Measurment Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is the purpose of measurement in building surveying?
The purpose of measurement in building surveying is to accurately quantify the materials, areas, and volumes involved in a construction or refurbishment project. This data is essential for cost estimation, project planning, and ensuring compliance with design specifications and legal requirements.
What is a Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and why is it important in building surveying?
A Bill of Quantities (BoQ) is a document that itemizes the construction work and quantities of materials required for a project. It helps provide a detailed cost estimate and forms a basis for tendering.
What is the difference between gross internal area (GIA) and net internal area (NIA)?
Gross Internal Area (GIA) refers to the total area of a building, including walls, partitions, and any spaces inside the outer walls. Net Internal Area (NIA) is the usable space within the building, excluding areas such as internal walls, corridors, and common areas.
How do you ensure the accuracy of measurements during a building survey?
I ensure accuracy by using appropriate and calibrated tools, such as laser distance meters or tape measures. I also take multiple measurements from different points to confirm consistency.
What is the importance of adhering to industry standards, such as the RICS Code of Measuring Practice?
Adhering to industry standards like the RICS Code of Measuring Practice ensures consistency, accuracy, and comparability in building measurements.
Can you explain the concept of ‘building measurement from plan’?
‘Building measurement from plan’ involves taking measurements from architectural or construction drawings rather than physically measuring the building on-site.
What is the role of a surveyor when conducting a measured building survey?
The role of the surveyor in a measured building survey is to carry out precise measurements of the building’s structure and layout.
How do you measure irregularly shaped rooms or spaces in a building?
For irregularly shaped rooms, I break the space down into smaller, more manageable sections and measure each section individually.
What is a Quantity Surveyor’s role in the measurement process?
A Quantity Surveyor (QS) focuses on the financial aspects of the project, including the preparation of Bills of Quantities, cost estimation, and cost control.
What tools and techniques do you use for taking measurements in a building?
I use various tools, including tape measures, laser distance meters, and digital calipers for precise measurements.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is a document that itemizes the construction work and quantities of materials required for a project.
Bill of Quantities (BoQ)
True or False: The Net Internal Area (NIA) includes internal walls and corridors.
False
Fill in the blank: Adhering to industry standards ensures _____, accuracy, and comparability in building measurements.
consistency
What is the primary focus of a Quantity Surveyor (QS) in comparison to a Building Surveyor?
The primary focus of a Quantity Surveyor (QS) is on financial aspects, while a Building Surveyor focuses on the physical condition of the building.
Fill in the blank: ‘Building measurement from plan’ is useful when the building is not _____ or the surveyor is conducting a preliminary assessment.
accessible
How do chartered building surveyors use measurement in their day to day work.
- Measuring Existing Buildings (Measured Surveys)
Chartered building surveyors often carry out measured building surveys to obtain accurate floor plans, elevations, and sections of an existing building. This involves measuring the dimensions of walls, rooms, ceilings, doors, windows, and structural elements. The surveyor may use tools such as tape measures, laser distance measurers, or 3D scanning technology to gather precise data, which is then used to produce accurate drawings and plans. These surveys are essential for:
Refurbishment or renovation projects
Preparing as-built drawings for records
Assessing compliance with regulations
- Preparing Bills of Quantities (BoQ)
Measurement plays a crucial role in the preparation of a Bill of Quantities (BoQ), which itemizes the materials, labor, and other requirements for a construction project. Chartered building surveyors measure the quantities of materials needed (e.g., square meters of flooring, meters of walling, or volume of concrete) to provide a comprehensive cost estimate. This helps in:
Tendering and procurement processes
Cost estimation and budgeting
Ensuring accuracy in pricing for construction works
- Assessing Building Condition (Condition Surveys)
- Space Planning and Utilization
Measurement is used by building surveyors to determine the net internal area (NIA) and gross internal area (GIA) of buildings or individual spaces. This is essential for:
Office fit-outs and space planning (e.g., determining how space can be best used for tenants)
Calculating rental values (based on NIA/GIA for commercial properties)
Assessing compliance with regulations regarding fire safety, accessibility, or building codes
- Compliance with Building Regulations
Chartered building surveyors ensure that building projects comply with relevant building codes and regulations (such as fire safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency). Measurements are used to verify compliance with:
