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RICS APC > QUANTITIFCATION & COSTING OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS > Flashcards

QUANTITIFCATION & COSTING OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS Flashcards

1
Q

Why were the New Rules of Measurement introduced?

A
  • SMM7 was designed for the production of bill of quantities for tender purposes.
  • NRM was introduced to provide a common and consistent basis for the production of order of cost estimates and cost plans.
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2
Q

What is the structure of the NRM 1?

A

The key sections of NRM1 are:
* Part 1: General introduction explaining the purpose of the document and how it should be used.
* Part 2: Measurement rules for the production of order of cost estimates.
* Part 3: Measurement rules for the production of elemental cost plans.
* Part 4: Tabulated rules of measurement for elemental cost planning.
* Appendices: With references to the definitions for GIA, functional units, NIA, elemental breakdowns, templates and general information required for cost plan production.

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3
Q

Why should you use the New Rules of Measurement?

A
  • The NRM provides a common and consistent basis for the production of order of cost estimates and cost plans.
  • 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.
  • Colleagues can pick up an estimate and understand the basis of calculations.
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4
Q

What are the NRM 1?

A
  • 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.
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5
Q

What is meant by the abbreviation GEA?

A
  • Gross External Area.
  • This is the area of the building measured externally at each floor level.
  • Used in town planning and residential insurance
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6
Q

What is meant by the abbreviation GIA?

A
  • 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.
  • Used for building cost estimation
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7
Q

What is meant by the abbreviation NIA?

A
  • 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.
  • Used for estate agency and valuation calculations for offices and the like.
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7
Q

Where are all of these abbreviations defined?

A
  • The RICS Code of Measuring Practice (6th Edition) 2015.

(To be superseded by IPMS all buildings)

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8
Q

What is the purpose of the Code of Measuring Practice?

A
  • The Code of Measuring Practice provides precise definitions to permit the accurate and consistent measurement of buildings.
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8
Q

What would you expect the percentage of NIA to GIA to be?

A
  • The percentage would depend 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.
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8
Q

What do you measure in accordance with?

A
  • Typically the New Rules Measurement, but understand this depends on region/discipline
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8
Q

What is the purpose of a BoQ?

A
  • Provide a contractor with an accurate picture of the scope of works.
  • Provide a common and consistent basis for pricing.
  • Form basis of tender analysis.
  • Provide basis for valuations and change control.
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8
Q

How would you prepare a BoQ?

A
  • I would obtain the complete design information including drawings, spec, schedules etc.
  • I would agree with the client the method of measurement to be adopted.
  • Prior to commencement of measurement and taking off quantities, I would consider the size of the Project and break the works down into sections and areas for example:-
    o Substructure.
    o Superstructure.
    o External Works.
  • I would then commence take-off & work in a logical sequence following NRM
  • Once measuring is complete I would look to address the general items section & any preambles.
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9
Q

How would you structure a BoQ?

A

In accordance with an elemental breakdown structure under NRM 2, I would include the following
sections:
* Preliminaries (Main Contract).
* Facilitating Works.
* Substructure.
* Superstructure.
* Internal Finishes.
* Fittings, Furnishings and Equipment.
* Services.
* External Works.
* Provisional Sums.
* Dayworks.

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9
Q

How would you describe the preliminaries section in a Bill of Quantities?

A

The preliminaries detail items of work that are required to enable the construction but are not associated within the permanent measured works items, such as:-
* Site setup.
* Management & supervision.
* Insurances for the project.
* Task Lighting.
* Protections and temporary barriers.

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10
Q

What information is required to measure preliminaries?

A
  • Contract duration.
  • Location.
  • Type of project (New Build vs. Refurb).
  • The size of the project.
  • Temporary works.
  • Security.
  • Methodology.
  • Programme.
  • Services.
  • Employers accommodation.
  • Contractor designed work.
  • Sectional completion.
  • Insurances / Bonds.
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11
Q

If it was found that a Bill rate was blatantly wrong for example £100 was included as a rate instead of £1, how would this be resolved?

