This document provides an introduction to taking off building quantities according to an Irish approach. It discusses the process of measurement and quantification, which involves accurately describing building components and determining their quantities. Dimension paper is introduced as a traditional tool for recording measurements in a standardized format. The key components and uses of dimension paper are described. The document then demonstrates how to enter various types of measurements, such as numbers, lengths, areas and volumes, onto dimension paper according to standard measurement methods. The goal is to lead the reader step-by-step through the handwritten measurement process.
The document discusses the taking off process used in quantity surveying. Taking off involves analyzing technical drawings and specifications to identify all building elements. This information is compiled into a taking off list, which is then used to create a bill of quantities. The bill of quantities itemizes all work and materials needed for the project. It allows contractors to price out the work when bidding for the contract. An accurate taking off process is important as it provides contractors the information they need to estimate construction costs and complete the project on time and on budget.
The document discusses different methods for taking off quantities from construction drawings to produce bills of quantities. Traditionally, quantities were measured and dimensions recorded on ruled paper before being totaled and abstracted into bills. However, many practices now take off quantities directly in bill order or produce abstract sheets in bill order to streamline the process. The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers' method (CESMM) is also discussed as the definitive standard for civil engineering measurement.
For our first ICI (Introduction to Industry) and ITD (Introduction to Drawing), in a group of six, we were to carry out a research on quantity surveyors and give a presentation about what is their job about and what they do.
A quantity takeoff is a construction estimation of materials and labor needed to complete a project. It is developed during pre-construction and involves estimators reviewing drawings and specifications to measure quantities of materials. A quantity takeoff fulfills important functions for cost estimation by detailing materials needed and providing total material costs. It can be prepared manually or digitally using estimating software, with digital takeoffs providing benefits like reduced errors and faster adjustments.
This document provides an overview of quantity surveying as a profession. It defines key roles and responsibilities which include cost estimation, measurement, procurement, and payment services over the course of construction projects. The document also outlines the professional qualifications and regulatory bodies for quantity surveyors in Malaysia, such as the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia and the Institution of Surveyors Malaysia. Quantity surveyors work across both public and private sector construction industries.
This document provides an outline for a course on measuring buildings and civil works. It discusses key topics that will be covered including measuring building works using the Standard Method of Measurement, measuring civil works using CESMM, preparing bills of quantities, and pricing preliminaries. Assessment will consist of assignments, tests, and a final exam. References include textbooks on quantity surveying and standard measurement methods. The differences between measuring building works and civil engineering works are also outlined.
The document is the tender and contract conditions for the construction of a building in Liwan, Dubai. It includes instructions to tenderers on submitting the tender, requirements for site visits, and clarification of contract documents. The tender must include supporting documents such as proof of a site visit and a tender bond. The employer reserves the right to accept or reject any part of the tender. The tenderer is responsible for understanding all project requirements and conditions. No changes can be made to the tender documents except for filling in blanks.
The document discusses the taking off process used in quantity surveying. Taking off involves analyzing technical drawings and specifications to identify all building elements. This information is compiled into a taking off list, which is then used to create a bill of quantities. The bill of quantities itemizes all work and materials needed for the project. It allows contractors to price out the work when bidding for the contract. An accurate taking off process is important as it provides contractors the information they need to estimate construction costs and complete the project on time and on budget.
The document discusses different methods for taking off quantities from construction drawings to produce bills of quantities. Traditionally, quantities were measured and dimensions recorded on ruled paper before being totaled and abstracted into bills. However, many practices now take off quantities directly in bill order or produce abstract sheets in bill order to streamline the process. The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers' method (CESMM) is also discussed as the definitive standard for civil engineering measurement.
For our first ICI (Introduction to Industry) and ITD (Introduction to Drawing), in a group of six, we were to carry out a research on quantity surveyors and give a presentation about what is their job about and what they do.
A quantity takeoff is a construction estimation of materials and labor needed to complete a project. It is developed during pre-construction and involves estimators reviewing drawings and specifications to measure quantities of materials. A quantity takeoff fulfills important functions for cost estimation by detailing materials needed and providing total material costs. It can be prepared manually or digitally using estimating software, with digital takeoffs providing benefits like reduced errors and faster adjustments.
This document provides an overview of quantity surveying as a profession. It defines key roles and responsibilities which include cost estimation, measurement, procurement, and payment services over the course of construction projects. The document also outlines the professional qualifications and regulatory bodies for quantity surveyors in Malaysia, such as the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia and the Institution of Surveyors Malaysia. Quantity surveyors work across both public and private sector construction industries.
This document provides an outline for a course on measuring buildings and civil works. It discusses key topics that will be covered including measuring building works using the Standard Method of Measurement, measuring civil works using CESMM, preparing bills of quantities, and pricing preliminaries. Assessment will consist of assignments, tests, and a final exam. References include textbooks on quantity surveying and standard measurement methods. The differences between measuring building works and civil engineering works are also outlined.
The document is the tender and contract conditions for the construction of a building in Liwan, Dubai. It includes instructions to tenderers on submitting the tender, requirements for site visits, and clarification of contract documents. The tender must include supporting documents such as proof of a site visit and a tender bond. The employer reserves the right to accept or reject any part of the tender. The tenderer is responsible for understanding all project requirements and conditions. No changes can be made to the tender documents except for filling in blanks.
This document provides an overview of construction contracting methods and contract types. It discusses the traditional Design-Bid-Build approach, as well as Design-Build, Turnkey, and Construction Management delivery methods. The major contract types covered are Lump Sum, Unit Price, Cost Plus, and variations like Cost Plus Fixed Fee and Cost Plus with a Guaranteed Maximum Price. For each, the document outlines the key characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. The course appears to cover construction documents, contracting, bidding processes, and contract conditions over multiple lectures.
This document discusses the process of quantity takeoff which is the foundation of estimating construction costs. It describes organizing the takeoff by labor, material, and equipment to match cost data sources. The key steps are accurately measuring all project elements using the correct units from drawings, accounting for repetition and waste, and considering each construction discipline in detail. The goal is to fully capture every work item through an organized process of working through drawings, specifications and building elements.
Principles Of Measurement International Sorab Mishra
The document discusses principles of measurement and standards. It provides an overview of different standard codes for measurement used internationally and in India, including POMI, IS 1200, and others. POMI was prepared by BCIS/RICS and follows a specific format organized by construction sections. While POMI is widely used internationally, some desired improvements include making measurements more specific and addressing new construction methods. The document also compares POMI to the Indian standard IS 1200.
The document discusses various types of construction contracts and tendering processes. It defines a tender as an invitation from an owner to contractors to execute work at a specified cost and time. There are different types of tenders including open, sealed, limited, and single tenders. Key aspects of the tendering process include tender forms, documents, notices, evaluation criteria, acceptance procedures, contract documents, deposits, and measurements. Different types of construction contracts are also summarized such as lump-sum, item rate, percentage rate, cost plus, and turn-key contracts.
Construction Project Management is an important subject to learn in Civil Engineering.
Significance • As construction involves various activities starting from the design and planning to project completion and quality check, there is a exorbitant need for Management of construction. • Construction Industry plays a crucial role in the economy and development of a nation.
