Preface xi Acknowledgements xii Abbreviations xiii 1 Introduction 1 The modern quantity surveyor 1 The need for measurement 1 The need for rules 1 Establishing the approach 2 Method of study 2 Examples 3 2 Detailed Measurement 5 Method of analysing cost 5 Origin of the bill of quantities 5 The measurement process 6 Attributes of a quantity surveyor 6 Divisions of bill preparation 6 Quantities as part of the contract 7 Contractor-produced quantities and estimates 7 Differences of custom 8 3 The Use of the RICS New Rules of Measurement (NRM) 9 Background 9 The NRM volumes 9 Introduction to NRM2 10 4 Setting Down Dimensions 13 Traditional dimension paper 13 Form of dimensions 14 Timesing 16 Dotting on 17 Waste calculations 18 Alterations in dimensions 18 The descriptions 19 Anding-on 21 Deductions 24 Spacing of dimensions 24 Accuracy 25 Numbering the dimension sheets 25 Cross-references 26 Clearness of the dimensions 26 Headings 27 Notes 27 Insertion of items 27 Squaring the dimensions 28 Scheduling dimensions 28 Using spreadsheets 29 5 Alternative Systems 31 Standardisation 31 Standard libraries 32 Computerised bill production 32 E-tendering 34 Site dimension books 35 Estimating paper 36 6 Preliminary Calculations 37 Mathematical knowledge 37 Perimeter of buildings 37 Centre line of the wall 38 7 General Principles for Taking-Off 45 Receipt of the drawings 45 Preliminary study of drawings 46 Queries with the designers 46 Initial site visit 47 Where to start 47 Organising the work 48 Taking-off by work sections 48 Drawings 48 The specification 49 Sequence of measurement 49 Measurement of waste 50 Overall measurements 50 Use of schedules 50 Use of scales 50 Use of NRM 2 51 Decision on doubtful points 51 Descriptions 51 Abbreviations 52 Extra over 52 Dimensioned diagrams 53 Prime cost items and provisional sums 53 Approximate quantities 54 Summary 54 8 Substructures 55 Particulars of the site 55 Bulking 55 Removing topsoil 55 Bulk excavation 56 Excavation for paths 57 Levels 58 Foundation excavation 58 Earthwork support 59 Disposal of excavated material 60 Working space 60 Concrete foundations 60 Concrete ground slab 61 Brickwork and blockwork in foundations 61 Damp-proof courses 62 Approach taken to measurement in Example 1 62 9 Walls 79 Measurement of brickwork 79 Subdivision 79 Measurement of projections 80 Descriptions 80 Brickwork thickness 80 Common and facing brickwork 80 Cutting, grooves, and the like 81 Returns and reveals 81 Hollow (cavity) walls 81 Bands 81 Special purpose blocks or stones 82 Reinforcement 82 Measurement of arches 82 Blockwork 82 Rendering 82 Stonework 82 Internal partitions 83 Alternative stud partition example 90 10 Floors 97 Timber sizes 97 Subdivision 98 Timber floor construction 98 Staircases 100 Concrete floors 100 Precast concrete beam and pot floors 100 11 Roofs 107 Subdivision 107 Pitched roof construction 107 Roof slopes 109 Hips and valleys 110 Broken-up roofs 111 Trussed rafters 112 Tile or slate roof coverings 112 Eaves and verge finish 113 Rainwater installation 113 Flat roofs 113 12 Internal Finishes 137 Schedules 137 Subdivision 138 Generally 138 Floor finishes 138 Ceiling finishes 139 Wall finishes 139 Angle beads and so on 140 Decoration 140 Cornices and coves 140 Skirtings 140 Wall tiling 141 Internal partitions 141 Dry wall linings 141 13 Windows and Doors 145 Subdivision 145 Schedules 146 Timesing 146 Special features 147 Dormer windows 147 Adjustments 147 Windows and doors 147 Glass 148 Ironmongery 148 Decoration 148 Openings 148 14 Reinforced Concrete Structures 161 Generally 161 Columns 161 Structural floors and roofs 162 Beams 162 Walls 162 Reinforcement 163 Approach to measurement 163 15 Structural Steelwork 177 Fittings 177 16 Plumbing 189 Subdivision 189 Sanitary appliances 191 Foul drainage above ground 191 Cold water 192 Hot water 193 17 Electrical Services 205 18 Drainage Below Ground 213 Subdivision 213 Manholes 213 Drain runs 214 19 External Works 221 Particulars of the site 221 Coverage 221 Site preparation 223 Excavation 223 Roads and paving 224 Walling 224 Fencing 224 Sundry furniture 224 External services 224 20 Preliminaries and Other Priced Bill Sections 233 Generally 233 Preliminaries and general conditions section 233 Part A: Information and requirements 234 Part B: Pricing schedule 236 21 Bill Preparation 241 Abstracting 241 Procedure 241 Division into sections 242 Structure of bills 242 General principles 243 Order of items in the bill 243 Format of the bill 244 Referencing items 244 Units of measurement 244 Order of sizes 245 Use of headings 245 Writing short 245 Unit of billing 246 Framing of descriptions 246 Totalling pages 247 Summary 248 The process of checking 249 Numbering pages and items 249 General final check 249 Cover and contents 250 Other bill types 250 Bill of approximate quantities 251 Schedule of prices or rates 251 Appendix 255 Index 270

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