Quantitifcation & Costing Of Construction Works Flashcards
Why were the New Rules of Measurement introduced?
- The previous Standard Method of Measurement (SMM7) was purely designed for the production of bill of quantities for tender purposes.
- This resulted in a lack of guidance and uniformity around preparing cost estimates and cost plans when using SMM7.
- The NRM was introduced to provide a common and consistent basis for the production of order of cost estimates and cost plans and to give Employers more confidence around their inclusions.
What is the structure of the NRM 1?
The key sections of NRM1 are:
o Part1: General introduction explaining the document’s purpose and how it should be used.
o Part2: Measurement rules for the production of order of cost estimates.
o Part3: Measurement rules for the production of elemental cost plans.
o Part4: Tabulated rules of measurement for elemental cost planning.
o Appendices: With references to the definitions for GIA, functional units, NIA, elemental breakdowns, templates and general information required for cost plan production.
Why should you use the New Rules of Measurement?
- The NRM provides a common and consistent basis for the production of order of cost estimates and cost plans.
- This provides added confidence to Employers.
- In the event that a QS or firm is pursued for negligence, the use of NRM would provide a means of defence 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.
What is the NRM 1?
- The RICS New Rules of Measurement 1 is the Order of Cost Estimating and Elemental Cost Planning.
- This provides a structured basis for measuring building works and for the production of Cost Estimates and Cost Plans.
What is meant by the abbreviation GEA?
- Gross External Area.
- This is the area of the building measured externally at each floor level.
What is meant by the abbreviation GIA?
- Gross Internal Area.
- This is the area of the building measured to the internal face of the perimeter wall at each floor level.
- The GIA excludes external open sided balconies, fire escapes, canopies, external walls and fuel stores.
What is meant by the abbreviation NIA?
- Net Internal Area.
- This is the area of usable space measured to the internal face of the perimeter wall at each floor level.
- The NIA excludes internal structural walls and columns, spaces with headroom less than 1.5m, permanent lift lobbies, toilets, cleaners’ cupboards and plant rooms.
Where are all of these abbreviations defined?
The Code of Measuring Practice published by the RICS.
What is the purpose of the Code of Measuring Practice?
The Code of Measuring Practice provides precise definitions to permit the accurate and consistent measurement of buildings.
What would you expect the percentage of NIA to GIA to be?
- The percentage would depends on the type of project being undertaken for example whether this was a school, hospital or office.
- In the case of an office building, I would expect the NIA to GIA percentage to be in the region of 70- 85%.
- Where 70% is considered as relatively inefficient, a percentage of 85% is extremely efficient.
What do you measure in accordance with?
- The method of measurement to be adopted depends on the region, project and client that I am working with, for example in the United Kingdom in the Building sector, typically the New Rules of Measurement would apply.
- However if working on Rail or Civils projects it is more common practice for the Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement to be adopted.
How do you measure structural steelwork under NRM 2?
- Lengths
- Weights
- Type
What ‘other items’ would you also need to measure for structural steelwork under NRM 2?
- Other items to measure in association with steelwork include framing erection, permanent formwork, cold rolled purlins and cladding rails, isolated structural member, filing hollow sections, surface preparation, surface treatment and localised protective coatings.
Structural Steelwork under NRM 2 - Measurement details: Length?
Lengths not exceeding 1.00m.
Lengths over 1.00m but not exceeding 9.00m. Lengths exceeding 9.00m.
Structural Steelwork under NRM 2 - Measurement details: Weights?
Weight not exceeding 25kg/m.
Weight between 25-50kg/m.
Weight between 50-100kg/m.
Structural Steelwork under NRM 2 - Measurement details: Type?
Columns.
Beams.
Rafters.
Bracing.
Purlins and cladding rails.
How do you measure brickwork walls under NRM?
- The measurement rules for Masonry are contained within section 14.
- Masonry walls are to be measured in m2 with them being itemised according to wall thickness, type of construction and method of formation
What ‘other items’ would you measure in association with a brickwork wall under NRM?
o Chimneystacks.
o Arches.
o Brick reinforcement.
o Forming cavities.
o Closing cavities.