Quantification & Costing Flashcards
Are you aware of the ICMS?
Are you aware of the ICMS?
a. International construction measurement standards – Global consistency in presenting construction
costs
b. July 2017 – 1st edition
c. Aim to provide global consistency in classifying, defining, measuring, analysing and presenting costs
d. A cost clarification system
e. First edition focuses on capital costs
f. Future issues may focus on maintenance
g. High level benchmarking and reporting framework for international cost classification, reporting and
comparison
h. What is it trying to solve?
i. Currently a lack of common language and framework
ii. Benchmarking standard
i. What are the benefits? Allows:
i. Construction costs to be consistently and transparently benchmarked
ii. The causes of differences in costs between projects to be identified
iii. More informed decision making about the design and location of construction projects
iv. Data to be used with confidence for construction financing and investment, decision making
and related purposes
What is IPMS?
a. International property measurements standards – driving consistency, improving confidence in global real estate b. Offices: i. Last revision issued November 2014 ii. Compulsory since c. Residential i. Second draft issued in September 2016 d. Retail i. Consultation to begin in 2018 e. Industrial i. Been through 2 consultations, results due soon
4) How does IPMS relate to the old measurement standard?
a. For offices:
i. IPMS1:
1. Generally closest to GEA
2. Key difference is that balconies are included in IPMS but stated separately
ii. IPMS2:
1. Closest to GIA
2. Balconies again stated separately
iii. IPMS3:
1. Closest to NIA
2. Includes areas taken as:
a. Columns
b. Piers
c. Window reveals
d. Lift lobbies
e. Areas of headroom less than 1.5m
3. All the above included but stated separately
5) Can you convert the new into old?
a. On the RICS website there is a converter from IPMS to RICS Code of Measurement Practice 6th
Edition
6) What is NRM?
a. New rules of measurement
b. NRM 1 – Order of cost estimate and cost planning for capital building works
c. NRM 2 – Detailed measurement for building works
d. NRM 3 – order of cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance works
What is the difference between CAT A and CAT B fit out?
a. CAT A:
i. Basic landlord fit out
ii. Socks and MEP
iii. Raised access floor
iv. Suspended ceiling
v. “blank canvas”
b. CAT B:
i. More tenant specific
ii. Partitions and doors
iii. Floor finishes
iv. AV
v. IT
vi. Branding
What is the difference between shell and core and fit out?
b. Shell and core:
i. Landlord and core areas
ii. Structure, roof, receptions etc.
c. Fit out:
i. Resi – within apartments and amenity
d. Contractors split differently into a package by package basis – example is that the drylining contractor
doing the cores will also do the apartment areas
How do you take quantities off a BIM model?
a. Extract quantities in Cost X
b. Can extract quantities using a pre completed template, single click to extract into dimension groups
c. Important to check the extraction – quantities are only as good as the inputs.
d. Sometimes columns for example can be inside of each other – SENSE CHECK
Give an example of a variation.
a. Project in Greenwich:
i. Apartment change due to a single purchaser buying two adjoining apartments
ii. Cost to demolish party wall in places, make good, abortive works, new lining and connect
MEP etc.
iii. £40k uplift as the ceiling had to be removed
iv. In order to value:
1. Measured abortive
2. Measured new
b. Media room on project A:
i. Late addition to the contract
ii. Measured the drawings and priced using contract rates for the works
How do you cost a module?
a. Volumetric:
i. At an early stage, £/sq.ft cost
ii. Similar to as you would a building, start with the frame of the unit
iii. Glulam or CLT beams and columns
iv. Frame £50/sq.ft
v. MEP £32/sq.ft
vi. Fully electrical MEP system
vii. SVP runs outside the unit
Is IPMS mandatory?
a. Yes, when implemented subject to planning conditions and client requirements
Why is the COMP changing?
As property markets become more interconnected, globally, the need for consistence in the standards adopted by professionals becomes even greater. RICS wants to be at the forefront of this evolution to global standards and therefore has updated the COMP to make it relevant across the world.
What are the benefits of having IPSM?
Confidence and Consistency in property measurement.
- Provide a mechanism for benchmarking property measurement information across international markets
- Provide a common and transportable method for property practitioners to use
- Enable international occupiers investors and owners
Cost Models (Order of Cost Estimate)
- Initial estimate as part of feasibility estimate
- Stages 0
- May be no design done, outline brief only
Order of Cost Estimate
This is the determination of possible cost of a building(s) early in design stage in relation to the employer’s fundamental requirements. This takes place prior to preparation of a full set of working drawings or bills of quantities and forms the initial build-up to the cost planning process.
