Measurement

Question 1

What is the definition of net internal area?

Answer 1

NIA is the useable area within a building measured to the internal face of the perimeter walls at each floor level.

Question 2

What areas are excluded from NIA?

Answer 2

• WCs
• Plant and lift rooms
• Cleaner’s cupboards
• Service risers and meter cupboards
• Continuous heating units
• Areas with head height < 1.5m
• Areas of unusable space <0.25m

Question 3

What is the definition of Gross Internal Area?

Answer 3

GIA is the area of a building measured to the internal face of the perimeter walls at each floor level.

Question 4

What RICS guidance is available for measurement?

Answer 4

RICS Code of Measuring Practice 6th Edition
- Published May 2015
- Effective May 2015
- Guidance Note

RICS Property Measurement 2nd Edition
- Published January 2018
- Effective May 2018
- Professional Statement

Question 5

What is internal dominant face?

Answer 5

Internal finished surface comprising 50% or more of the surface area for each vertical section

Question 6

What are the differences between NIA and IPMS?

Answer 6

• IPMS measurements taken to internal dominant face
• IPMS Includes columns
• IPMS Multi let offices will include half of the internal dividing wall measured as limited use area

Question 7

What are the parameters provided by RICS when evaluating the level of accuracy that could be expected from a measured survey?

Answer 7

Contained in RICS Property Measurement 2nd edition

1. What is the purpose of the measurement exercise?
2. What are the client’s requirements and expectations in terms of accuracy and confidence in measurement?
3. What are the building or site conditions at the time of survey that would influence how measurements are undertaken?
4. What are the time/cost elements involved in the measurement and reporting?
5. What would be the ramifications if the level of accuracy is deemed insufficient for the purpose?