4. Objectives To complete the project in specified time and with allocated budget. To Plan and schedule the work and distribute between various departments. Deployment of personnel in Different tasks. To achieve High quality workmanship. Creating an organisation that works as a team. Using the limited available resources and producing maximum output. Providing safe and satisfactory working conditions for all personnel and workers.
5. Functions: Planning & Scheduling Organizing Staffing Directing Controlling & Co-ordinating
6. Stages of construction Briefing Designing Tendering Construction Commissioning
7. 1) Briefing Stage • This stage consists of framework required for the construction work to take a shape from the ideology of client and feasibility of Project which involves architects, engineers and project manager.
Objectives Developing Alternatives Feasible Solution ? Evaluation of Alternatives Report & Recommendation Technical and non technical Investigations
8. 2) Designing or planning Stage Prepare construction schedule Prepare final cost estimate Prepare Working Drawings and specificati ons Prepare scheme and detailed designs Soil investigations, Topographic investigation, material supply and market surveys etc Carry out Technical Investigations Final adoption of the most suitable summary Finalize Project Summary
The document discusses various types of construction contracts. It describes lump sum contracts, item rate contracts, labour contracts, and cost reimbursement contracts. It provides details on how each contract type works, including payment structures, risk allocation, and suitable applications for different contract types. Key factors like flexibility, incentives, and risk allocation are considered when choosing the appropriate construction contract.
3. construction planning. construction project managementKabilan Kabi
This document discusses project time management for construction projects. It covers defining and sequencing activities, estimating activity durations and resources, developing a schedule, and schedule control. Key aspects include identifying specific schedule activities and their dependencies; estimating time, resources, and durations for each activity; analyzing the activity sequences and constraints to create a project schedule; and controlling changes to the schedule. The goal is to ensure timely completion of the project through effective planning, scheduling, tracking, and control of the time management processes.
QUESTION :
Taylor’s University is intending to build a branch campus in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Based on Taylor’s University plan they require the branch campus to be operational in mid-2019. Your quantity surveying firm, Innovative Cost Consultant Sdn. Bhd., of which you are a director, has been appointed to provide advice on the procurement system and the tendering methods that are to be adopted in carrying out the project.
The management of the University has informed you that the following requirements are of priority:
i) Cost to completion to be within the budget fixed.
ii) Timely delivery of the facility in order to commence operation in mid- 2019.
You are required to prepare a report to Taylor’s University recommending the procurement system and the tendering method to be adopted.
In your report you shall consider the procurement systems commonly used. You shall list out and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each system before making your recommendation.
As for the tendering methods, you shall consider all the three methods; i.e. open, selective and direct negotiation methods. Similarly you are to describe the advantages and disadvantages of each method before arriving at your recommendation.
Your report shall clearly explain your reasons for your recommendations.
Based on the above recommendations you are also required to prepare a simple programme or schedule in a form of bar chart showing the various activities commencing from the confirmation of the procurement system until completion of the project.
This document discusses certificates and payments related to construction contracts. It provides details on several key cases that establish that:
1) The existence of an interim certificate is a condition precedent for the contractor's right to receive payment for the amount stated in the certificate.
2) For an architect to issue a valid certificate, it must actually be sent to the contractor rather than just signed.
3) Non-payment of a certificate alone does not allow a contractor to terminate a contract, but persistent payment delays can constitute repudiation of the contract.
4) Interim certificates must be honored if they appear valid on their face and are within the architect's authority, absent proper evidence that variations in work were not
The document discusses various concepts related to property valuation, including:
- The role of a valuer is to assess the present fair value of a property using their expertise in areas like construction, planning, and relevant laws.
- Valuation considers factors like supply/demand, purpose of valuation, and methods differ for open plots, existing structures, and leasehold properties.
- Key terms are defined, like capitalized value, years purchase, sinking fund, depreciation, and different types of values.
- Depreciation accounts for loss in a property's value over time from various factors like wear and tear, obsolescence, and contingencies.
Rate analysis and costing - Estimation, Costing and Valuation EngineeringShanmugasundaram N
Standard Data – Observed Data – Schedule of rates – Market rates – Standard Data for Man Hours and Machineries for common civil works – Rate Analysis for all Building works, canals, and Roads– Cost Estimates
Presentation on practical approach of costing in construction industry has been prepared with the objective of spreading and sharing knowledge of flow of costing and key areas among industry, professionals and other related people.
it may be very useful to understand the basic concepts and approach of costing of this fastest growing industry.
The document discusses the importance of construction equipment in major construction projects. It notes that construction equipment contributes to economy, quality, safety and timely completion of projects. It then covers various topics related to construction equipment including classification based on work type, common equipment types, factors to consider when selecting equipment, and financial aspects like arranging finance, purchasing vs hiring equipment.
Types of Contract in Construction ManagementShahin MB
This document describes several types of construction contracts: lump-sum, cost plus fixed fee, cost plus bid fee, guaranteed maximum, negotiated, unit-price, design-build, and turn-key. Lump-sum contracts establish a fixed total price upfront, while cost plus contracts reimburse the contractor's costs plus a fixed or percentage-based fee. Guaranteed maximum contracts set a ceiling on costs. Negotiated, unit-price, design-build, and turn-key contracts vary in responsibilities and payment structures.
This presentation covers introduction to Estimating and costing and its importance. Also, types of estimation, different terms and provisions used in estimating, are explained in it. Format of measurement sheet and abstract sheet and the rate analysis has been covered in this presentation. It can be helpful to study basics of estimating and costing.
This document discusses the estimation and costing of soil and water conservation measures. It describes the different types of estimates needed including preliminary estimates, detailed estimates, revised estimates, and supplementary estimates. It provides details on how estimates are prepared including using data books, schedules of rates, and determining conveyance and lead/lift costs for different items. The key information included are the types of estimates needed for soil and water conservation projects, how rates are determined, and what components like labor, materials, and transportation are included in cost estimates.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PLANING
WHAT IS CONSTRUCTION PLANNING
5 STEPS TO THE PERFECT CONSTRUCTION PLANNING PROCESS
PRE TENDER PLANNING
PRE CONTRACT PLANNING
ROLE OF CLIENT
ROLE OF CONTRACTOR
PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT OF PLANS
PLANNING A PROJECT
INTRODUCTION TO SCHEDULING
WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE
BAR CHARTS (GANTT CHARTS)
NETWORK TECHNIQUES
ACTIVITY-ON-ARROW NETWORK
DUMMY ACTIVITIES
DANGLING ACTIVITY
CYCLE IN NETWORK
PRECEDENCE NETWORKS
TIME ESTIMATES
MILESTONES IN PROJECT
TIME ANALYSIS
CRITICAL PATH, SLACK AND FLOAT
NETWORK ANALYSIS AND BAR CHART
WHAT IS NETWORK
PERT / CPM Techniques
TERMS USED IN A NETWORK
RULES OF NETWORK CONSTRUCTION
NETWORK SYMBOLS
Quantity surveyors provide cost management services throughout construction projects. They estimate costs, prepare bills of quantities, and advise clients on procurement and contractual methods. The Quantity Surveyor Certified Board regulates the profession and consists of a president, registrar, secretary, and 16 members appointed by the Ministry of Works. Quantity surveyors' responsibilities include cost planning, estimating, tendering, and certifying payments during construction stages. They help control costs, resolve disputes, and ensure projects are delivered within budget.
