Quantification & Costing

Question 1

Why were the NRMs introduced?

Answer 1

To provide common and consistent basis for the production of cost estimates and cost plans, to give clients more confidence around their inclusions

Question 2

What is the structure of the NRM 1?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Why should you use NRM?

Answer 3

• Provide common and consistent basis for the production of cost estimates and cost plans
• provides client with confidence
• 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

Question 4

What is NRM 1?

Answer 4

The RICS New Rules of Measurement 1 is the Order of Cost Estimating and Elemental Cost Planning

Question 5

What is meant by the term GEA?

Answer 5

Gross External Area - area of the building measured externally at every floor level

Question 6

What is meant by the term GIA?

Answer 6

Gross Internal Area - area of the building measured to the internal face of the external wall at each floor

Question 7

What is meant by the term NIA?

Answer 7

Net Internal Area - area of usable space measured to the internal face of the perimeter wall at each floor level

Question 8

Where are all these abbreviations defined?

Answer 8

Code of Measuring Practice published by RICS

Question 9

What is the purpose of the code of measuring practice?

Answer 9

Provides precise definitions to permit the accurate and consistent measurement of buildings

Question 10

What would you expect the percentage of NIA to GIA to be?

Answer 10

In depends on the type of project being undertaken. On the office buildings that I typically work on, I would expect the NIA to GIA to be in the region of 70-85%

Question 11

What do you measure in accordance with?

Answer 11

The method of measurement to be adopted depends on the region, project and client that I am working with. Typically on my projects based in the UK in the buildings sectors, I would measure in accordance with NRM.

Question 12

How do you measure structural steelwork under NRM 2 and what other items would you measure in association?

Answer 12

Measurement for structural steelwork is in section 15
Steelwork members are to be measured in tonnes and itemised according to their respective lengths, weights and type
Columns, beams, rafters, bracing and purlins

Question 13

How do you measure brickwork walls under NRM and what other items would you measure in association?

Answer 13

Masonry is contained in section 14
Brickwork is to be measured in m2 with them being itemised according to wall thickness, type of construction and method of formation
Other items include reinforcement, forming cavities and closing cavities

Question 14

What is the purpose of a BoQ?

Answer 14

• provide the estimator with an accurate picture of the scope of works and to provide a common and consistent basis for pricing
• BoQ also forms the basis of the tender analysis allowing an accurate like for like comparison
• provides the basis for the valuation rules of the contract for valuing variation items
• enables the contract works to be assessed and valued for the purposes of interim payments

Question 15

How would you prepare a BoQ?

Answer 15

• establish when the necessary information will be available and that it is provided in full and final form
• I would then compile all information such as drawings, specifications, schedules and document registers
• check the information is sufficient to produce a BoQ
• discuss with my client the method of measurement to be applied
• break the works down in to appropriate section depending on the size of the project
• commence take off from substructure onwards
• following this, I would carry out regular meetings and review updated drawings to ensure no works have been missed

Question 16

How would you structure a BoQ?

Answer 16

In accordance with the elemental breakdown under NRM 2;
- preliminaries
- facilitating works
- substructure
- superstructure
- internal finishes
- fittings, furniture and equipment
- services
- external works
- provisional sums
- day works

Question 17

How would you describe the preliminaries section in a BoQ?

Answer 17

Prelims details the items of work that are required to enable the construction but are not associated within the permanent measured works items;
- site set up
- management and supervision
- insurances
- task lighting
- protections and temporary hoarding

Question 18

What information is required to measure preliminaries?

Answer 18

• location
• contract duration
• type of project
• size
• temporary works
• security
• methodology
• programme
• services
• employer accommodation
• contractor designed work
• sectional completion
• insurances / bonds

Question 19

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 19

• the works would be valued in accordance with the agreed rate contained within the contract
• if identified within the tender docs prior to the contract being agreed then the rate could be amended in accordance with the tendering rules in place, otherwise both parties would have to stand by the rate

Question 20

How do you evaluate a variation which is based on a BQ item which contains an error?

