Quantification and Costing

Question 1

What is measurement?

Answer 1

The transformation of drawn information into descriptions and quantities, undertaken to value, cost and price construction work.

Question 2

What are the different methods of measurement for a Cost Plan?

Answer 2

• Floor area
• Elemental
• Approximate quantities
• Bill of quantities

Question 3

What is the most commonly used standard of measurement?

Answer 3

NRM, IPMS.

Question 4

What are the benefits of having a standard method of measurement?

Answer 4

• Provide structure for information
• Defines unit of measurement for different items, e.g. m, m2, m3, t
• Provides rules as to what is included within each item
• Defines terms used to avoid disputes
• Allows familiarity to development so measurement becomes quicker and easier
• Provides clear system of structuring other project information

Question 5

What is NRM1?

Answer 5

NRM1: Order of Cost Estimating and Cost Planning for Capital Building Works

NRM1 is a best practice guidance note offering guidance on the preparation of:

• Order of cost estimates
• Elemental cost models
• Cost plans
• Cost analyses
• Benchmark analyses
• Capturing historical cost data for order of cost estimates and elemental cost plans
• How to describe quantifying non-measurable items such as prelims, OH&P, fees, risk, inflation

Question 6

What is NRM2?

Answer 6

NRM2: Detailed measurement for building works

NRM2 provides a set of detailed measurement rules for preparing a BoQ or schedules of rates for the purpose of obtaining a tender price.

It also deals with quantification of non-measurable work items, Contractor designed works and risks.

NRM2 also offers guidance on the content, structure and format of bills of quantities.

Question 7

What is the RICS Code of Measurement Practice?

Answer 7

A guidance note that provides precise definitions to permit accurate measurement of buildings and land, the calculation of sizes, and description or specification of land and buildings on a common and consistent basis.

GEA, GIA, NIA, NSA

Question 8

What unit of measurement would you use for measuring an office?

Answer 8

Cost/m2 of NIA

Question 9

What is the build up to an Elemental Cost Plan recommended in NRM?

Answer 9

0 - Facilitating Works
1 - Substructure
2 - Superstructure
3 - Internal Finishes
4 - FF&E (Fittings, Furnishings and Equipment)
5 - Services
6 - Prefabricated units
7 - Works to existing building
8 - External Works
9 - Main Contractor Prelims
10 - Main Contractor OH&P
11 - Project Design Team Fees
12 - Other development/project costs (e.g. cost to acquire land, planning fees, insurances)
13 - Risk
14 - Inflation

Question 10

What is IPMS?

Answer 10

International Property Measurement Standards

Property Measurement Standards that supersede NRM. Building function specific.

Question 11

When was the first IPMS released?

Answer 11

2014 - IPMS: Office Buildings

Question 12

When was the residential volume of IPMS released?

Answer 12

2016

Question 13

What is BIM?

Answer 13

The process of creating information models containing both graphical and non-graphical information in a Common Data Environment (CDE)

Question 14

What are the levels of CAD?

Answer 14

Level 0 - Unmanaged CAD

Level 1 - Managed CAD in 2D or 3D

Level 2 - Managed 3D environment with data attached, but separate model for each discipline (architect, structural engineer etc)

Level 3 - Single online project model with construction sequencing, cost and lifecycle management information.

Question 15

What are the dimensions of BIM?

Answer 15

3D - Graphical and non-graphical information in a CDE

4D - Same as 3D but also includes construction sequencing. Info about lead times etc, ultimately enabling the creation of a more accurate programme

5D - Includes capital cost information

6D - Includes lifecycle cost information