Quantification + Costing

Question 1

Q. On the Dorking Halls project you mentioned you advised using a schedule of works document. Can you explain why this was beneficial from a clients prospective?

Answer 1

o This was beneficial as the works were of a fairly simple nature o Meaning it was more efficient to both produce and for the contractor to populate.

Question 2

Q. What is the difference between and Contract Sum Analysis and a Schedule of works?

Answer 2

o CSA = Produced by the contractor under D&B. o Schedule of works = Used for a standard building contract

Question 3

Q. On the Quad Three project you mentioned that you proposed using IPMS to comply with best practice measurements instead of COMP6. Can you explain how and why you did this?

Answer 3

o I did this as IPMS is the best practice for measurement in the industry and is internationally recognised. o I advised my client in writing, alongside the architect, however they also confirmed in writing for us to proceed with COMP 6.

Question 4

Q. You mentioned you used the valuation ruse on the GE3B project. Can you explain to me what the Valuation Rules are?

Answer 4

o If similar CHARACTER, QUANTITY and CONDITION – Tendered rates used. o If similar CHARACTER but DIFFERENT QUANTITY or CONDITION – Tendered rates with amendments o Fair allowances made If DIFFERENT CHARACTER o NON-MEASURABLE – Day works should be used

Question 5

Q. Can you explain the difference between a tabulated rules of measurement and the elemental classification of works?

Answer 5

o Tabulated rules of measurement provides a detailed breakdown of how each element should be classified and measured. o Elemental is the overall summary allocation of those broken down in the tabulated rules (Group elements)

Question 6

Q. Can you tell me some disadvantages of using CostX?

Answer 6

o Cost of licenses, time to train, technology errors / outages

Question 7

Q. You state you are aware of NRM 1 and 2, can you tell me what NRM 3 is?

Answer 7

o Order of cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance works

Question 8

Q. You mention you have prepared an elemental cost plan. To what level of detail does this go to?

Answer 8

o Level 1 - group element o Level 2 - element o Level 3 - sub element o Level 4 - Component

Question 9

Q. Can you give me an example of where you have used the valuation rules?

Answer 9

o When valuing changes on a number of my post contract projects.

Question 10

Q. Can you give me some differences between IPMS and COMP 6?

Answer 10

Summary of Main Differences (there is more but just for memory) IPMS COMP6 GEA IMPS 1 Excludes balconies but states separately GEA Excludes Balconies GIA IPMS 2 Measures to the Internal Dominant Face (50% of the lowest 2.7m) GEA Measures to the Internal Dominant Face NIA IMPS 3.2 Measures different occupier area’s Includes Columns NIA Excludes columns and partitions.

Question 11

Q. Why did you advise your client to adopt IPMS over COMP 6?

Answer 11

o IPMS is internationally recognised and best practice.

Question 12

Q. How do you quantify works completed in a variation?

Answer 12

o Using the valuation rules and measurement, NRM 2.

Question 13

Q. How have you re-based in-house data on your projects?

Answer 13

o By rebasing them based on both time and location factors. o Location indices o Time indices for inflation Formula for TPI = (Current TPI - Base TPI / Base Year) * 100

Question 14

Q. What is the difference between a defined and undefined provisional sum?

Answer 14

o Both are where there is an element of works where the works are going to be required but the full scope is not completely known. For example a feature wall. o Defined = Contractor has made adequate allowances for programme implications and additional costs o Undefined = Contractor has not made these adequate allowances. Therefore entitling them to a L&E and EoT.

Question 15

Q. How can you provide some element of cost certainty with a provisional sum?

Answer 15

o Get a target rate for the supply of the material to be used o Introduce a pain / gain mechanism to the contract

Question 16

Q. What is BIM? Have you used BIM on any of your projects?

Answer 16

o BIM is Building Information Modelling o Allows for all design teams to work on the same model and each item (materials, specifications etc) are stored on the system too.

Question 17

Q. Can you tell me the difference between NRM 1 and NRM 2?

Answer 17

o NRM1 is used when completing cost plans and cost estimates o NRM2 is used for completing detailed measurement, typically for other pricing documents such as a BoQ.

Question 18

Q. Can you give me an example of when you have used NRM 2 to price something?

Answer 18

o Yes, when assessing a change / variation o Using the tabulated rules of measurement to ensure it has been measured correctly.

Question 19

Q. Can you tell me the valuation rules?

Answer 19

o Outlined in Section 5 of the JCT D&B contract. o Where works are of a similar nature = Contract rates o Where works are similar but different = Contract rates with amendments o Where works are not of a similar nature = Fair and reasonable rates o Where works cannot be measured = Day works

Question 20

Q. What if a quote comes in and it looks really high? Do you just accept it?

Answer 20

o No, I would expect the contractor to prove this to be reasonable or I would use in house data to assess the comparability of it.

Question 21

Q. Describe the scenario on Brent Cross where you had to reconcile significant discrepancies between a sub-contractor’s interim valuations and your own assessments. How did you approach resolving these discrepancies, and what steps did you take to ensure both accuracy and fairness in the final valuation?

Answer 21

o I would refer to the Black Book document, interim valuations and payment o This ensures I am completing best practice. o If there is an area that I am different to the contractor on as they have overclaimed, I would see if there other areas where perhaps they have not claimed but have completed the works.

Question 22

Q. You say you have experience using cost -x ? Can you outline any pro’s and con’s you think exist, relating to digital measurement software

Answer 22

o Upskilling of staff o Cost of the software itself and licenses o Technological issues, outages etc.

Question 23

Q. On quad 3 there was back and forth on measuring standards - how does comp 6 differ from the IPMS?

Answer 23

Summary of Main Differences (there is more but just for memory)

IPMS COMP6
GEA IMPS 1 Excludes balconies but states separately
GEA Excludes Balconies
GIA
IPMS 2 Measures to the Internal Dominant Face (50% of the lowest 2.7m)
GIA Measures to the Internal Dominant Face
NIA IMPS 3.2 Measures different occupier area’s Includes Columns
NIA Excludes columns and partitions.

Question 24

Q. How do you measure GIFA? What guidance do you advise to use?

Answer 24

o I would refer to IPMS – the “All buildings” latest version.
o The GIA would be measured in line with IPMS 2 = GIA
o Taking the internal floor plates of the building, up to the internal dominant face (50% of the lowest 2.7m as per IPMS)

Question 25

Q. What’s the different between IPMS and the code for measuring practice 6th edition?

Answer 25

o The key difference is that IPMS is an international property measurement standard, meaning that it is internationally recognised. o Whereas, COMP 6 is not internally used.

Question 26

Q. Can you tell me what section of the JCT contract includes variations/changes and discuss the rules for pricing variations under your contract?

Answer 26

o Section 5 under D&B.

Question 27

Q. Please talk me through the role of the tabulated rules of measurement under NRM1 and how you measured one element on vauxhall bridge road?

Answer 27

o Yes, for the substructure for example. o Taking the group element substructure, broken down into the following categories. o Sub-element – Standard foundations o Component – strip foundations (depth and details to be stated) o Linear m of the strip foundations

Question 28

Q. What was the pricing document used on one of your projects? Why was this utilised?

Answer 28

o Contract Sum Analysis used on Quad Three and Brent Cross o Used as this was produced by the contractor.

Question 29

Q. How have you corrected pricing errors in your tenders?

Answer 29

o Firstly confirmed with the contractor that it is an error o Then adjusted through the tender queries with them.

Question 30

Q. What are the benefits and limitation of using alternative 1 and 2?

Answer 30

o Alternative 1 Ensures that contractors / tenderers take more care over the tenders being submitted. Does mean that if an error, the contractor may withdraw leaving the tender less competitive o Alternative 2 Means tenders are not unnecessarily removed from the process due to an error May mean that more errors are included as less implications of errors being submitted.

Question 31

Q. How did you quantify preliminaries assessment on Dorking halls?

Answer 31

o Assessed on the programme of works being provided and the scope required o Assessment of staffing o Assessment of fixed preliminaries o Assessment of time related preliminaries o Typically benchmarked against other schemes of similar scope and size

Question 32

Q. How do you assess variations on a project?

Answer 32

o I would assess the variation using the valuation rules o Upon receipt of the change from the contractor o If the works were of a similar nature to other works in the contract, then I would assess them using contract rates o If works were of a similar nature but slightly different, then contract rates with amendments o If works were not of a similar nature or could not be quantified, then I would assess whether the rates provided are fair and reasonable or use day works to assess the change.

Question 33

Q. What would you need to assess when building a rate using first principles?

Answer 33

o Labour o Materials o Plant o OH&P o Other on costs (sub-contractor prelims) o Other influencing items

Question 34

Q. How do you account for undesigned aspects of work in either a cost plan or contract sum?

Answer 34

o Ultimately, depending on the design information provided I would be able to include this as a provisional sum or outline that it is currently excluded o If a provisional sum, I would inform it using risk allowances or build an allowances using first principles

Question 35

Q. Provisional sums, undefined or defined – how do you instruct it?

Answer 35

o An allowance would be provided by the contractor which I would qualify using the build up they have provided. o Upon agreement, between myself and the EA, it would be formally instructed for expenditure o This would mean that the provisional sum contract allowance would be omitted and the actualy provisional sum cost that has been agreed would be instructed.

Question 36

Q. Is there any guidance in the contract on provisional sums?

Answer 36

o In a Standard Building Contract, it refers to the definitions provided in NRM (namely NRM 2) o In a design and build contract, it does not state a definition, although this was definition was included in the contractors proposals that stated they had included defined and undefined provisional sums

Question 37

Q. What is a prime cost sum? Have you used one?

Answer 37

o A prime cost sum is used where there is an element of works that is required but the full design intent is not. o For example a floor finish where a nominal allowance is made per m2 for that material supply o Upon confirmation, the contractor will then apply on costs to the prime cost sum.

Question 38

Q. How would you advise a client if they asked you about valuing materials off-site? What are the risks, and what are the alternatives?

Answer 38

o I would be able to advise on the risks and procedures that would need to be in place, as below, but would not advise whether they should or should not do it – that would be for a legal expert to determine. o Risks Materials stored off-site will not become property of the client until they have been vested and payment has been made Although vesting certificates have been provided, there is still a risk as those materials are being paid for before being installed and delivered to site. o Procedures Listed under the contract (to allow for materials off-site payments) Vesting certificate – to transfer the title of ownership to the client Off-site visits – completed by the QS to conduct a check of the quantities, condition, insurances and protection of the materials.