What is the Code of Measuring Practice update scheduled for?
2026
It aims to standardise reporting and measurement practices.
What does GEA stand for in building measurement?
Gross External Area
It includes areas occupied by internal partitions, columns, stairwells, lift wells, lift rooms, and plant rooms.
What does GIA exclude in its measurements?
- Open balconies
- Fire escapes
- Areas with headroom < 1.5m
- Thickness of walls and canopies
GIA measures the whole area within the external walls.
What is the definition of NIA?
Net Internal Area
It is the usable area measured within external walls, excluding specific structures.
What are the differences between VOA COMP and RICS COMP?
- RICS COMP does not include RCA
- RICS COMP does not exclude under 1.5m on GIA
These differences affect how areas are measured and reported.
What is the purpose of Zoning in valuation analysis?
Method of valuation analysis / ITZA = unit of comparison
VOA adopts categories A, B, C + remainder for analysis.
What are the Common Scales used in measurements?
- Room: 1:50
- Building: 1:100
- Street: 1:1250
- Location: 1:2500
- Road: 1:5000
These scales help standardize measurements across different contexts.
What does IPMS stand for?
International Property Measurement Standards
It is a coalition of global professional organizations, including RICS.
What is the goal of IPMS?
Consistency in property measurement
It promotes greater transparency and easier comparison in property measurements.
What are the three groups into which IPMS is divided?
- IPMS 1 & 2: Measurements for a part or the whole building
- IPMS 3.1 & 3.2: External and internal measurements for exclusive occupation
- IPMS 4.1 & 4.2: Internal measurements for selected areas
Each group serves different measurement needs.
What is the definition of Internal dominant face?
The inside surface that covers 50% from floor to ceiling for each wall section
This definition is crucial for accurate internal measurements.
What does IPMS 1 measure?
Area of a building including external walls
It includes galleries and balconies, which are excluded in GEA.
What does IPMS 2 measure?
Internal area of office measured to the internal dominant face
This measurement is crucial for understanding usable office space.
What does IPMS 3 measure?
Occupation exclusive floor area measured to the internal dominant face
It includes areas with less than 1.5m headroom and columns and pillars.
What are the definitions of Internal Eaves Height and Site Depth?
- Internal Eaves Height: Clear height between floor and lowest point on the underside of the roof
- Site Depth: Measurement from front to rear boundaries
These definitions are important for architectural and planning purposes.
What is the definition of Shop Depth?
Measurement from the notional display window to the rear, including thickness of window
This measurement is essential for retail space planning.
What is the difference between Gross Frontage and Net Frontage?
- Gross Frontage: Overall external measurement of the building on a straight-line basis from the external walls or centre of party wall
- Net Frontage: Overall frontage of the shop line measured between internal face of the external wall
These measurements are critical for property valuation and marketing.
What does Reduced Covered Area (RCA) exclude?
- Overhanging eaves
- Garages
- Conservatories
- Areas under 1.5m
RCA is similar to GEA but with specific exclusions.
What is the definition of Effective Floor Area (EFA)?
Usable area within a property
EFA excludes corridors, cupboards, and bathrooms depending on billing authority.