The document outlines the construction tender process between clients, contractors, and subcontractors. It discusses the various stages a contractor goes through when submitting a tender, including reviewing project details, conducting site surveys, developing cost estimates and bills of quantities, considering available resources and equipment, and ultimately submitting a bid package. The tender process depends on the type of tender (open or selective) and involves the contractor strategically planning and scrutinizing all available tender documents.
This document provides an introduction to construction estimation and measurement. It defines estimation as calculating quantities and costs for construction work items. Estimates require drawings, specifications, and site data. They are prepared by measuring quantities from drawings and multiplying by unit costs. Estimates are needed to determine project costs, materials, schedules, and more. The document discusses types of estimates like preliminary, detailed, quantity, and revised estimates. It also defines estimation terms and outlines the process for preparing a detailed estimate using measurement and cost forms.
The document provides details on measuring quantities for the construction of a guard house for Panicsonic Sdn Bhd. It includes assumptions on the total land area and outlines 13 construction methods. It then provides specific examples and calculations for measuring quantities for site clearance, various foundation elements like piling and pile caps, and column stumps below the lowest floor finish. Diagrams and notes are included to clarify the measurement of quantities.
This document provides guidelines for preparing standard bills of quantities for road projects in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It is divided into five chapters, with Chapter 5 focusing on work classification sections for the bill of quantities. These sections include lists of principal quantities, preambles, daywork schedules, work items divided into various parts, grand summaries, and schedules of rate breakdowns. The document aims to standardize bills of quantities based on the Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement to improve cost estimating precision and ensure consistent tender pricing.
This document provides an overview of construction contracting methods and contract types. It discusses the traditional Design-Bid-Build approach, as well as Design-Build, Turnkey, and Construction Management delivery methods. The major contract types covered are Lump Sum, Unit Price, Cost Plus, and variations like Cost Plus Fixed Fee and Cost Plus with a Guaranteed Maximum Price. For each, the document outlines the key characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. The course appears to cover construction documents, contracting, bidding processes, and contract conditions over multiple lectures.
This document discusses the process of quantity takeoff which is the foundation of estimating construction costs. It describes organizing the takeoff by labor, material, and equipment to match cost data sources. The key steps are accurately measuring all project elements using the correct units from drawings, accounting for repetition and waste, and considering each construction discipline in detail. The goal is to fully capture every work item through an organized process of working through drawings, specifications and building elements.
Principles Of Measurement International Sorab Mishra
The document discusses principles of measurement and standards. It provides an overview of different standard codes for measurement used internationally and in India, including POMI, IS 1200, and others. POMI was prepared by BCIS/RICS and follows a specific format organized by construction sections. While POMI is widely used internationally, some desired improvements include making measurements more specific and addressing new construction methods. The document also compares POMI to the Indian standard IS 1200.
The document discusses various types of construction contracts and tendering processes. It defines a tender as an invitation from an owner to contractors to execute work at a specified cost and time. There are different types of tenders including open, sealed, limited, and single tenders. Key aspects of the tendering process include tender forms, documents, notices, evaluation criteria, acceptance procedures, contract documents, deposits, and measurements. Different types of construction contracts are also summarized such as lump-sum, item rate, percentage rate, cost plus, and turn-key contracts.
Construction Project Management is an important subject to learn in Civil Engineering.
Significance • As construction involves various activities starting from the design and planning to project completion and quality check, there is a exorbitant need for Management of construction. • Construction Industry plays a crucial role in the economy and development of a nation.
4. Objectives To complete the project in specified time and with allocated budget. To Plan and schedule the work and distribute between various departments. Deployment of personnel in Different tasks. To achieve High quality workmanship. Creating an organisation that works as a team. Using the limited available resources and producing maximum output. Providing safe and satisfactory working conditions for all personnel and workers.
5. Functions: Planning & Scheduling Organizing Staffing Directing Controlling & Co-ordinating
6. Stages of construction Briefing Designing Tendering Construction Commissioning
7. 1) Briefing Stage • This stage consists of framework required for the construction work to take a shape from the ideology of client and feasibility of Project which involves architects, engineers and project manager.
Objectives Developing Alternatives Feasible Solution ? Evaluation of Alternatives Report & Recommendation Technical and non technical Investigations
8. 2) Designing or planning Stage Prepare construction schedule Prepare final cost estimate Prepare Working Drawings and specificati ons Prepare scheme and detailed designs Soil investigations, Topographic investigation, material supply and market surveys etc Carry out Technical Investigations Final adoption of the most suitable summary Finalize Project Summary
The document discusses various types of construction contracts. It describes lump sum contracts, item rate contracts, labour contracts, and cost reimbursement contracts. It provides details on how each contract type works, including payment structures, risk allocation, and suitable applications for different contract types. Key factors like flexibility, incentives, and risk allocation are considered when choosing the appropriate construction contract.
3. construction planning. construction project managementKabilan Kabi
This document discusses project time management for construction projects. It covers defining and sequencing activities, estimating activity durations and resources, developing a schedule, and schedule control. Key aspects include identifying specific schedule activities and their dependencies; estimating time, resources, and durations for each activity; analyzing the activity sequences and constraints to create a project schedule; and controlling changes to the schedule. The goal is to ensure timely completion of the project through effective planning, scheduling, tracking, and control of the time management processes.
QUESTION :
Taylor’s University is intending to build a branch campus in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Based on Taylor’s University plan they require the branch campus to be operational in mid-2019. Your quantity surveying firm, Innovative Cost Consultant Sdn. Bhd., of which you are a director, has been appointed to provide advice on the procurement system and the tendering methods that are to be adopted in carrying out the project.
The management of the University has informed you that the following requirements are of priority:
i) Cost to completion to be within the budget fixed.
ii) Timely delivery of the facility in order to commence operation in mid- 2019.
You are required to prepare a report to Taylor’s University recommending the procurement system and the tendering method to be adopted.
In your report you shall consider the procurement systems commonly used. You shall list out and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each system before making your recommendation.
As for the tendering methods, you shall consider all the three methods; i.e. open, selective and direct negotiation methods. Similarly you are to describe the advantages and disadvantages of each method before arriving at your recommendation.
Your report shall clearly explain your reasons for your recommendations.
Based on the above recommendations you are also required to prepare a simple programme or schedule in a form of bar chart showing the various activities commencing from the confirmation of the procurement system until completion of the project.
This document discusses certificates and payments related to construction contracts. It provides details on several key cases that establish that:
1) The existence of an interim certificate is a condition precedent for the contractor's right to receive payment for the amount stated in the certificate.
2) For an architect to issue a valid certificate, it must actually be sent to the contractor rather than just signed.
3) Non-payment of a certificate alone does not allow a contractor to terminate a contract, but persistent payment delays can constitute repudiation of the contract.
