Quantification & Costing Flashcards
(36 cards)
Why were the NRM introduced?
- the previous standard method of measurement was purely designed of the production of bill of quantities for tender purposes
- this resulted in a lack of guidance and uniformity around preparing cost estimates and cost plans when using SMM
- the NRM was introduced to provide a common and consistent basis for the production of order of cost estimates and cost plans and to give Employers more confidence around their inclusions
What is the structure of NRM 1?
Part 1 - General introduction explaining purpose of the document and how it should be usd
Part 2 - Measurement rules for the production of order of cost estimates
Part 3 - Measurement rules for the production of elemental cost plans
Part 4 - Tabulated rules of measurement for elemental cost planning
Appendices
Why should you use the NRM?
- NRM provides a common and consistent basis for production of cost estimates and cost plans
- Provides confidence to employers
- If a QS is pursued for negligence, the use of NRM would provide a means of defence as it represents best practice
What is NRM 1?
Order of Cost Estimating and Elemental Cost Planning
What is meant by GEA?
Gross External Area - this is the area of the building measured externally at each floor level
What is meant by GIA?
Gross Internal Area - this is the area of the building measured to the internal face of the perimeter wall at each floor level
Excludes external open side balconies, fire escapes, canopies, external walls and fuel stores
What is meant by NIA?
Net Internal Area - area of usable space measured to the internal face of the perimeter wall at each level
Excludes internal structural walls and columns, spaces with headroom < 1.5m, lift lobbies, toilets , cleaners cupboards and plant room
Where are all of these abbreviations defined?
Code of measuring practice published by RICS
What is the purpose of the code of measuring practice?
Provides precise definitions to permit the accurate and consistent measurement of buildings
What would you expect the % of NIA to GIA to be?
- % depends on the type f project being undertaken
- typically in an office building I would expect the % to be in the region of 70-85%
- where 70% is considered as relatively inefficient, 80% extremely efficient
What do you measure in accordance with?
- Methods of measurement to be adopted depends on the region, project and client. Typically in the UK Building sector, NRM would apply.
- If working in Civils or Rail, Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement would apply
How do you measure structural steelwork under NRM 2 and what other items would you measure in association?
- Structural steelwork is contained within section 15
- Steelwork is to be measured in tonnes and itemised according to length, weight and type
- Other items to consider include framing erection, permanent formwork, cold rolled purlins, cladding rails, isolated structural member, filing hollow sections, surface preparation, surface treatment and localised protective coatings
How do you measure brickwork walls under NRM and what other items would you measure in association?
- Masonry is contained in section 14
- masonry walls are measured in m2 with them being itemised by wall thickness, type of construction and method of formation
- Other items include chimney stacks, arches, brick reinforcement, forming cavities, closing cavities
What is the purpose of a BoQ?
- Provide the estimator with an accurate picture of the scope of works and to provide a common and consistent basis for pricing
- BoQ forms the basis of the tender analysis allowing an accurate like for like comparison
- Provides a basis for valuation rules of the contact for valuing variation items during post contract
- Enables the contract works to be assessed and valued for the purpose of interim payments
How would you prepare a BoQ?
- Meet with design team to establish all necessary information is final and will be available to avoid abortive works
- Compile all design information (drawings, specs, schedules and document register)
- Break the words down into sections (substructure, superstructure etc)
- Commence take off
- Address general items
- Following BoQ production, I would have regular meetings and review updated drawings to ensure nothing is missed or overlooked between packages
How would you structure a BoQ?
In accordance with NRM 2;
- Prelims
- Facilitating works
- Substructure
- Superstructure
- Internal finishes
- Fittings, Furnishings and Equipment
- Services
- External works
- Prov sums
- Dayworks
How would you describe the preliminaries section in a BoQ?
- prelims detail items of work that are required to enable the construction but are not associated within the measured work items
- e.g. site setup, management and supervision, insurance, protections and barriers
What information is required to measure preliminaries?
- contract duration
- location
- type of project
- size
- temporary works
- security
- methodology
- programme
- services
- employers accomodation
- contractors designed work
- sectional completion
- insurances/bonds
If it was found that a bill rate was wrong, how would this be resolved?
- the works would be valued in accordance with the agreed rate contained within the contract
- if identified within tender documents prior to the contract agreed then the rate could be amended in accordance with tendering rules in place, but otherwise both parties would have to stand by the rate
How do you evaluate a variation which is based on a BQ item which contains an error?
- assuming the same nature and conditions are applicable, the variation would be based on the BoQ rate within the contract
- Unless both parties agreed to amend the rate to one that is fair and reasonable
Who owns the copyright to a BQ?
The originator owns the copyright
This is generally the QS
How would you deal with a situation where it was discovered a part of a BQ was missing after the contractor was on site?
- I would check to see if it were included as part of the tender documents and contract sum
- If not then ultimately responsibility lies with the employer
- Providing the works are still required by the employer they would be treated as a variation to the contract
- I would request that the contractor price the works and advise the employer on the level of costs involved before the instruction is issued
What would you include within the BQ where works are to be carried out by nominated subcontractors?
A prime cost would be incorporated
What is a provisional sum?
An allowance included within the BoQ for works to be carried out where the extent and design of the works is not yet known meaning the cost cannot be established at the time of agreeing the contract sum
