Measurement and Estimation

Introduction

Measurement and estimation play a crucial role in Quantity Surveying & Costing. Accurate measurement and estimation are essential for cost control, project planning, and determining the quantities of materials, labor, and equipment required for a construction project. Proper measurement and estimation also ensure fair and transparent pricing. In this topic, we will explore the key concepts and principles of measurement and estimation, including the mode of measurement, measurement sheet, abstract sheet, and bill of quantities.

Key Concepts and Principles

Mode of Measurement

The mode of measurement refers to the method used to quantify and describe the items in a construction project. There are several common modes of measurement used in quantity surveying:

1. Standard Method of Measurement (SMM): This is a widely recognized and standardized method used for measuring construction works. It provides a consistent framework for quantifying items and facilitates accurate cost estimation.

2. Elemental Method of Measurement (EMM): This method involves breaking down a project into its elemental components, such as foundations, walls, and roofs. Each element is measured separately, allowing for detailed cost analysis and comparison.

3. Approximate Quantities Method (AQM): This method is used when detailed measurements are not available or when estimating the quantities based on rough approximations. It is commonly used in the early stages of a project or for conceptual cost estimation.

The choice of mode of measurement depends on various factors, including project requirements, industry standards, and client preferences.

Measurement Sheet

A measurement sheet is a document used to record and summarize the measurements of various items in a construction project. It typically includes the following components:

• Item description: A clear and concise description of the item being measured.
• Unit of measurement: The standard unit used to quantify the item, such as square meters, cubic meters, or linear meters.
• Quantity: The measured or estimated quantity of the item.
• Rate: The unit cost or rate at which the item will be priced.
• Amount: The calculated amount, obtained by multiplying the quantity by the rate.

Accurate measurement and recording on the measurement sheet are crucial to ensure the reliability and integrity of the cost estimation process.

Abstract Sheet

An abstract sheet is a summary document that consolidates the measurements from multiple measurement sheets. It provides a comprehensive overview of the quantities and amounts involved in a construction project. The abstract sheet typically includes the following components:

• Summary of measurements: A summary of the measurements from the measurement sheets, categorized by item type or work package.
• Subtotals and totals: Subtotals and totals of quantities and amounts for each category or work package.
• Provisional sums and contingencies: Provisional sums and contingencies are included to account for any unforeseen or uncertain items that may arise during the project.

The abstract sheet plays a crucial role in the cost estimation and tendering process, as it provides a clear and concise summary of the project's quantities and costs.

Bill of Quantities (BOQ)

A bill of quantities (BOQ) is a detailed document that provides a comprehensive list of all the items, quantities, and rates required for a construction project. The BOQ typically includes the following components:

• Preliminaries: This section includes general information about the project, such as project location, duration, and contract conditions.
• General items: These are items that are common to all projects, such as site clearance, temporary works, and scaffolding.
• Measurement items: These are the main items of work that need to be measured and priced, such as foundations, walls, and finishes.
• Provisional sums: Provisional sums are included for items that cannot be accurately measured or priced at the time of tendering, such as variations or additional works.
• Contingencies: Contingencies are included to account for any unforeseen or uncertain items that may arise during the project.

The bill of quantities provides a detailed breakdown of the project's quantities and costs, allowing for accurate cost estimation, tendering, and contract administration.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough of Typical Problems and Solutions

This section will provide a step-by-step walkthrough of typical problems and solutions related to measurement and estimation in quantity surveying. It will cover topics such as the calculation of quantities based on measurements, estimation of costs based on rates and quantities, preparation of measurement sheets and abstract sheets, and compilation of a bill of quantities.

Real-World Applications and Examples

This section will explore real-world applications and examples of measurement and estimation in quantity surveying. It will cover residential construction projects, commercial construction projects, and infrastructure projects. The examples will demonstrate how measurement and estimation are applied in different types of projects and highlight the importance of accurate measurement and estimation in achieving project success.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Measurement and Estimation

This section will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of measurement and estimation in quantity surveying. The advantages include accurate cost control and budgeting, fair pricing and transparency, and improved project planning and resource allocation. The disadvantages include the potential for errors leading to cost overruns and delays, the risk of choosing the wrong mode of measurement resulting in inaccurate quantities and costs, and the time and expertise required for measurement and estimation, which can add to project costs.

Summary

Measurement and estimation are essential components of quantity surveying and costing. Accurate measurement and estimation are crucial for cost control, project planning, and determining the quantities of materials, labor, and equipment required for a construction project. The mode of measurement, measurement sheet, abstract sheet, and bill of quantities are key concepts and principles that facilitate the measurement and estimation process. Real-world applications and examples demonstrate the practical application of measurement and estimation in different types of construction projects. While measurement and estimation offer numerous advantages, they also have disadvantages that need to be considered. Overall, measurement and estimation play a vital role in achieving project success and ensuring fair and transparent pricing in the construction industry.

Summary

Measurement and estimation are essential components of quantity surveying and costing. Accurate measurement and estimation are crucial for cost control, project planning, and determining the quantities of materials, labor, and equipment required for a construction project. The mode of measurement, measurement sheet, abstract sheet, and bill of quantities are key concepts and principles that facilitate the measurement and estimation process. Real-world applications and examples demonstrate the practical application of measurement and estimation in different types of construction projects. While measurement and estimation offer numerous advantages, they also have disadvantages that need to be considered. Overall, measurement and estimation play a vital role in achieving project success and ensuring fair and transparent pricing in the construction industry.

Analogy

Measurement and estimation in quantity surveying can be compared to creating a shopping list for a recipe. Just as you need to accurately measure and estimate the quantities of ingredients required for a recipe to ensure its success, quantity surveyors need to measure and estimate the quantities of materials, labor, and equipment required for a construction project. The mode of measurement is like choosing the right measuring cups and spoons for each ingredient, while the measurement sheet is like writing down the quantities of each ingredient. The abstract sheet is like summarizing all the ingredients and quantities needed for the entire recipe, and the bill of quantities is like a detailed shopping list that includes all the ingredients and their quantities. By accurately measuring and estimating, both in cooking and quantity surveying, you can ensure a successful outcome.