4) Interim certificates must be honored if they appear valid on their face and are within the architect's authority, absent proper evidence that variations in work were not
The document discusses various concepts related to property valuation, including:
- The role of a valuer is to assess the present fair value of a property using their expertise in areas like construction, planning, and relevant laws.
- Valuation considers factors like supply/demand, purpose of valuation, and methods differ for open plots, existing structures, and leasehold properties.
- Key terms are defined, like capitalized value, years purchase, sinking fund, depreciation, and different types of values.
- Depreciation accounts for loss in a property's value over time from various factors like wear and tear, obsolescence, and contingencies.
Rate analysis and costing - Estimation, Costing and Valuation EngineeringShanmugasundaram N
Standard Data – Observed Data – Schedule of rates – Market rates – Standard Data for Man Hours and Machineries for common civil works – Rate Analysis for all Building works, canals, and Roads– Cost Estimates
Presentation on practical approach of costing in construction industry has been prepared with the objective of spreading and sharing knowledge of flow of costing and key areas among industry, professionals and other related people.
it may be very useful to understand the basic concepts and approach of costing of this fastest growing industry.
The document discusses the importance of construction equipment in major construction projects. It notes that construction equipment contributes to economy, quality, safety and timely completion of projects. It then covers various topics related to construction equipment including classification based on work type, common equipment types, factors to consider when selecting equipment, and financial aspects like arranging finance, purchasing vs hiring equipment.
Types of Contract in Construction ManagementShahin MB
This document describes several types of construction contracts: lump-sum, cost plus fixed fee, cost plus bid fee, guaranteed maximum, negotiated, unit-price, design-build, and turn-key. Lump-sum contracts establish a fixed total price upfront, while cost plus contracts reimburse the contractor's costs plus a fixed or percentage-based fee. Guaranteed maximum contracts set a ceiling on costs. Negotiated, unit-price, design-build, and turn-key contracts vary in responsibilities and payment structures.
This presentation covers introduction to Estimating and costing and its importance. Also, types of estimation, different terms and provisions used in estimating, are explained in it. Format of measurement sheet and abstract sheet and the rate analysis has been covered in this presentation. It can be helpful to study basics of estimating and costing.
This document discusses the estimation and costing of soil and water conservation measures. It describes the different types of estimates needed including preliminary estimates, detailed estimates, revised estimates, and supplementary estimates. It provides details on how estimates are prepared including using data books, schedules of rates, and determining conveyance and lead/lift costs for different items. The key information included are the types of estimates needed for soil and water conservation projects, how rates are determined, and what components like labor, materials, and transportation are included in cost estimates.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PLANING
WHAT IS CONSTRUCTION PLANNING
5 STEPS TO THE PERFECT CONSTRUCTION PLANNING PROCESS
PRE TENDER PLANNING
PRE CONTRACT PLANNING
ROLE OF CLIENT
ROLE OF CONTRACTOR
PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT OF PLANS
PLANNING A PROJECT
INTRODUCTION TO SCHEDULING
WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE
BAR CHARTS (GANTT CHARTS)
NETWORK TECHNIQUES
ACTIVITY-ON-ARROW NETWORK
DUMMY ACTIVITIES
DANGLING ACTIVITY
CYCLE IN NETWORK
PRECEDENCE NETWORKS
TIME ESTIMATES
MILESTONES IN PROJECT
TIME ANALYSIS
CRITICAL PATH, SLACK AND FLOAT
NETWORK ANALYSIS AND BAR CHART
WHAT IS NETWORK
PERT / CPM Techniques
TERMS USED IN A NETWORK
RULES OF NETWORK CONSTRUCTION
NETWORK SYMBOLS
Quantity surveyors provide cost management services throughout construction projects. They estimate costs, prepare bills of quantities, and advise clients on procurement and contractual methods. The Quantity Surveyor Certified Board regulates the profession and consists of a president, registrar, secretary, and 16 members appointed by the Ministry of Works. Quantity surveyors' responsibilities include cost planning, estimating, tendering, and certifying payments during construction stages. They help control costs, resolve disputes, and ensure projects are delivered within budget.
The document outlines the construction tender process between clients, contractors, and subcontractors. It discusses the various stages a contractor goes through when submitting a tender, including reviewing project details, conducting site surveys, developing cost estimates and bills of quantities, considering available resources and equipment, and ultimately submitting a bid package. The tender process depends on the type of tender (open or selective) and involves the contractor strategically planning and scrutinizing all available tender documents.
This document provides an introduction to construction estimation and measurement. It defines estimation as calculating quantities and costs for construction work items. Estimates require drawings, specifications, and site data. They are prepared by measuring quantities from drawings and multiplying by unit costs. Estimates are needed to determine project costs, materials, schedules, and more. The document discusses types of estimates like preliminary, detailed, quantity, and revised estimates. It also defines estimation terms and outlines the process for preparing a detailed estimate using measurement and cost forms.
The document provides details on measuring quantities for the construction of a guard house for Panicsonic Sdn Bhd. It includes assumptions on the total land area and outlines 13 construction methods. It then provides specific examples and calculations for measuring quantities for site clearance, various foundation elements like piling and pile caps, and column stumps below the lowest floor finish. Diagrams and notes are included to clarify the measurement of quantities.
This document provides guidelines for preparing standard bills of quantities for road projects in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It is divided into five chapters, with Chapter 5 focusing on work classification sections for the bill of quantities. These sections include lists of principal quantities, preambles, daywork schedules, work items divided into various parts, grand summaries, and schedules of rate breakdowns. The document aims to standardize bills of quantities based on the Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement to improve cost estimating precision and ensure consistent tender pricing.
The document provides information about quantity surveying practices based on standard measurement methods for construction works (SMM7, CESMM3, POMI, FIDIC). It discusses the quantity surveyor's roles in pre-contract and post-contract stages. It also describes measurement techniques, interim bills, payment certificates, important terms related to bills of quantities and payments such as advance payments, retention amounts, and extensions of time. Standard methods of measurement for both building and civil engineering works are compared.
This document provides an introduction to the role of a Quantity Surveyor (QS). It discusses that a QS calculates materials needed, manages construction costs, and works in private practice, for local authorities or contractors. A QS applies building economics at the planning stage, prepares bills of quantities from plans, analyzes tenders, and provides cost consulting. They are involved at various construction stages from estimating budgets to valuations. The document also discusses tenders, tender drawings, bills of quantities, construction drawings, and common building materials.
This document discusses various methods of construction cost estimation, including preliminary estimates, plinth area method, cubical contents method, unit base method, abstract estimates, detailed estimates, bottom up method, and square foot estimates. It also discusses factors that influence specification, rate analysis, and final estimates. Preliminary estimates provide early project costs but have low accuracy of 20-30%. Detailed estimates use quantities, rates, and specifications to determine costs more accurately. The bottom up method aggregates task estimates to determine total project costs.
This document provides approximate estimates for flyovers constructed at four different locations. It summarizes the key details of each flyover project such as location, client, contractor, scope of work, cost, duration, progress, resources used, and per meter cost. The average cost per meter of the flyovers according to the estimates given is Rs. 5,37,635.