Minimum room sizes
Ceiling heights
Fire compartmentation and escape routes
Accessibility standards for disabled users
- Cost Estimation and Project Management
In their role as project managers or in collaboration with quantity surveyors, building surveyors use measurements to estimate costs for construction or renovation projects. These measurements are also used to:
Track construction progress against time and budget
Issue instructions or variations in the contract when changes in scope are required
Help with financial forecasting and cash flow management
- Dilapidations and Leasehold Surveys
When conducting dilapidation surveys (for tenants vacating a property or lease renewal), chartered building surveyors use measurements to assess the condition of leased premises and the extent of any repairs or maintenance work required. They compare the current condition of the property to the lease terms to determine if any damage or non-compliance with maintenance obligations exists. - Building Refurbishments and Extensions
When undertaking refurbishment or extension projects, measurements are essential to assess how new works will integrate with the existing building. Accurate measurements help in. - Health and Safety Inspections
Measurement is used to assess aspects of health and safety within a building, such as:
Verifying safe means of escape in case of fire (e.g., measuring exit door widths, staircase dimensions)
Ensuring structural elements (e.g., load-bearing walls, beams) are correctly dimensioned and installed - Environmental and Sustainability Assessments
Energy usage and efficiency (e.g., measuring insulation thickness and ventilation requirements)
Water consumption and waste management (e.g., measuring water flow rates and storage)
Tools Used by Chartered Building Surveyors:
Laser Distance Meters: For fast and accurate distance measurements.
Tape Measures: For traditional, smaller-scale measurements.
3D Scanners: For high-precision, large-scale measured surveys (e.g., for building facades or intricate structures).
CAD Software: For drafting and calculating areas, volumes, and other measurements based on survey data.
Conclusion:
In summary, measurement is central to many aspects of a chartered building surveyor’s role. From initial design and planning to ongoing maintenance and compliance checks, accurate measurement ensures that building works meet design specifications, regulatory standards, and client requirements. Whether conducting surveys, preparing reports, or managing projects, building surveyors rely on precise measurements to deliver high-quality results.
RICS measurement guidance?
RICS Property Measurement -Professional Sandard - Global
IPMS 1
Definition ‘IPMS 1: The sum of the areas of each floor level of a building measured to the outer perimeter of external construction features, and reported on a floor-by-floor basis. […] Inclusions: The external area of basement levels is calculated by extending the exterior plane of the perimeter walls at ground floor level downwards, or by estimation of the wall thickness if the extent of the basement differs from the footprint of the building.’
Measurements included but stated separately are: * covered galleries * balconies (being external to the main structure of the building) and * generally accessible rooftop terraces. These are to be measured to their outer face.
not included
Open light wells or the upper level voids of an atrium
* Open external stairways that are not an integral part of the structure, for example, an open framework fire escape
* Patios and decks at ground level, external car parking, equipment yards, cooling equipment and refuse areas, and other ground level areas that are not fully enclosed are not to be included within IPMS 1, but may be measured and stated separately.’
IPMS 3
3.3.2 Definition ‘IPMS 3 – Office: The floor area available on an exclusive basis to an occupier, but excluding standard facilities and shared circulation areas, and calculated on an occupier-by- occupier or f loor-by-floor basis for each building. Standard facilities are those parts of a building providing shared or common facilities that typically do not change over time, including, for example, stairs, escalators, lifts/ elevators and motor rooms, toilets, cleaners’ cupboards, plant rooms, fire refuge areas and maintenance rooms. Inclusions: All internal walls and columns within an occupant’s exclusive area are included within IPMS 3 – Office. The floor area is taken to the internal dominant face and, where there is a common wall with an adjacent tenant, to the centre-line of the common wall. Measurements included but stated separately: Balconies, covered galleries, and roof top terraces in exclusive use are to be measured to their inner face and their areas stated separately. Exclusions: Standard facilities, as defined above.
What types of instruments are used for taking measurements on a building survey?
A variety of instruments including laser distance meters, tape measures, and digital calipers.
How do you choose which instrument to use for measurements?
Based on the level of accuracy required and the specific circumstances of the survey.
What are the limitations of using a laser distance meter in building surveys?
Reduced accuracy on reflective surfaces, limited range for large distances, and need for clear line of sight.