Star Rates / Pro-Rata Rates
Used to price work where the unit rates in the contract cannot fairly represent the work done exactly. Usually, contract unit rates that are similar to the work done are used in negotiations to determine the Star Rate.
E.g. cable originally in a 1m trench, now changed to 2m trench. Can assess the original contract rate and change to increase labour etc.
Why might variations arise?
a. change to spec etc
b. discrepancy between contract documents
c. discrepancy with statutory requirements
d. errors and omissions
e. deficiency in employer’s requirements
What form must architects instructions take?
- They must be in writing
- The QS cannot make additions to the contract sum for AIs that are not written
What about oral instructions?
- The contractor has 7 days to write to the architect asking for the AI to be confirmed
- If the architect does not respond in a further 7 days it is taken as being an AI
Can the contractor object to a variation?
- They can make ‘reasonable’ objections in writing for variations relating to those described in 5.1.2 (working conditions / access / working hours etc)
How soon do they have to comply with an instruction?
Forthwith
What can the architect do if they don’t?
What can the architect do if they don’t?
- He can issue a compliance notice
- If there is still no action by the contractor within 7 days, others can be employed to carry out that work and the additional cost charged to the contractor
What are the valuation rules?
There are three rules for measurable work:
a. If it is of a similar character, quantity and in the same conditions as existing work, then the bill rates should be used
b. If it is of a similar character, but different quantity or conditions, the bill rates should be used as a basis but a fair allowance should be made to take account of the difference
c. If it is not of a similar character, fair rates and prices should be used
What about non-measurable work?
about non-measurable work?
- Should be valued by dayworks
- The prime (actual) cost of all the materials, labour and plant used in carrying out the work, along with the % additions to each category as set out in the contract
- Should be calculated in accordance with the ‘Definition of the Prime Cost of dayworks carried out under Building Contracts’ published by the RICS
What information is necessary to be able to assess dayworks?
a. Vouchers showing the amount of time spent on each activity (dayworks sheets)
b. Names of the workmen
c. Plant used
This information should be given to the architect at the end of the week following that in which the work was carried out for verification
Can the QS alter hours which he considers to be excessive on a dayworks sheet that is authorised by the architect?
No
What would you do if the contractor submitted 10 dayworks sheets to you for payment?
- Verify with the architect that a relevant variations has occurred and is on an AI
- Ensure there is no other contractual method of valuing the variation
- Verify the hours and materials are correct and authorised by the architect
If you and the contractor’s QS could not agree on something how would you resolve it?
- Discuss with partner and client to try and seek a resolution with the contractor
- Your valuation stands for the purposes of payment
- The contractor could take the dispute to adjudication if necessary but should try and resolve so it doesn’t come to this
What is quantum merit?
- Translates as ‘what he deserves’ i.e. fair and reasonable
Give an example of where it might be used
- If the employer and contractor come to a separate agreement on acceleration, the costs of this may be based on a ‘fair and reasonable’ basis
What is measurement?
The transformation of drawn information into descriptions and quantities, undertaken to value, cost and price construction work.
What are the different methods of measurement for a Cost Plan?
- Functional unit
- Floor area
- Elemental
- Approximate quantities
- Bill of quantities
What are the benefits of having a standard method of measurement?
- Provide structure for information
- Defines unit of measurement for different items, e.g. m, m2, m3, t
- Provides rules as to what is included within each item
- Defines terms used to avoid disputes
- Allows familiarity to development so measurement becomes quicker and easier
- Provides clear system of structuring other project information
How is NRM1 structured?
Part 1 - context and definitions
Part 2 - how to prepare an order of cost estimate
Part 3 -how to prepare an elemental cost plan
Part 4 - tabulated rules of measurement for preparing cost plans
What is the GEA as defined in the Code of Measurement Practice and what does it include?
Gross External Area.
GEA is the area of a building measured externally at each floor level.
- Includes footprint of building (perimeter wall thickness, external projections)
- Includes internal balconies, columns, internal walls, lift rooms, horizontal floors below structural/stepped floors regardless of accessibility
- loading bays
- Areas with less headroom than 1.5m
What does GEA as defined in the Code of Measurement Practice exclude?
