
  1. What is Earnt Value Management?
A

a. Process of collection of information – actually achieved vs planned

96
Q
  1. Difference between WLC & LCC?
A 
a Black book on LCC definition:
WLC:
Non construction cotsts - land / fees / financing / tax liabilities
LCC - see below
Income - rent, land sales
Externalities - stats costs
LCC:
Construction costs
Renewal
Operational 
Maintenance
End of life costs

b. The difference between LCC and WLC is that LCC focuses only on the construction, maintenance, operation and disposal of the asset, whereas WLC also includes client and user costs, such as project financing, land, income and external costs.

97
Q
  1. How might you value operational / maintenance costs for LCC / WLC ?
A

a. BCIS / supply chain

RICS APC - ERH (22 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions