Quantification & Costing

Question 1

1. What document outlines how buildings are measured globally?

Answer 1

a. IPMS

Question 2

2. You’ve mentioned IPMS, talk me through how it differs from Code of Measurement Practice?

Answer 2

a. They are both measurement techniques but COMP Is the old version, so RICS asks members to use IPMS
b. IPMS now includes external floor areas such as balconies and terraces
c. IPMS now measures to the internal dominant face (to glazing) as opposed to internal face.

Question 3

3. How does NRM differ to IPMS?

Answer 3

a. NRM is guidance on how to measure and produce cost estimate, whereas IPMS is the standard of measurement rules (how to measure GIFA for example)

Question 4

4. What are the differences between SMM7 and NRM?

Answer 4

a. NRM is a simplified measurement process
b. NRM takes into account modern building techniques, so excavations are measured in bigger tranches of 2m depths due to advanced diggers
c. Now a section in NRM for off site materials

Question 5

5. Can you use SMM7 now?

Answer 5

a. No as its been replaced and is out of date

Question 6

6. What is CESMM?

Answer 6

a. Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement

Question 7

7. What are the different NRM risk categories?

Answer 7

a. Design development
b. Construction risk
c. Employer change risk
d. Employer other

Question 8

8. What are the different types of BoQ?

Answer 8

a. Firm
b. Approximate

Question 9

9. When would you use NRM3?

Answer 9

a. This is used for order of cost estimating and planning for building maintenance works, if I was assessing the life cycle of a building sub element or element, and how the it would be repaired or replaced.

Question 10

10. Can you elaborate on how your measurement software works?

Answer 10

a. You can load in PDFs or DWGs and create a workbook based on the method of measurement being used, you can set locations or buildings to split them out in this workbook. You can add in manual calculations when measures are inputted. Then when completed it can flag up any errors made, and you can produce a report, tailored to what the client might want to see.

Question 11

11. You suggest you used rates from the bill of quants to value change, what are the methods of valuing change (3)?

Answer 11

a. If it same work and same conditions then use the contract rates
b. If it is same work but different conditions, use contract rates but make fair adjustment for difference
c. If it is not of similar character, fair rates and prices should be used

Question 12

12. Can you name some heads of claim?

Answer 12

a. Prolongation, disruption, acceleration, loss and expense

Question 13

13. How did you quantify the quantity of topsoil on the rugby enabling project?

Answer 13

a. It was measured in m2 in the CSA, so I went to site with the contractors QS and we walked around the site with a measuring wheel and measured the area that had been excavated to date, and applied this to the rate in the CSA to determine the amount due.

Question 14

14. You mention that you advised the use of NRM1 to produce a cost plan. How would your advice differ if the project was more progressed?

Answer 14

a. I would advise to use NRM2 when the design is fully developed and if a BQ is required in the scope of services.

Question 15

15. You Advised a colleague to use NRM1 as it was best suited due to the point in time. So what else would you have used at other points in time?

Answer 15

a. This was suitable in this scenario due to the design information available at the time. It was also most suitable due to the building works being undertaken and the familiarity the colleague had using NRM previously. I advised that because the project was at concept design stage, this would be a formal cost plan 1.

Question 16

16. If you couldn’t come to an agreement on a variation with a contractor, how would you resolve it?

Answer 16

Discuss it with the client, even a senior colleague to try and resolve. If still not resolved the contractor can take it to adjudication

Question 17

How much does steel cost?

Answer 17

£1,300 per tonne

Question 18

You have worked on several types of cost plans for different buildings, how did your approach to cost planning differ between a hospital, a highway and a Higher education facility?

Answer 18

I have to be aware of the differing requirements of the architecture, finishes, and mechanical and electrical services. With new builds i have to consider everything in that project, and for extensions i have to consider work to existing structures.

Question 19

What implication would there be if you found a discrepancy in the quantities once the contract was signed when using a BQ on Worcester breast unit?

Answer 19

This would be the clients risk, and therefore any changes the client would have to pay, and would be able to sue the person responsible for creating the BQ.

Question 20

At Worcester breast unit the client’s change request from carpet to vinyl - did this produce a cost increase or reduction?

Answer 20

This was a cost increase as the vinyl was more expensive.

Question 21

On the Veterinary Fit-out Southport project can you explain to me how you produced the schedule of works and why you advised on the items you chose to include?

Answer 21

I produced this by sectioning out the works into relevant packages, with the main items to be measured by the contractor, and noted areas where they are to add additional items.

Question 22

Why did you advise a colleague on using in house cost data?

Answer 22

As my employer delivered 100’s of other similar schemes so had a reliable database of information.

Question 23

Why did you advise your client to include inflationary uplift and design change in their pricing document? How did you advise this would benefit the client?

Answer 23

As this would encourage contractors to consider their pricing more methodically, and force them to provide the substantiation required to demonstrate the change on cost from the regional framework rates.

Question 24

What can you tell me about the highways method of measurement?

Answer 24

It is broken down into series, for example series 200 is site clearance, and 500 is drainage

Question 25

How would costs differ when costing an extension compared to a new build?

Answer 25

There may be works to existing buildings, there may not be need for additional external wall, there will need to be tie ins for example the roof and drain systems, have to be careful with excavation nearby.

Question 26

How would you produce a BOQ?

Answer 26

First get the drawings from designers, allocate packages to team members, use NRM2, compile a query and list on the design for clarifications and assumptions made.

Question 27

What can you tell me about CESMM?

Answer 27

it is broken down into classes, such as class P for piling