Teachers manual to facilitating an earth oven course 1Simha Bode
Facilitating a hands-on earth oven course is a beautiful way to connect people and create community. I hope this manual will help you with all of the logistics of running your own successful oven course. The first section of this book is about the cultural context of ovens and the role that teaching an oven workshop has in creating community. The second section is the pre-course logistics of setting up an oven course. The third section is a detailed technical guide to teaching an oven course using a specific oven design as a guide. The fourth section has details on building specifics. The fifth section covers the use of an earth oven, building oven tools and the basics of sourdough.
The document provides an overview of CSI certifications including the Construction Document Technologist (CDT), Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA), Certified Construction Specifier (CCS), and Certified Construction Product Representative (CCPR) certifications. It discusses the purpose, benefits, requirements, exam format and content, and study materials for each certification. The speaker aims to help attendees understand the certification process and determine which certifications would be most beneficial for their careers.
El documento describe el MasterFormat, un sistema estándar para organizar especificaciones y otra información escrita para proyectos de construcción. El MasterFormat divide los requisitos de construcción en divisiones y secciones numeradas para facilitar la localización de información específica. Su uso estandarizado mejora la comunicación entre las partes involucradas en proyectos de construcción. El MasterFormat es un producto establecido por el Construction Specifications Institute y se utiliza ampliamente en la industria de la construcción en los Estados Unidos y Canadá.
This document provides a summary of upcoming classroom activities and assignments:
1) A mid-unit summative exam on properties of exponents will take place.
2) MAP testing is scheduled for today at 10:00.
3) IXL online learning platform is now available for students to use.
4) There will be no school on September 4th or 7th.
5) Students should watch recording and submit assignment summaries if unable to attend class.
Comparison of number written in scientific notationjulienorman80065
This document is a lesson on comparing numbers written in scientific notation. It contains examples of comparing the distances of galaxies from Earth in light-years, comparing the average lifetimes of subatomic particles in seconds, and rules for comparing numbers in scientific notation based on their exponents. The lesson concludes with assigning independent practice problems comparing numbers in scientific notation.
The document analyzes affordable housing trends in Milford, New Hampshire. It finds that housing costs have risen much faster than incomes over the last 15-20 years, both nationally and locally. Specifically, the median home purchase price in Milford has more than doubled since 1990, while incomes have not kept pace. This makes affordable housing a challenge. The document aims to examine affordable housing availability in Milford through GIS mapping and a survey of local planners.
This document provides an overview and agenda for a seminar on contract strategy. It discusses developing a contract strategy by considering risk allocation and different types of contracting approaches. It covers price-based approaches like bills of quantities and schedules of rates as well as cost-based approaches like cost reimbursable contracts. The seminar aims to provide knowledge of different contract strategies and when each may be appropriate. It also discusses developing a procurement process and principles of risk allocation and sharing.
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This document provides instructions for a group project assignment on quantity surveying. Students are asked to take off quantities from drawings provided for various structural elements of a building, including pad footings, excavations below ground floor, ground floor slab, beams, columns, and roof beams. The assignment aims to develop skills in measurement techniques, preparing bills of quantities, and interpreting the Standard Method of Measurement. Students must submit handwritten billing, dimension sheets, a query list, and peer assessments to their group leader, who will compile the materials into a bound document containing a summary, billing, and bill of quantities in the specified sequence. The assignment aims to help students explain, interpret, and apply measurement standards to quantity take-offs for concrete structures
The document outlines the materials and measurements for the roof and roof structure of Block C (Office). It specifies timber plates, roof members, ceiling joists, rafters, ridges and struts made of Grade B sawn pressure timber between 100mm-125mm wide. The roof covering will be 420mm x 330mm cement interlocking tiles at a 30 degree pitch, with ridge tiles added. A double sided aluminium foil insulation paper will be laid over straining wires at the joists. 150mm x 25mm wide wrot pressure treated Grade B timber fascia boards will be fixed to the structure and painted.
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Here are the key steps to estimate the quantities for a concrete column:
1. Measure the dimensions of the column from design drawings - diameter, height.
2. Calculate the volume of concrete required by using the formula for volume of a cylinder.
3. Estimate the quantity of formwork sheets and timber required based on the surface area.
4. Calculate the length and weight of reinforcement bars from the reinforcement layout.
5. Estimate the number of laborers, equipment like vibrator and crane hours required to cast and cure the column.
6. Compile all quantities of materials, equipment and labor in a taking off sheet and bill of quantities.
This will give the approximate quantities required to construct the
A quantity surveyor is a professional in the construction industry responsible for building costs. They prepare cost estimates, bills of quantities, evaluate tenders, and monitor costs throughout a project. A quantity surveyor works with architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers. They use drawings and specifications to take off quantities and compile the bill of quantities, which is a list of materials, labor, and equipment for construction. Modern software like Revit allows quantity surveyors to directly measure and calculate quantities from 3D models for faster bill preparation.
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A quantity surveyor is a professional in the construction industry responsible for building costs. They prepare cost estimates, bills of quantities, evaluate tenders, and monitor costs throughout a project. A quantity surveyor's main roles include cost planning, procurement, measuring quantities of materials, and preparing payment applications for contractors and clients. They work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers on a project. A quantity surveyor uses drawings and specifications to take off quantities and compile the bill of quantities using software like Revit.
A quantity surveyor is a professional in the construction industry responsible for building costs. They prepare cost estimates, bills of quantities, evaluate tenders, and monitor costs throughout a project. A quantity surveyor's main roles include cost planning, procurement, measuring quantities of materials, and preparing payment applications for contractors and clients. They work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers on a project. A quantity surveyor uses drawings and specifications to take off quantities and compile the bill of quantities using software like Revit.
A quantity surveyor is a professional in the construction industry responsible for building costs. They prepare cost estimates, bills of quantities, evaluate tenders, and monitor costs throughout a project. A quantity surveyor's main roles include cost planning, procurement, measuring quantities of materials, and preparing payment applications for contractors and clients. They work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers on a project. A quantity surveyor uses drawings and specifications to take off quantities and compile the bill of quantities using software like Revit.
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1. Dublin Institute of Technology
ARROW@DIT
Other Resources School of Real Estate and Construction Economics
2014-02-04
An Introduction to Taking Off Building
Quantities:an Irish Approach
Tony Cunningham
Dublin Institute of Technology, tony.cunningham@dit.ie
Follow this and additional works at: http://arrow.dit.ie/beschreoth
Part of the Construction Engineering Commons
This Review is brought to you for free and open access by the School of
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of ARROW@DIT. For more information, please contact
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-
Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License
Recommended Citation
Cunningham, Tony, "An Introduction to Taking Off Building Quantities:an Irish Approach" (2014). Other Resources. Paper 30.
http://arrow.dit.ie/beschreoth/30
2. 1
AN INTRODUCTION TO TAKING OFF BUILDING
QUANTITIES – AN IRISH APPROACH
Tony Cunningham
School of Surveying and Construction Management
Dublin Institute of Technology.
Construction professionals are involved in procuring building work on a daily basis.