A
  • The works would be valued in accordance with the agreed rate contained within the contract.
  • If identified within the tender documents prior to the contract being agreed then the rate could be amended in accordance with the Tendering rules in place, but otherwise both parties would have to stand by the rate.
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12
Q

How do you evaluate a variation which is based on a BQ item which contains an error?

A
  • Assuming the same nature & conditions are applicable, the variation would be based on the BoQ rate within the contract.
  • Unless both parties agreed to amend the rate to one that is fair and reasonable.
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13
Q

Who owns the copyright to a BQ?

A
  • The originator owns the copyright.
  • This is the QS generally who provides the client permission to use the document for its intended
    purpose.
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14
Q

How would you deal with a situation where it was discovered a part of a BQ was missing after the Main Contractor was on site?

A
  • If part of the BQ was missing then I would check to see if it were included as part of the tender
    documents & ultimately the contract sum.
  • If not then the ultimate responsibility would lie with the Employer.
  • Providing the works were still required by the Employer they would be treated as a variation to the
    contract.
  • I would request that the contractor price the works & advise the Employer on the level of costs
    involved before the instruction is issued.
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15
Q

What would you include within the BoQ where works are to be carried out by Nominated Subcontractor?

A

A prime cost sum would be incorporated including:
* An allowance for the cost of the Nominated Subcontractors work (based on the quotation).
* An allowance for the contractor to price for attendances such as accommodation, welfare,
storage, handling, materials & cleaning.
* An allowance for a percentage addition for any other charges & profit.

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16
Q

What is a Provisional Sum?

A
  • A Provisional Sum is an allowance included within the BQ for works to be carried out where the extent and design of the work is not yet know meaning the cost cannot be established at the time of agreeing the contract sum.
  • This could include works by a nominated subcontractor or supplier, or a statutory authority.
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17
Q

What is the difference between defined and undefined provisional sums?

A
  • A defined provisional sum is one that relates to works that cannot be accurately measured, but there is sufficient information about the works including their nature, method, location, quantity, limitations to allow planning, programming & pricing of preliminaries to take place. The contractor would therefore only be entitled to claim for any increase in the cost of the physical works.
  • Where there is insufficient information, the works are classed under an undefined provisional sum
    entitling the contractor to costs for prelims and an extension to the programme.
18
Q

How would you undertake an audit on a cost reimbursable contract?

A
  • Upon submission of the application by the contractor I would ensure this is provided in the agreed
    format & detail.
  • I would review all the costs incurred to date in respect of Labour Plant & Materials, Staff & OH&P.
  • I would carry out an audit of the information & reconcile this against the fee schedules & rates within the contract.
  • I would check timesheets, staff grades & rates, project codes, payroll burden, invoices, subcontract
    accounts, applications & payments, materials invoices, dates, rates, quants, delivery tickets etc.
  • This would be compared against the contract rates to enable any adjustments that may be needed.
19
Q

How did you check that the items measured for the BoQ were accurate?

A
  • We have an internal peer review system where upon completion, a joint review of the drawings is
    carried out by my senior colleagues to ensure all scope of work items are captured.
  • Junior colleagues assist with undertaking spot checks on the quantities to ensure these are accurate.
20
Q

What items would you include for when measuring for example a basement?

A
  • It would depend on how the basement would be constructed.
  • When measuring a basement with piled walls and assuming the site was clear I would measure:
    o Excavation & dispose of topsoil.
    o Continuous piles to walls including the piling rig, hard standing piling mat, testing, cutting &
    prep heads.
    o Excavation & disposal of arisings.
    o Preparation of the excavated surface.
    o Waterproofing.
    o Blinding.
    o Concrete to the basement slab & walls.
    o Reinforcement.
    o Formwork to walls.
    o Finishes to concrete.
    o Internal finishes.
21
Q

What would you do if you produced a bill and you measured a staircase that did not exist?

