Quantification & Costing (of Construction Works) (Level 3) Flashcards

1
Q

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

A

To provide consistency and greater accuracy of pricing

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2
Q

What are the different methods of measurement?

A

CESMM

NRM

ICMS & International Property Measuring Standards

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3
Q

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

A

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

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4
Q

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

A

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

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5
Q

GEA, GIA and NIA how are they each measured?

A

the Code contains a hierarchy of definitions. The core definitions are:

  • 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
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6
Q

In the document suite the New Rules of Measurement (NRM) what are the key differences between NRM 1 and NRM 2?

A

NRM 1 provides guidance on the quantification of building works for the purpose of preparing cost estimates and cost plans. Cornerstone of good cost management

NRM 2 is written mainly for BoQ’s and quantified schedules of works.

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7
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)

CESMM covers a wide range of civil engineering activities, providing detailed RULES and GUIDELINES for measurement and description.

Class E - Earthworks
Class F - Concrete
Class J - Pipework

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8
Q

What is the purpose of NRM 3?

A

Provides guidance on the quantification and description of maintenance works for the purpose of preparing initial cost order estimates.

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9
Q

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

A

o Space requirements
o Accessibility and inclusivity
o Structural stability
o Fire safety

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10
Q

How do British Standards affect the measurement of construction works?

A

Quality, accuracy and consistrency of measurement and provide

(QAC)

STANDARDISATION OF

  1. measurement methods,
  2. measurement conventions (units, terminology)
  3. and quality assurance/ compliance.
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11
Q

Have you used a method of measurement?

A

I have used CESMM in university when taking off a shaft with connecting drainage and other manholes.

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12
Q

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

A

It is a shorter version of the Schedule of Cost Components (SCC) which is used to define various cost components to be included in a contractor’s prices.

The SSCC is a simplified version of the SCC and is used when a more detailed breakdown of costs is not required. It’s there to provide a streamlined approach to cost management.

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13
Q

What was the last element of work you measured? Can you describe the ‘to-take’ list you used?

A

Various direct delivery works on Forton.

  • Concrete slabs.
  • Drainage and ducting runs.
  • Labour and plant to go with it.
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14
Q

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

A

I would ask the subcontractor for their proposed daywork rates to be entered into the subcontract in the event of a compensation event occurring. I would check that each rate was in line with the latest industry benchmarks.

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15
Q

Why did you choose an activity schedule for the pricing document on Forton? (Also, Level 3)

A

Due to the nature of the contract, an activity schedule provides granular level detail for the activities they are to complete. The work is a critical part of the project and therefore incentivises the subcontractor to achieve activities in order to be paid.

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16
Q

Why did you not choose a bill of quantities?

A

o BoQ are extensive for larger subcontracts.
o Requires more time and effort for all parties.
o More items lead to more errors and disputes, impacting project progress.
o Limited subcontractor flexibility.

17
Q

Which method of measurement did you use for the direct works, and why?

A

It was based on resource based measurement, which the subcontractor provided for initial review against a draft programme.

18
Q

How did you cost the plant and materials for the pump station works?

A

o Sat with the project team to discuss the scope of works.
o Identify durations/ programme and assign to labour and plant requirements.
o Check price with other schemes.
o Input into the forecast.

19
Q

How did you deal with risk in your analysis for comparison with the civil contractor’s quote?

A

I factored in the risks which we were to be exposed too vs letting it on a subcontract. The main one being weather which we factored in a risk amount of 3 additional weeks of prelims to complete the works. This included labour, plant and prelim prolongation.

20
Q

What did you do regarding prelims and other attendances that would be required?

A

Prelims were calculated for the requirements of the works and multiplied by the number of weeks in the programme. This included welfare, generators, water etc.

21
Q

Can you provide an example of advising on the appropriate method measurement?

A

Due to working as a main contractor, my experience with methods of measurement such as NRM and CESMM is limited.

However, I under this competency I have advised on selecting the appropriate pricing documents and agreeing valuations.

22
Q

Can you provide an example of selecting appropriate pricing documents?

A

Forton Electrical Subcontract

Option A over Option B

Not quantifiable enough and requirement for fixed price payment incentive

23
Q

What determines whether an item is 100% complete?

A

o Dependant on what the WI says.
o Fully delivered, installed, tested etc.

24
Q

How was your advice regarding the application against an activity schedule received?

A

Some subcontractors would complain and state that this is not the industry norm and they are suffering cashflow wise. I would work with subcontractors to renegotiate the activity schedule to aid then with cashflow which provided beneficial to the works being complete.

25
Q

How do you deal with accruals on the Option C contract?

A
  • Two sections in the AFP for accruals (Subcontractor accruals and other cost components).
  • Subcontractor accruals are substantiated with applications for payment.
  • Other cost component accruals are derived from the agreed FTC.
  • Costs which we will incur by the time we are paid.
26
Q

How do you deal with elements that are disallowable before you meet the client?

A

o Identify items which are disallowable in accordance with the contract.
o Present the information to the client for discussion.
o Any disagreements are disputed and discussed framework wide.

27
Q

How did you prepare for your negotiation of the final account on Williamsgate?

A

o Familiarised myself with the contract documents.
o Prepared a CE register with all relevant info on each parties’ position.
o Methodology for quantum disputes for discussion.
o Anticipated further contractual disagreements.

28
Q

How much of the final account had been agreed prior to the meeting?

A

o 10/80 CE’s were not agreed.
o Combination of quantum and principal disputes.
o Both parties clearly defined their position and negotiated fairly such that the account was finalised in a spirit of mutual trust and cooperation.

29
Q

What are the three NRM documents?

A

NRM 1 is Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building works
NRM 2 is Detailed measurement of building works
NRM 3 is Order of cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance works

30
Q

What is the structure of NRM 1?

A
  1. General introduction
  2. Measurement rules for order of cost estimating
  3. Measurement rules for cost planning
  4. Tabulated rules of measurement for elemental cost planning
  5. Appendices
31
Q

What is SPONS and its content?

A

It is a series of cost guides that help you calculate and check the cost of projects.

It content is:

  1. Material costs
  2. Labour costs
  3. Plant and Equipment costs
  4. Overheads and profits
32
Q

What is the structure of NRM 2?

A
  1. General introduction
  2. Detailed measurement of building works
  3. Rules of measurement for building works
  4. Appendices
33
Q

What is an order of cost estimate?

A

An estimate based on benchmark data for a similar type of project based on the clients brief.

34
Q

What is a cost plan?

A

An estimate based on a specific design.

35
Q

What different classes are covered in CESMM 4?

A

The ones relevant to me are:

A = General Items
E = Earthworks
F = In Situ Concrete
P = Roads and Paving

36
Q

What is the BCIS?

A

A service provided by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) that offers cost data, analysis, and benchmarking tools for the construction industry.

37
Q

When would you use SPONS over the BCIS?

A

SPONS for detailed cost information with extensive breakdowns.

BCIS for broader cost benchmarking and early stage cost planning.

38
Q

How is Risk defined under NRM?

A

Design development risk
Construction risk
Employer change risk
Employer other risk

39
Q

Can you revise an activity schedule under and NEC Option A?

A

Yes under 54.2 only if activities no longer align with the Accepted Programme