Effective procurement aims to provide construction clients with projects which
achieve good value for money. Key objectives include ensuring that accurate budgets
are prepared before work commences and that the correct price is eventually paid for
the completed work. Measurement and valuation are essential processes underpinning
these activities and together they form the central link between design and cost. On
commercial projects these tasks are usually carried out by quantity surveyors. On
smaller projects, however, clients, architects, managers and builders may receive
quotations and/or accounts containing building measurements. In these situations it is
very beneficial to understand how these measurements have been made and how they
are presented so that they can be checked and verified.
Measurement is used by various stakeholders and construction professionals
throughout the development process to calculate the quantity of work to be done. For
example:
A project manager may require the gross floor area of a proposed office block to
establish a building budget at the initial stages of a contract.
A quantity surveyor may calculate the approximate quantities of work during the
design development stage to produce a cost plan to check the adequacy of the
building budget.
A quantity surveyor may take off quantities from detail drawings to produce a bill
of quantities for tendering purposes.
On smaller projects an estimator may need to measure the quantities from the
tender drawings and specifications as part of a tender submission.
A contractor will present measured variations as part of a final account settlement.
The purpose of measuring any building work is to establish the correct amount of
work to be done. This involves producing accurate quantities in a way which is
comprehensive, technically accurate and clear in its approach and presentation.
Measurements must be carefully made regardless of whether the measurer is sitting
comfortably at an office desk or is on site up a scaffold in the rain, other people’s
money depends on it and so does the measurer’s reputation. They are spending
employer’s money every time a dimension is entered. It is assumed they are conscious
of the responsibility and are worthy of it.
Measurement has two basic essential activities; description and quantification.
Description usually involves ‘translating’ information contained on drawings,
specifications and technical reports and communicating that information accurately
and concisely so that another person will completely understand the writer’s
intentions. The measurer must be able to describe concisely what the designer has
drawn or the builder has built. In practical terms this means that the description must
3. 2
be clear enough to enable an estimator or valuer to visualise the detail without having
to refer to the drawing. The description will only be adequate if the estimator is
capable of fully pricing the original detail. Designers and quantity surveyors must be
aware that others will rely on their descriptions when pricing building works.
Descriptions must therefore be accurate, clear, concise and unambiguous.
Quantification on the other hand is reasonably straightforward. Accuracy, again, is the
objective, however the level of accuracy which is to be expected depends on the
degree to which the design has been developed and the purpose for which the
measurements have been taken. The accuracy required usually increases in tandem
with the detail of the design. It would not be intended that an undimensioned 1:1000
block layout produced during the initial phase of the design process would be used to
measure lengths of walls to the millimetre. It may be perfectly acceptable to measure
outline drawing to a lesser degree of accuracy to generate approximate quantities as
part of a preliminary budget cost estimate.
This paper is presents an approach to taking off quantities based on the author’s
personal experience of working as a quantity surveyor in four consultant quantity
surveying practices in Ireland over the course of nearly twenty years. The author notes
that while each of these practices had their own particular approach to taking off, the
differences between them were very minor are usually reflected differences in style
rather than process. This paper comments on, and demonstrates how, measurements
may be recorded and processed in writing, and sets out to lead the reader step-by-step
through the process.
Quantity surveying practices now produce bills of quantities using various software
packages, each of which has its own techniques for entering dimensions and
composing descriptions. However, it is often uneconomic and unnecessary,
particularly for other construction professionals, to purchase these packages and other
approaches must therefore be considered. The traditional method of teaching building
measurement through hand written worked examples is considered by this author to
be an effective approach to developing a sound understanding of, and ability in
measurement procedure and the potential problems which may be encountered. The
author believes that the pen-and-paper approach to measurement has served the
profession well, and should remain the necessary and pragmatic first steps in
mastering the basic principles on which digital measurement is founded.
Introduction to Taking Off Quantities
The quantification process involves recording dimensions and is referred to as taking
off because it involves reading or scaling (taking off) dimensions from a drawing and
entering this information in a standard manner on purpose ruled paper called
dimension paper or take off paper.
Dimension Paper
An example of traditional dimension paper is illustrated at Figure 1 overleaf. These
sheets are normally printed in A4 portrait format.1
1
Other rulings are used in practice, many Irish practices use a variety of estimating
paper which combines the left side rulings of dimension paper with a wider central
description column and right side cash rulings.
4. 3
Figure 1 A Blank Sheet of Typical Dimension Paper
5. 4
The traditional dimension sheet is divided vertically into two identical halves each
comprising a set of four columns. In effect, the rulings on the right half of the sheet
may be considered to be a continuation of those on the left side of the sheet.
A B C D A B C D
Figure 2 Rulings of Traditional Dimension Paper
Columns A – are the timesing columns; these columns are used to enter multipliers
when there is more than one of the particular item being measured.
Columns B – are the dimension columns; where the dimensions of the item being
measured are recorded.
Columns C – are the squaring columns; these columns are used to calculate the
quantities which are produced by multiplying the timesing factor in column A by the
dimensions in column B. The results are then totalled to derive the final quantity of
work.
Columns D – are the description columns; these wider columns are used for
descriptive content such as location references and explanatory notes called
annotations. Preliminary calculations, called waste calculations may also be carried
out in these columns. In the UK these columns contain the written description, often
abbreviated, of the item being measured.
The double lined column on the extreme left of the sheet is a binding margin and it is
not used in the taking off process. The division of the dimension paper into two halves
permits a number of items to be measured on a single sheet. This author, however,
recommends that plenty of space be left between items on the dimension sheet.
Cramped work is often difficult to follow and there may be instances where work is
missed if it appears to be a continuation of the previous item being measured; both
will result in the loss of marks in examinations and project work.
Entering Dimensions
The four principal units of measurement encountered on introductory measurement
courses are number, length, area, and volume. Occasionally standard methods of
measurement require the insertion of an ‘item’. This is an item of work without a
measured quantity, for example disposing of surface water in excavation work,
labours on brickwork, testing the drainage system, and so on. Figure 3 illustrates the
process for entering dimensions for various work items.
7. 6
A particular focus of this paper is to explain how measurements are prepared for
inclusion in bills of quantities compiled in accordance with standard methods of
measurement. These stipulate that ‘Work shall be measured as net as fixed in position
and each measurement shall be taken to the nearest 10mm (i.e. 5mm and over shall be
regarded as 10mm, and less than 5mm shall be disregarded).’(ARM4 Rule A5) This
rule requires measurements to be entered in the dimension column in metres to two
places of decimals with the decimal point between the metres and fractions. For
example, where the length of a skirting is 5994mm it would be entered as 5.99m. If,
however the length is 5995mm it would be entered as 6.00m.
Note that dimensions are always entered to two places of decimals even where it may
not appear to be entirely necessary. For example if the length of the first pipe in
Figure 3 above was 7000mm precisely, it would still be entered as 7.00m. rather than
just 7! Figured dimensions should always be used in preference to scaled dimensions,
which should only be used as a last resort.
