Willis's Elements of Quantity Surveying

Roy Hills, BSc, LLM, MSc, FRICS, is a Programme Leader for Quantity Surveying and a Senior Lecturer in Quantity Surveying at the University of Greenwich, UK. He is a chartered Quantity Surveyor who has worked extensively in industry across both Europe and Asia and is also an assessor for the RICS APC on the QS and PM pathways. Sandra Lee, BSc, MSc, FRICS retd, CIOB retd, is a retired chartered Quantity Surveyor but continues to be involved with surveying education and is a contributor to the associated professional bodies.

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