- External open-sided balconies, covered ways and fire escapes
- Canopies
- Open vehicle parking areas, roof terraces and the like
- Voids over or under structural structural, raked or stepped floors
What is the GIA in Code of Measurement Practice 6th ed. and what does it include?
- areas occupied by internal walls (whether — structural or not) and partitions
- service accommodation such as WCs, showers, changing rooms and the like
columns, piers, whether free standing or projecting inwards from an external wall, —– chimney breasts, lift wells, stairwells etc
lift rooms, plant rooms, tank rooms, fuel stores, whether or not above roof level
open-sided covered areas (should be stated separately)
GIA will exclude:
open balconies
open fire escapes
open-sided covered ways
open vehicle parking areas, terraces and the like
minor canopies
any area with ceiling height of less than 1.5m (except under stairways)
any area under the control of service or other external authorities
Note that the areas excluded from GIA should be calculated and shown separately.
What does GIA in Code of Measurement Practice 6th ed. exclude?
- Perimeter wall thicknesses and external
projections - External open-sided balconies, covered ways
and fire escapes - Canopies
- Voids over or under structural, raked or
stepped floors - Greenhouses, garden stores, fuel stores, and the
like in residential property
What functional unit of measurement would you use for car parks?
Cost/parking space
What unit of measurement would you use for measuring an office?
Cost/m2 of NIA
What unit of measurement may you use for schools?
Cost/pupil
What unit of measurement may you use for hospitals?
Cost/bed space
In the Code of Measurement Practice 6th ed., what is the definition of NIA and what does it include?
Net Internal Area
Kitchens.
Any built in cupboards or units that occupy usable areas.
Perimeter skirting boards, mouldings and trunking.
Open circulation areas such as atria, corridors and entrance halls.
Partition walls and other dividing elements.
What is excluded from NIA as defined in the Code of Measurement Practice 6th ed. ?
- Common areas such as hallways, landings, balconies
- Toilets, changing rooms, cleaners rooms and the like
- Lift rooms, plant rooms, tank rooms (other than
those of a trade process nature), fuel stores, and
the like - Stairwells, Liftwells
- Internal structural walls, walls enclosing excluded areas
- Columns, piers etc
- Area occupied by permanent and continuous air conditioning, heating or cooling apparatus and ducting if it renders the area unusable
- The space occupied by permanent, intermittent
air-conditioning, heating or cooling apparatus
protruding 0.25m or more into the usable area - Area with headroom less than 1.5m
- Areas rendered substantially unusable by vir tue
of having a dimension between opposite faces of
less than 0.25m - Vehicle parking areas
What is the build up to an Elemental Cost Plan recommended in NRM?
0 - Facilitating Works 1 - Substructure 2 - Superstructure 3 - Internal Finishes 4 - FF&E (Fittings, Furnishings and Equipment) 5 - Services 6 - Prefabricated units 7 - Works to existing building 8 - External Works 9 - Main Contractor Prelims 10 - Main Contractor OH&P 11 - Project Design Team Fees 12 - Other development/project costs (e.g. cost to acquire land, planning fees, insurances) 13 - Risk 14 - Inflation
What is IPMS?
International Property Measurement Standards
Property Measurement Standards that supersede NRM. Building function specific.
When was the first IPMS released?
2014 - IPMS: Office Buildings
When was the residential volume of IPMS released?
2016
What is IPMS1?
- The sum of the areas of each floor of a building measured to the outer perimeter of external construction features and reported on a floor by floor basis
- GEA
What is included in IPMS1?
- Basement included. Calculated by taking exterior plane of GF and extending it downwards, or by taking the GIA of the BF and estimating the external perimeter wall thickness
- Balconies, galleries and accessible rooftop terraces are included but should be stated separately
What is excluded in IPMS1?
- Open light wells or upper level voids of atriums
- Open external stairwells that are not an integral part of the structure
- Patios and decks at ground level, car parks, Cooling equipment and refuse areas and other areas that are not fully enclosed are not included but may be stated as a separate measure
What is IPMS2: Office for?
- Measuring the internal area of offices
- Categorising use of space in an office building
What’s the definition of IPMS2: 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 on each floor of the building.
GIA
What is included in IPMS2 Office?
Atria and the like only measured at GF level
- All areas inside internal dominant face including partitions, columns
- Enclosed passageways between two buildings
- Balconies, galleries and accessible rooftop terraces are included but should be stated separately
What is excluded in IPMS2: Office?