A
  • I would check the drawings and bills of quantities to see if the contractor was correct.
  • I would refer back to the Tender Drawings to see if there had been a design change.
  • Depending on the form of contract, I would remeasure the section and notify the Contractor of the
    remeasurement of actual quantities.
22
Q

How are obstructions dealt with on site? And in which package do you see them included?

A
  • Obstructions are normally dealt with by a Provisional Sum within the Bill of Quants, due to the
    undetermined nature of the works.
  • They would usually be included in the earthwork’s contractors’ package, responsible for excavating the foundations.
23
Q

How do you measure cut and fill?

A
  • I would obtain drawings with existing levels & proposed levels.
  • I would divide the area of excavation into a grid & interpolate the levels on the grid to establish an
    average existing & proposed level.
  • This would determine which area was in cut and which area was in fill.
24
Q

Is the quantity for excavation similar as disposal?

A
  • Yes providing there is no backfilling required and assuming the form of contract and method of
    measurement does not allow for bulking, shrinkage or waste of earthworks.
25
Q

How would your approach to measurement change if you worked in Dubai

A
  • I would need to measure in accordance with the method of measurement appropriate for that country.
26
Q

How do you measure something unique for example a statue of the client?

A
  • If it could be broken down easily into the parts that are in accordance with the method of
    measurement, I would use this as the basis for measurement.
  • Otherwise I would have to insert an item with a detailed description of the works with a section to
    include a Provisional Sum.
27
Q

How do you deal with ground water under NRM2?

A
  • Ground water is measured under Section 5 for Excavating and Filling.
  • It is measured on an itemised basis with the original below ground level being stated and reference to whether the water is polluted.
  • If the post contract water level differs from the pre-contract level the measurements must be taken and revised accordingly.
  • The method and place of discharge is left to the discretion of the contractor unless stated otherwise.
28
Q

What is a Preamble?

A
  • A preamble is an explanation of a document that is commonly found in contracts, specifications and bills of quantities.
  • It can help with the interpretation of the document.
  • It includes a description of the parties to the contract.
  • The background to the document.
  • Measurement procedures that have been adopted.
29
Q

What are method related charges?

A
  • A method related charge is a one-off item related to the method of carrying out the work and does not form part of the permanent works.
  • They are not considered proportional to the item of works to be carried out.
  • For example provision of temporary propping required for a weakened elevation of an existing
    building.
30
Q

What are time related charges?

A
  • Time related charges are method related charges that are considered proportional to time taken to carry out the works for example plant hire.
31
Q

What are fixed charges?

A
  • Fixed charges are method related charges that do not vary with time for example Service Connection Charges.
32
Q

What sources of pricing data are you aware of?

A
33
Q

What are the advantages of pricing books?

A
34
Q

What are the advantages of in-house cost data?

A
35
Q

What are the disadvantages of pricing books?

A
36
Q

What are the disadvantages of in-house cost data?

A
37
Q

What are the various types of pricing documents used at tender stage?

A
38
Q

When would you use a BOQ?

A
39
Q

When would you use a priced activity schedule under NEC?

A
40
Q

When would you use a CSA?

A
41
Q

What is the BCIS?

A
42
Q

How would you utilise the BCIS to adjust cost data for inflation?

A
43
Q

How would you utilise the BCIS to adjust cost data for location?

A
44
Q

What method of measurement would you use to prepare an Order of Cost Estimate?

A
45
Q

What method of measurement would you use to prepare an Cost Plan?

A
46
Q

What is a pre-tender estimate?

A
47
Q

How would you used a priced activity schedule to asses a contractors payment application?

A
48
Q

What are the compensation event procedures?

A
49
Q

When would you adopt the cost per m2 method when preparing an order of cost estimate?

A
50
Q

When would you adopt the cost per functional unit method when preparing an order of cost estimate?

A
51
Q

When would you adopt the elemental method when preparing an order of cost estimate?

A

RICS APC (14 decks)

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