Number / Enumeration
Many items in building work are counted, for example precast concrete lintels and
sills, prefabricated roof trusses, joinery items such as doors, and windows, electrical
and mechanical fittings such as lights, radiators and pumps, sanitary fittings such as
baths and so on. Where items are counted they are entered as whole numbers in the
dimension column with a line drawn horizontally across the dimension column below
each entry. For example in Figure 3 above, six flush doors have been counted in one
particular location and another three are located elsewhere. The whole numbers 6 and
3 have been entered in the dimension column with a horizontal line across the column
below each entry. Note that the actual dimensions of enumerated items are stated in
millimetres in the description. This identifies the door’s width, height and thickness.
Lengths
Linear measurements (lengths) are taken for items such damp proof courses, details
such as bands and cappings on brickwork, carcassing and first fix timbers, runs of
pipe, etc. Linear measurements usually state the cross section size of the item in the
description.
Figure 3 above enters the measurements for three drain pipes in metres to two places
of decimals in the dimension column; these are: 7.20, 11.90 and 3.45 metres long
respectively. A line is drawn across the dimension column under each length to
indicate that it is a linear measurement.
Areas
Items such as walls, roof coverings, floor boarding, and most finishes are measured by
area. These are sometimes referred to as superficial measurements. The description
usually states the thickness of the item of the work. The measurements comprise two
dimensions; a length and width when the item is on plan, or a length and a height
where it is vertical. Dimensions are arranged in pairs in the dimension column with
the horizontal line appearing under the second dimension. Figure 3 above shows the
measurements of two block walls. The dimensions read as 5.16 m long by 2.40 m
high and 4.00m long by 1.23m high respectively.
Volumes
Excavation, earthwork and concrete work are typically measured by volume. These
items contain three dimensions which ideally are arranged in the order of length by
8. 7
width by depth. Again, the sets of three dimensions are identified by the horizontal
line under the third dimension of the set. The concrete foundations in Figure 3 identify
two separate trenches where the longer trench is 900mm wide and the shorter trench is
1200mm wide.
The convention of underlining indicates which unit of measurement is being used and
removes the need to stipulate whether the measurements are lengths, areas, volumes
or numbers. Where each dimension is underlined the unit of billing is the metre,
where the second dimension in a pair is underlined the unit is square metres, and
where the third dimension in a set is underlined the unit is cubic metres.
Timesing
Quantity surveyors use the term ‘timesing’ rather than ‘multiplication’ to refer to the
number of times a particular item occurs in the course of measurement. The timesing
factor is entered in the timesing column and is registered by a backslash mark across
the border between the timesing and dimension columns.
Figure 4 shows various timesing techniques which can be used to speed up the
measurement process by avoiding the needless repetition of identical dimensions.
The second entry in the door measurement indicates that there are three separate
groups of three doors.
The measurement of the drain pipes show that there are two runs of 7.20m and
11.90m pipe and three 3.45m lengths of pipe.
The measurement of the block walls demonstrates that timesing can be repeated
where similar designs are located in different parts of the project. Example 4 shows
that there are two instances of the first type of wall in two separate parts of the
project. This entry reads twice times twice times 5.16m long by 2.40m high walls -
i.e. there are four walls with these dimensions. Likewise the second entry shows that
there are six (three times twice) walls that are 4.00m long by 1.23m high. This
technique is particularly useful when measuring work of a repetitive nature such as
housing schemes and hotels or multi-storey buildings with repetitive floor layouts.
The measurement of the concrete foundations demonstrates a technique called dotting
on. This technique is not encountered frequently in practice, but there may be
occasions where a further item or items have been discovered after similar work has
already been measured. The process is signified by inserting a conspicuous large ‘dot’
behind and above the timesing factor while entering the number of the additional
items. In the concrete work in Figure 4 the multiplier for the first set of dimensions
reads (three plus one) times, i.e 4 times. Likewise the second entry reads twice times
three times (two plus one) i.e six times the dimensions..
10. 9
Squaring the Dimensions
The squaring column is used to calculate the quantities of work and represents the
products of the timesing and dimension columns. The squaring process figures out the
quantities of work by multiplying the dimensions by the timesing factor. Figure 5
shows how the works measured in Figure 4 would be squared. There are a number of
conventions to note:
In situations where there are multiple dimensions for enumerated items or linear
dimensions which are not timesed, these may be totalled and the result entered in
the squaring column to the right of the final number / dimension. For example the
measurements relating to the doors and drainage pipes in Figure 3 (The example
before squaring was put in) would total 9 and 22.55m respectively. There would
be no need to insert each dimension in the squaring column.
Where enumerated items or dimensions are timesed each calculation should be
entered separately in the squaring column - as occurs throughout in Figure 5
Enumerated items are entered or totalled as whole numbers in the squaring
column.
Squared dimensions are entered in the squaring column to two places of decimals
and are totalled alongside or below the final dimension entry. Note that there is no
underlining in the squaring column until the totalling process is carried out.
Totalling is usually signified by double underlining.
Totals are usually rounded off to the nearest full unit and transferred to the right
hand side of the description column immediately below the description. This
accords with standard practice – ARM4 rule A10 stipulates: ‘Where the unit of
billing is the metre, quantities shall be billed to the nearest whole unit. Fractions
of a whole unit less than a half shall be disregarded and all other fractions shall
be regarded as a whole unit.’
The quantities are transferred either directly to the measurement document or to an
abstract as part of the billing process.
Use of the Description Column
As its name suggests, this is where descriptive information is entered.
Typical taking off procedure in Ireland differs from UK practice in the way in which
descriptions are presented on the dimension sheets and how the measurement process
is organised. The differences between the two approaches become most obvious in the
way the description column is used.
In Ireland the description of the items to be measured is typically located at the top of
the sheet and is written in full across the timesing, dimension, squaring and the
description column. The complete set of dimensions relating to the item are presented
directly below the description before starting to measure the next item. This approach
is referred to as ‘direct billing’.
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Practices in the UK, however, often use a system called the ‘group method or London
method’ of taking off. This system is demonstrated in a number of textbooks
published in the UK including Packer (1996) Seeley and Winfield (1999) Lee et al
(2005) and Cartlidge (2013).
The group method groups related work items with common dimensions, such as
blockwork plaster and paint, and measures them together simultaneously using
brackets and a technique called ‘anding on’. Measurements and adjustments relating
to the particular work items are gathered from the various sections of the take off and
aggregated in an abstract to produce the final quantities prior to final billing.
Work descriptions in the ‘group’ approach are contained within the description
column and are heavily abbreviated and copied using the word ‘ditto’ to save time and
space. This allows a number of descriptions to be written in the description column.
The full descriptions of the work items are only produced at the final billing stage.
Despite the fact that the Irish direct billing approach does not use ‘anding-on’,
bracketing and abbreviated descriptions, there are two techniques which are common
to the UK approaches: the use of annotations and the facility of calculating
dimensions called waste calculations.
Annotations
Taking off building work can be a lengthy process and it is common for a team of
surveyors to take off the work when producing a bill of quantities. It is essential that
the take off notes can be understood and followed by others, such as the project
quantity surveyor, during the construction and final account stages of the project. If
the take off cannot be followed it becomes useless, and the effort spent in trying to
figure it out can, in effect, be a further waste of time. It is important, therefore, that
the quantity surveyor annotates the dimensions to show where and how they have
been made and calculated. A well signposted set of dimensions ultimately saves time
and money in the event that the take off has to be referred to, such as where the final
account has to be adjusted as a result of variations.
