Design Economics / RIBA POW 2020

Question 1

What is the name and purpose of RIBA Stage 0?

Answer 1

Stage 0 - Strategic Definition
This is about understanding the best means of achieving a clients requirements. An open mind is required as a building project may not be the most appropriate solution.

This requires strategic nature and helps to define the business case and client requirements. It is important these requirements are aligned with the project budget or there is little point in proceeding to stage 1.

Question 2

What is the meaning of the RICS Motto?

Answer 2

The motto is ‘Est Modus in Rebus’ which translates to ‘There is measure in all things’.

Question 3

What are the group elements used in NRM 1?

Answer 3

0 Facilitating works
1 Substructure
2 Super- structure
3 Internal finishes
4 Fittings, furnishings and equipment
5 Services
6 Pre- fabricated buildings and building units
7 Work to existing buildings
8 External works
9 Main contractor’s preliminaries
10 Main contractor’s overheads and profit
11 Project and design team fees
12 Other project costs
13 Risks
14 Inflation

Question 4

What are the elements within group 0 - Facilitating Works?

Answer 4

0.1 Toxic/ hazardous/ contaminated material treatment
0.2 Major demolition works
0.3 Temporary support for adjacent structures
0.4 Specialist groundworks
0.5 Temporary diversion works
0.6 Extraordinary site investigation works

Question 5

What are the elements within group 1 - Substructure?

Answer 5

1.1 Substructure

Question 6

What are the elements within group 2 - Superstructure?

Answer 6

2.1 Frame
2.2 Upper floors
2.3 Roof
2.4 Stairs and ramps
2.5 External walls
2.6 Windows and external doors
2.7 Internal walls and partitions
2.8 Internal doors

Question 7

What are the elements within Group 3 - Internal Finishes?

Answer 7

3.1 Wall finishes
3.2 Floor finishes
3.3 Ceiling finishes

Question 8

What are the elements within Group 4 - Fittings, Furnishings and Equipment?

Answer 8

4.1 Fittings, furnishings and equipment

Question 9

What are the elements within Group 5 - Services?

Answer 9

5.1 Sanitary installations
5.2 Services equipment
5.3 Disposal installations
5.4 Water installations
5.5 Heat source
5.6 Space heating and air conditioning systems
5.7 Ventilation systems
5.8 Electrical installations
5.9 Fuel installations
5.10 Lift and conveyor installations
5.11 Fire and lightning protection
5.12 Communication, security and control systems
5.13 Specialist installations
5.14 Builder’s work in connection with services

Question 10

What are the elements within Group 6 - Prefabricated Buildings and Building Units?

Answer 10

6.1 Prefabricated buildings and building units

Question 11

What are the elements within Group 7 - Work to existing buildings?

Answer 11

7.1 Minor demolition and alteration works
7.2 Repairs to existing services
7.3 Damp-proof courses/fungus and beetle eradication
7.4 Facade retention
7.5 Cleaning existing surfaces
7.6 Renovation works

Question 12

What are the elements within Group 8 - External Works?

Answer 12

8.1 Site preparation works
8.2 Roads, paths, pavings and surfacings
8.3 Soft landscapes, planting and irrigation systems
8.4 Fencing, railings and walls
8.5 External fixtures
8.6 External drainage
8.7 External services
8.8 Minor building works and ancillary buildings

Question 13

What is the purpose of cost planning?

Answer 13

The main purpose is to:
- ensure clients are provided with value for money
- make clients and designers aware of the cost consequences of their requirements
- provide designers advice that enables them to achieve practical designs within budget
- Keep expenditure within the cost limit approved by the client
- provide robust cost information with which the client can make informed decisions

Question 14

What is the difference between cost estimation and cost planning?

Answer 14

Cost estimates usually are based on less detailed design.
Cost estimates set the overall cost limit.
Cost plans break this down into cost targets for each element of the building.

Question 15

What is ICMS?

Answer 15

The International Cost Management Standard.

Developed by the International Cost Management Standard Coalition (Including RICS)

ICMS provides a high-level structure and format for classifying, defining, measuring, recording, analysing and presenting life cycle costs and carbon emissions associated with construction projects and constructed assets.

It is not a detailed measurement standard, but provides a framework to allow detailed measurement standards to be compared to each other.

Question 16

Is ICMS a detailed measurement standard?

Answer 16

ICMS is not a detailed construction measurement standard; it is a high-level standard enabling the comparison of cost and carbon from whatever detailed construction measurement standard is used.

ICMS does not replace local cost planning or standard method of measurement standards; instead it allows comparison and benchmarking between them.

Question 17

How would you measure Strip foundations in line with NRM1?

Answer 17

Linear metres along the centre line, stating the depth, width and any further details including kg/m3 of reinforcement

Question 18

How would you measure pad foundations in line with NRM 1?

Answer 18

Nr, stating details, size and reinforcement rate in kg/m3

Question 19

How would you measure piles with lining under NRM 1?

Answer 19

I would measure piles and their lining separately.
Both in nr. I would measure the pile stating diameter and depth, with reinforcement noted.
I would measure pile casing in number, stating material, length, diameter and if temp or permanent.

Question 20

How would you measure disposal of excavated material from piling?

Answer 20

m3

Question 21

How would you allow for a basement under NRM1?

Answer 21

I would allow for the lowest floor construction in m2 stating reinforcement
I would allow for any lift pits in nr.
I would allow for basement excavation, disposal of excavation and any contaminated material in m3, earthwork support in m2 to all faces of excavation.
If the retaining walls were concrete I would allow in m2 stating thickness and reinforcement. If they were secant piles i would measure in number, stating details.

Question 22

How do you measure internal walls?

Answer 22

M2 measured along the centre line, stating details and materials. No deduction for openings.
Any openings listed separately by number.

Question 23

How would you measure roofs in line with NRM 1?

Answer 23

Roof structure in m2, stating design loads, spans and pitch if required.
Roof coverings and insulation in m2 to extremities. Deductions made for skylights bigger than 1m2.
Roof drainage in lm stating details.