Quantification & Costing (Level 1/2/3)

Question 1

Why do quantities need to be measured in a uniform way?

Answer 1

Consistency
Comparability
Accuracy
Compliance with regulatory requirements

Question 2

What are the different method of measurement?

Answer 2

Standard Method of Measurement (SMM)
New Rules of Measurement (NRM)
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM)

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Provides guidance and standards for the measurement of buildings and land, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and transparency in measurement practices within the property and construction industry.

Question 4

When would the RICS code of Measuring Practice be used in your day-to-day employment?

Answer 4

When quantifying materials for new orders on construction projects, for example measuring the amount of fill required for trenches.

Question 5

GEA, GIA and NIA how are they each measured?

Answer 5

GEA (Gross External Area) - area of a building measured externally at each floor level
GIA (Gross Internal Area) - area of a building measured to the internal face of the perimeter walls at each floor level
NIA (Net Internal Area) - usable area within a building measured to the internal face of the perimeter walls at each floor level

Question 6

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

Answer 6

CESMM (Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement)

CESMM provides detailed rules and guidelines for measurement of civil engineering projects

Question 7

Why was NRM introduced?

Answer 7

Replaced SMM7 and introduced to provide a common and consistent basis for the production of cost plans to ensure greater confidence

Question 8

RICS Measurement Documents?

Answer 8

NRM 1 - Order of cost estimating and planning
NRM 2 - Detailed measurement for building works
NRM3 - Life Cycle Costing
ICMS - Sets out the measurement hierarchy

Question 9

How do British Standards affect the measurement of construction works?

Answer 9

They provide standardisation of:
- Measurement methods
- Measurement units, terminology
- Quality assurance/ compliance

Question 10

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

Answer 10

Building regulations affect measurement of construction works in several ways:
- Space requirements
- Accessibility and inclusivity
- Structural stability
- Fire safety

Question 11

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

Answer 11

It is a shorter version of the Schedule of Cost Components (SCC) which is used in options A and B and only to assess compensation events.

Question 12

How do you cost works?

Answer 12

When required to cost works, whether that’s a CE or for the FTC, I use a variety of methods:
- CESMM
- Historic Prices
- Subcontract Prices
- In house cost databases
- Price books (CECA)

Question 13

Prupose of a BoQ?

Answer 13

Provides an accurate picture of the scope of works
Provides a common/consistent ground for pricing
Enables easy/accurate tender comparison
Enables contract works to be valued and interim payments to be made

Question 14

Example of a BoQ I have prepared?

Answer 14

Oswestry WTW - Surfacing package
I met with design team to ensure all information was available
Worked with the engineers to understand required quantities
Produced a BoQ based off Design and Required quantities

Question 15

What is Value Engineering?
What is Value Management?

Answer 15

VE - Identifying areas where cost savings can be made, without compromising on the overall quality
VM - Similar to VE, however in the pre-construction therefore aims at reducing the need for VE

Question 16

What is classed as Prelims?

Answer 16

Site Set Up
Management & Supervision
Insurances
Task Lighting
Protection & Temporary Barriers

Question 17

How did you determine appropriate daywork rates for inclusion in the sub-contracts you have procured?

Answer 17

When procuring Subcontractor packages, I ask them to complete Contract Data Pt 2 and provide a Schedule of rates. I check each rate is inline with the industry benchmarks

Question 18

Oswestry WTW Project - What method of measurement did you use in compiling the bill of quantities?

Answer 18

I used CESMM, and accounted for:
- Subbase
- Base Course
- Binder Course
- Surface Course
- Wearing Course

Question 19

Oswestry WTW Project - Why did you use a bill of quantities (Option B)?

Answer 19

Quantities were hard to define
Allowed for greater flexibility
Enabled less risk to be built into the price
Agreed set of rates, less chance of disputes
Satisfied both parties

Question 20

Oswestry WTW Project - How did you deal with the sub-contractor prelims in the pricing document?

Answer 20

The Subcontractor provided a weekly prelim rate, which was paid in accordance with their programme

Question 21

Can you provide an example of costing of works using quotations or day works?

Answer 21

I have costed a CE to the client which included a Subcontractor quotation and the relevant subcontractor fee percentage

Question 22

Oswestry Project - Can you give an example of disallowed cost that you have agreed with the Employer?

Answer 22

Within our Contracts, there is amendments to the standard NEC3 which states the following are Disallowed Costs:
- Admin Personnel (HR, Directors, Accounts, etc)
- Hand tools (Drills/Saws/etc)

Question 23

Oswestry Project - Can you give an example of disallowed cost that you have not agreed with the Employer and how you resolved the difference?

Answer 23

Yes, one example was:
Under the NEC, a Cost can be disallowed because the Contractor did not follow a procurement procedure.
We are required to submit the name of each proposed Subcontractor to the Client for acceptance under Clause 26.
The Client disallowed costs of a subcontractor one month, stating the name had not been submitted for acceptance.
However, this was a misunderstanding, as I didn’t have CEMAR access to begin with, the name was submitted via email to the Employer, accepted, but not followed up on CEMAR.
I resolved it, by providing the evidence and uploading it to CEMAR. The cost was then allowed

Question 24

Flying Start Project - What did you do if the sub-contractor was not available for the site walk?

Answer 24

Each month I provided a number of days and times, therefore it was very rare for a subcontractor not to be available for a site walk.
On the rare occasion they weren’t, I ensured I took photo evidence to support my assessment

Question 25

How does the sub-contracts being lump sum minimise any confusion and disputes relating to what was due for payment?

Answer 25

Because an activity can only be paid once complete, there is no mechanism for part payment under the NEC. As such, following a site visit, we can discuss the works in conjunction with the activity schedule and agree what items have been completed.

Question 26

Can you provide an example of selecting appropriate pricing documents?

Answer 26

Oswestry - Surfacing - BOQ over Activity Schedule:
- Quantities were hard to define
- Allowed for greater flexibility
- Enabled less risk to be built into the price
- Agreed set of rates, less chance of disputes
- Satisfied both parties

Question 27

What is IPMS?

Answer 27

International Property Measurement Standards
Sets outdefinitions of measurement and the principles of what should or shouldn’t be included within a measure
Most recent publish 2023