Quantification & Costing (of Construction Works) - Level 1 Flashcards
Why do quantities need to measure in a uniform way?
There are mainly two important purposes of using standard units, they are: To measure the quantities accurately. To convey the measurements to other people so that they understand those measurements accurately and follow the same further.
What are the different methods?
- NRM1: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building works - The use of NRM1 ensures accuracy and transparency in the cost-planning process, as it provides a clear and comprehensive framework for measuring and pricing construction works.
- NRM2: Detailed measurement for building works (replacing the Standard Method of Measurement, seventh edition SMM7) – NRM2 provides a set of detailed measurement rules for the preparation of bills of quantities or schedules of rates for the purpose of obtaining a tender price.
- NRM 3 Order of cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance work - is intended to provide a consistent method for the quantification and description of maintenance works.
Can tell me what is your understanding of RICS code of Measuring Practice?
The purpose of the Code is to provide succinct, precise definitions to permit the accurate measurement of buildings and land, the calculation of the sizes (areas and volumes) and the description or specification of land and buildings on a common and consistent basis. This may be required for valuation, management, conveyancing, planning, taxation, sale, letting, or acquisition purposes.
When would it be used in your day-to-day employment?
When undertaking standard measurement practices such as take offs on site and from design drawings.
GEA, GIA and NIA how are they each measured?
- Gross External Area is the area of a building measured externally at each floor level.
- Gross Internal Area is the area of a building measured to the internal face of the perimeter walls at each floor level.
- Net Internal Area is the usable area within a building measured to the internal face of the perimeter walls at each floor level.
What new standards have been introduced (ICMS)?
International Cost Management Standard (ICMS) (2021) provides a high-level structure and format for classifying, defining, measuring, recording, analysing and presenting life cycle costs and carbon emissions associated with construction projects and constructed assets.
Will the Employer’s Requirements be available at cost plan stage?
This depends on what stage they are issued, where the employers requirements might be issued as part of the project brief or at the end of Stage 3 or during Stage 4 where they become more detailed.
Which method of measurement would you consider is the most appropriate for measuring civil engineering works?
The Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement - CESMM has been well-established for 15 years as the standard for the preparation of bills of quantities in civil engineering work.
In the document suite the New Rules of Measurement (NRM) what are the key differences between NRM 1 and NRM 2?
- NRM1: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building works - The use of NRM1 ensures accuracy and transparency in the cost-planning process, as it provides a clear and comprehensive framework for measuring and pricing construction works.
- NRM2: Detailed measurement for building works (replacing the Standard Method of Measurement, seventh edition SMM7) – NRM2 provides a set of detailed measurement rules for the preparation of bills of quantities or schedules of rates for the purpose of obtaining a tender price.
What is the purpose of NRM 3?
NRM 3 Order of cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance work - is intended to provide a consistent method for the quantification and description of maintenance works.
How do British Standards affect the measurement of construction works?
British Standard (BS) publications 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. They are therefore used as a reference for when designs are undertaken, where measurements can be affected depending on the technical specification of that British Standard.
How do the Building Regulations affect the measurement of construction works?
- Building regulations signpost the structural integrity, safety, and sustainability of the environments we create.
- Building regulations are the legal standards developed by the UK government to ensure that all buildings meet the necessary criteria around health, safety, welfare and convenience.
- To ensure that these criteria are met, the Building Regulations have guidance on measurements for certain aspects of a building such as door widths and corridor widths.
What is your understanding of the shorter schedule of cost components?
There are two versions of the cost components, the “Schedule of Cost Components” and the “Short Schedule of Cost Components”:
- The short schedule as the name suggests is shorter as it is used only to assess compensation events.
- The full “Schedule of Cost Components” is used to form the basis of each application as well as any compensation events.
For either schedule, an amount can only be included if it is incurred in order to provide the works and can only be claimed in one cost component (not in multiple).
In your summary of experience, you have mentioned “SSM7”. What is this about? Explain.
Its purpose is to establish a standardized set of rules for measurement, promoting consistency, accuracy, and fairness in cost estimation, tendering, project management, and procurement.
SMM7 was replaced by the New Rules of Measurement volume 2 (NRM2) which was published in April 2012 by the RICS Quantity Surveying and Construction Professional Group and became operative on 1 January 2013. SMM7 should not be adopted on projects after July 2013.