Answer 20

Assuming the same nature and conditions are applicable, the variation would be based on the BoQ rate within the contract. Unless both parties agreed to amend the rate one that is fair and reasonable

Question 21

Who owns the copyright to a BQ?

Answer 21

The originator owns the copyright. This is generally the QS who provides the client permission to use the document for its intended purpose

Question 22

How would you deal with a situation where it was discovered a part of the a BQ was missing after the MC was on site?

Answer 22

• I would check to see if I were included as part of the tender document and ultimately the contract sum
• if not, then ultimately the responsibility lies 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 the contractor to price the works and advice the employer on the level of costs involved before the instruction is issued

Question 23

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

Answer 23

• an allowance for the cost of the nominated subcontractors work based on a quotation
• an allowance for the contractor to price for attendances such as accommodation, welfare, storage, handling, materials and cleaning
• an allowance for a % addition for any other charged and profit

Question 24

What is a provisional sum?

Answer 24

It is an allowance for works to be carried out where the extent and design of the works are not yet known meaning a cost cannot be established at the time of agreeing the contract sum

Question 25

What is the difference between a defined and undefined provisional sum?

Answer 25

A defined prov sum is one where the works cannot be accurately measured but there is sufficient information about the works to allow for programming, planning and pricing of preliminaries to take place

An undefined prov sum is where there is insufficient information to allow for programming, planning or pricing of preliminaries to take place

Question 26

What is simpsons rule?

Answer 26

A mathematical formula for approximating the area under a curve over a given interval

Question 27

How did you check that the items measured for the BoQ were accurate?

Answer 27

We have an internal Q&A system at Arcadis where upon completion a joint review of the drawing is carried out by my senior colleague to ensure all scope of work items are captured. Junior colleagues assist with undertaking spot checks on the quantities to ensure these are accurate

Question 28

What items would you include for when measuring a basement?

Answer 28

It would depend on the type of basement being constructed, for example a basement with piled walls would include;
- excavation and disposal of topsoil
- continuous piles to walls
- excavation and disposal of risings
- preparation of the excavated surface
- waterproofing
- blinding
- concrete to the based slab and walls
- reinforcement
- form work to the walls
- finishes to the concrete
- internal finishes

Question 29

What would you do if your price a bill and you measured a staircase that did not exist?

Answer 29

I would check the drawings and bill of quants to see if the contractor was correct
I would refer back to the tender drawings to see if there had been a design change
Depending on the form of contract I would measure the section and notify the contractor of the measurement of actual quantities

Question 30

How are obstructions dealt with on site? And in which package do you see them included?

Answer 30

Obstructions are normally really with by a prov sum within the BoQ, due to the undetermined nature of the works.
They would usually be included in the earthworks contractors package, responsible for excavating the foundations

Question 31

How do you measure cut and fill?

Answer 31

I would obtain drawings within existing levels and proposed levels
I would divide the area of excavation into a grid and interpolate the levels on the grid to establish an average existing and proposed level
This would determine which area was in cut and which area was in fill

Question 32

Is the quantity for excavation similar as disposal?

Answer 32

Yes, providing there is no backfilling required and assuming the form of contract and method of measurement does not allow for building, shrinkage or waste of earthworks

Question 33

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

Answer 33

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

Question 34

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

Answer 34

If it can be broken down easily into parts that are in accordance with the methods of measurement, I would use this as the basis for measurement.

Otherwise, I would insert an item with a detailed description to f the works within a section to include a provisional sum

Question 35

How do you deal with ground water under NRM2?

Answer 35

• 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 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 36

What is a preamble?

Answer 36

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

Question 37

What are method related charges?

Answer 37

• One off item related to the method of carrying out the work and does not form part of the permanent works
• Not considered proportional to the item of works to be carried out
• E.g. provision of temporary propping required for a weakened elevation of an existing building

Question 38

What are time related charges?

Answer 38

Works that are considered proportional to time taken to carry out the works, e.g. plant hire

Question 39

What are fixed charges?

Answer 39

Items of work that do not vary with time, e.g. service connection charges