17. QC Flashcards
(31 cards)
What is IPMS?
International Property Measurement Standards
What are preliminaries?
Preliminary costs related to a construction project can be diverse.
You can have people, plant, materials, but it is usually site establishment costs (e.g. site accommodations and welfare facilities) and site running costs (e.g. water, heating, electricity).
What is the RICS NRM?
New Rules of Measurement (NRM).
It is a standard set of measurement rules and essential guidance for cost management of construction/maintenance. There are NRM Volumes 1, 2 & 3.
What is NRM1? Please talk about it.
NRM 1: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building works
What is NRM2? Please talk about it.
NRM 2: Detailed measurement for building works
What is NRM3? Please talk about it.
NRM 3: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance works
Why were the NRM volumes updated in 2021?
Due to other recent developments. For example the RIBA Plan of Work (2020), updated in 2020. RIBA provides a framework for the analysis of construction costs.
E.g. NRM3: which is related to maintenance works, now relates to the 8th stage (7 - Use) of the RIBA Plan of Work 2020 stages.
What does CESMM stand for? Please talk about it.
Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement
- Simply, CESMM sets out the standard for the preparation of BOQs (how they should be prepared, priced and the quantities of work expressed and measured)
- E.g. descriptions and what units to use
- It has 26 main classes of work commonly undertaken on civil engineering projects.
- The 4th edition (CESMM4) was introduced due to recent technologies.
Advantage of CESMM for Utilities is that it allows for the pricing of all temporary works.
Why is CESMM used on your project? (JC - I may be asked about advising a form of measurement).
I wasn’t here. Thus far, my experience has not led to a situation where I have had to advise the form of measurement, but I can see advantages being:
- CESMM Can be used on NEC and FIDIC.
- CESMM allows for the pricing of all temporary works (Utilities).
- NRM2 has more detail, whereas CESMM has a more inclusive approach to measurement for civil engineering. Civils over building works.
Can you tell us how you would measure using CESMM?
CESMM4 has 26 main classes of work commonly undertaken on civil engineering projects.
CLASS E = Earthworks.
CLASS F = In situ concrete.
CLASS I = Pipework. Example.. shows you that in the BoQ I would need to insert… Type of pipe (Clay / concrete / steel). Pipe diameter. Pipe depth.
What kind of BoQ can you have?
Firm BoQ
Approximate BoQ (when the design is not fully complete)
Who provides the BoQ?
On our project, the subcontractor.
On D&B projects, the Employer provides the Employer’s requirements, then the Subcontractor prepares the BoQ.
On traditional lump sum contracts, usually the Employer prepares the BOQ.
Why is a BoQ important?
To price works.
For client to compare pricing.
Serves as a foundation for variations / final accounts / audits.
What information does the QS need from the client to prepare the BoQ?
Client’s specifications
WI
Drawings
Schedules (e.g. reinforcement schedules)
What did you learn from the RICS GN on Code of measuring practice 6th edition, May 2015?
It is a document that permits the accurate measurement of buildings and land, e.g. areas and volumes.
Independent reading on Gross External Area, Gross Internal Area and Net Internal Area, refreshing my knowledge from my university.
What is Gross External Area, Gross Internal Area and Net Internal Area?
Gross External Area = Gross External Area is the area of a building measured externally at each floor level. (e.g. Wall thickness included).
Gross Internal Area = Gross Internal Area is the area of a building measured to the internal face of the perimeter walls at each floor level. (e.g. Wall thickness excluded. Columns included).
Net Internal Area = Net Internal Area is the usable area within a building measured to the internal face of the perimeter walls at each floor level. (e.g. Columns excluded).
Who does the design on your project?
Subbie do the design for Utilities scope. This is co-ordinated with our in-house design team, called Design House. They then oversee & co-ordinate design across the project.
How did you assess AFPs? What’s included in the payment?
Knowing the contract is an NEC Option A, I kept track of when items within the activity schedule were complete, via frequent meetings with the delivery team, and only assessed and paid when those activities were complete. Change is also included in the payment.
How did you ensure benchmarking costs were appropriate for your project?
Undertaking benchmarking was outlined in the procurement strategy. It was vital to show VfM.
How have you shown VfM? When would you be able to advise your client that you have achieved best value?
Benchmarking.
Ideally, you go to the market for VfM and find a range of subcontractors who competitively bid for the works, however if this is not the preferred or used tendering route, benchmarking is a good alternative.
How did you assess quotations in line with the contract?
As per Cl 63 (Assessing CEs)
Assessing the actual Defined Cost of the work already done.
Assessing the forecast Defined Cost of the work not yet done.
Fee.
Also checking site diaries, invoices, rates etc.
What do you mean by ‘‘I reviewed pricing documents such as the Activity Schedule and BoQ’’ for WP26.1B? How was there both?
To be clear…
An option A or C would be Activity schedule.
B or D BOQ.
The subbie was using a BoQ to price, but then i advised them to convert into an Activity Schedule for contract execution because this was an Option C.
How are construction works costed?
Prices are built using L, P, M & Prelims. Also risk. Fee.
How would you normalise rates?
CECA (Civil Engineering Contractors Association) rates
Spons rates
Market rates