- Open light wells or upper level voids of atriums
- Patios and decks at ground level, car parks, Cooling equipment and refuse areas and other areas that are not fully enclosed are not included but may be stated as a separate measure
What is an internal dominant face?
The inside finished surface comprising of 50% or more of the surface area of a vertical section forming an internal perimeter
What happens if there is no internal dominant face?
The measurement is taken to the wall to floor junction excluding skirting etc
What is IPMS3: Office for?
- Measuring the occupation of floor areas for exclusive use
- IPMS3 is not directly related to IPMS1 or 2, nor a component area in IPMS2
What is the definition for IPMS3: Office?
Floor area available on an exclusive basis to an occupier
but excluding shared facilities and shared circulation areas.
Calculated on an occupier-by-occupier or floor-by-floor basis.
What is inclusive of IPMS3: Office?
- All internal walls and columns within tenant area
- Taken to centre line of shared tenant walls
What is excluded from IPMS3: Office?
Standard facilities. These are parts of the building providing shared or common facilities that do not change over time, such as stairs, cleaners cupboards, escalators, plant rooms, fire refuge areas and maintenance rooms.
What are the 8 component areas as defined in IPMS2: Office?
- Workspace
- Hygiene areas
- Circulation areas
- Amenities
- Vertical penetrations
- Structural elements
- Technical services
- Other areas (incl. storage rooms, internal parking, balconies)
What does BIM stand for?
Building Information Modelling
What is BIM?
The process of creating information models containing both graphical and non-graphical information in a Common Data Environment (CDE)
What are the levels of CAD?
Level 0 - Unmanaged CAD
Level 1 - Managed CAD in 2D or 3D
Level 2 - Managed 3D environment with data attached, but separate model for each discipline (architect, structural engineer etc)
Level 3 - Single online project model with construction sequencing, cost and lifecycle management information.
What are the dimensions of BIM?
3D - Graphical and non-graphical information in a CDE
4D - Same as 3D but also includes construction sequencing. Info about lead times etc, ultimately enabling the creation of a more accurate programme
5D - Includes capital cost information
6D - Includes lifecycle cost information
What role would the QS have if 5D BIM was executed in the design phases of a project?
- To check accuracy of information and fill the gaps. Cost info derived from model will only be as accurate as the information provided, which will generally be basic in the earlier design stages
- QS will be able to pick up on costs not shown on construction model such as temporary works.
- Quantities may not be visible on model but derived from it, such as window mouldings.
What are the benefits of level 3 5D BIM for a QS?
- Data can be queried at any time during a project, information is regularly updated. Can create a “Living Cost Plan”. Cost Reports will be more accurate when issued - currently they are historic dating to the last design release.
- 3D visualisation can reduce the risk of missing anything out
What is the purpose of a tender pricing document?
- To enable a like for like comparison between Tender submissions and Cost Plan
- To enable Cost Consultant to understand where value lies within Contract Sum (foundations, M&E etc.)
- To identify significant differences in pricing to ensure design has been interpreted correctly
- Identify areas of saving that may be negotiated with tenderers whilst in competition
- Form the financial basis of Tender Report
What is a Bill of Quantities?
- A document that provides a list of quantities for a project
- Put together by QS
- Quantities taken from drawings and specification in the tender documentation.
- Requires full specification of project
What is the Bill of Quantities for?
For PQS to prepare a pre-tender cost estimate. Quantities are multiplied by rates to give costs.
- To be sent out to Contractors during the tender period for them to price
- Can be used as a schedule of rates to price variations
- Can provide the basis for valuations of interim payments
- Provide the basis for preparation of the Final Account
What is a schedule of works?
- Simply lists work to be carried out. Quality should be defined in specification, size and location defined in drawings.
- Allow for pricing of items, builders work, fixing schedules
Who would produce a schedule of work?
- Produced by designers
Why would a schedule of work be used?
- Used on smaller projects or for alteration works
- Alternative to BoQ
- Sometimes form part of tender documentation/Contract Documents along with BoQ, specification etc
What documents form Tender Documents?
- A letter of invitation to tender
- Form of Tender
- Form of Contract to be used
- Tender Pricing Document
- EIR (Employers Information Requirements) for BIM
- Design drawings, possibly BIM model
- Specification
- Tender return slip
What is a schedule of rates?
A list in a Contract setting out costs for items ranging from labour, plant hire and staff (for cost reimbursable day rates), to rates for an extensive number of items (for Measured Term Contracts).