Annotations should be kept as brief as necessary; and often a single syllable can
identify the measurement logic or an item’s location on the drawings. It is common
practice to align the annotations on the left hand side of the description column beside
the dimensions to which they refer. Figure 6 illustrates how the various measured
items may be annotated. It is not necessary to annotate something that is obvious.
Waste Calculations
Ideally dimensions can be read directly from the drawings and entered directly into
the dimension column. However, direct transfers are not always possible as some
calculation or adjustment may be required to the dimensions on the drawing before
they can be correctly booked.
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Figure 6 Annotations and Waste Calculations
*Note these annotations are for demonstration purposes only and are intended to illustrate how notes may be written on a dimension sheet
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The right hand side of the description column is commonly referred to as the waste.
The waste is used to build up dimensions and to carry out other preliminary
calculations. Quantity surveyors call these ‘waste calculations’ or ‘side-casts’ and
they are worked out in millimetres alongside the item to which they relate. Once the
dimension is calculated, it is transferred into the dimension column in metres to two
decimal places.
A key principle of taking off is the elimination of mental arithmetic. All steps that
have been taken in arriving at a dimension should be included in the waste
calculation. This enables the dimensions to be checked and will reduce doubts and
misunderstandings. There may be a temptation to scribble these or carry out simple
arithmetic in the head. Both should be avoided as it is important to be able to identify
the process by which the dimensions were established. Double underlining in a waste
calculation usually indicates that the result has been transferred to the dimension
column.
Figure 6 shows two waste calculations, the notes indicate that:
The lengths of the first block walls, 5.16, have been derived from a string of
dimensions indicated on a drawing (1680+1800+1680) relating to an end
elevation.
The length of the second set of concrete foundations are based on a wall
dimension of 2750mm shown in ‘drawing F’ relating to Zone B: this dimension
has been adjusted for the projecting overlap of the foundations at both ends these
trenches – giving a net length of 2150mm.
Deductions
After measuring an item it is sometimes necessary to deduct for voids and/or
openings. Standard methods of measurement such as ARM 4 set out rules governing
the deduction of openings within the boundary of the work. Openings or wants at the
boundaries of the work are deducted irrespective of their size. Openings and wants are
shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7 Openings and Wants (Courtesy Fiacra McDonnell)
Deductions are generally entered as shown in Figure 8. This example shows the
measurement of the internal block walls in a small cottage in which there are five
internal doors. The letters Ddt in the squaring column stand for the word ‘deduct’.
The net total of the blockwork has been labelled TOT A as it will be reused during the
later stages of the take off (discussed below).
One of the key techniques used by surveyors in measuring work ‘the golden rule of
measurement’ is to measure in full in the first instance and subsequently adjust for the
detail; this process frequently involves deduction.
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Alterations to Dimensions
It is sometimes necessary to substitute amended dimensions in place of those, which
have already been entered on the dimension sheet. Do not alter the original figures.
The better procedure is to write NIL in the squaring column beside the incorrect
dimensions and re write the new dimensions immediately above or below depending
on the space available.
Figure 8 shows an example where the length of a foundation has originally been
incorrectly calculated, and has subsequently been changed to show its correct
centreline measurement.
Repeat Dimensions
To save time and reduce the possibility of transcription errors it is good practice to
repeat totals from previously measured items. For example block walls are generally
plastered and painted on both sides. Figure 9 shows how the total obtained for
blockwork in Figure 8 is included in the calculation of the plaster which, in turn,
forms the basis for measuring the painting. Some additions and/or adjustments are
usually required to the repeated quantity when measuring the subsequent item,
therefore, additional care is need when using this technique.
The procedure is to label or tag the total for the blockwork, say TOT ‘A’ and repeat
this full quantity to two decimal places in the dimension column of the plaster
measurements identifying the unit of measurement used. A side note should be made
identifying what the repeat total refers to and the page on which it originates.
This process corresponds to the ‘anding on’ technique demonstrated in the UK
textbooks noted above.
Long Calculations
On many occasions it will not be possible to complete the measurement without
continuing onto the other side of the sheet or onto a further sheet. In these instances
the squared dimensions should be sub-totalled at the bottom of the column and
brought forward to the top of the following squaring column, before recommencing
the measurement. It is often convenient to start deductions on the right hand side of
the sheet where there is not enough room to complete the measurement on the left
side.
Numbering and Titles of Dimension Sheets
Each dimension sheet should be suitably headed with the job and page reference at the
top of each sheet. A dated and initialled cover sheet identifying the job, stage, element
and total number of pages used in the take off is good practice. This cover sheet
should also contain a list of drawings used for the take off. The take off should be
suitably fastened to prevent loss of sheets.
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Summary
The purpose of measuring building work is to establish the correct amount of work to
be executed. Calculating well presented accurate quantities in a clear manner within a
logical approach will help to reduce errors and will be very helpful if the notes need to
be referred to at a later date. This paper has described an approach to hand-written
taking off procedure informed by the techniques adopted by many Irish consulting
quantity surveying practices. The paper has also discussed the ‘direct billing’ system
used in Ireland and has contrasted this with the procedures demonstrated in various
UK publications, identifying key differences between the two approaches.
Where quantities are being prepared for tender documents governed by standard
methods of measurement such as ARM4 the measurements relate to work net as fixed
in position and are to be taken to the nearest 10mm, these are then booked in the
metres to two places of decimals in the dimensions column. Multipliers are placed in
the timesing column and the quantities are computed in the squaring column.
Descriptive content and preliminary dimension calculations are performed in the
dimension column. Dimensions are ideally entered in the order of length, width and
depth, figured dimensions should be used in preference to scaled dimensions.
While accuracy is the primary objective, clarity of presentation and communication
remain major priorities. A logical approach in the taking off will greatly assist
subsequent understanding. Technical accuracy in booking dimensions should be
rigidly observed at all times. Measurements should be made in a logical sequence; for
example measuring in a clockwise sequence or following room or door numbers.
Dimensions and calculations should be fully annotated. Finally neatness, adequate
spacing and grouping of dimensions when combined with technical accuracy will give
the notes an authority which will enable those who need to refer to them to do so with
a high degree of confidence.
References
ARM4 – Construction Industry Federation and Society of Chartered Surveyors (2009)
ARM4 Agreed Rules of Measurement, The Society of Chartered Surveyors and
Construction Industry Federation, Dublin.
Cartlidge, D. (2013) Quantity Surveyors Pocketbook 2nd
ed. Routledge, Abingdon
Oxon.
Lee, S. Trench, W. and Willis, A. (2005) Willis’s Elements of Quantity Surveying
Blackwell Publishing, Oxford.
Packer, A.D. (1996) Building Measurement, Longman, Harlow Essex.
Seeley, I.H. and Winfield, R. (1999) Building Quantities Explained 5th
ed. Palgrave
Macmillan, Basingstoke Hampshire.