Development of the Role of Quantity Surveyor

The profession developed during the 19th century from the earlier "measurer", a
specialist tradesman, who prepared standardized schedules for a building project in which
all of the construction materials, labour activities and the like were quantified, and
against which competing builders could submit priced tenders !ecause all tenders were
based on the same schedule of information, they could be easily compared so as to
identify the best one
The professional institution with which most "nglish#speaking quantity surveyors are
affiliated is the $% based &oyal 'nstitution of (hartered )urveyors *&'()+ , ,uantity
)urveyors 'nternational *,)i+ and 'nstitution of (ivil "ngineering )urveyors *'(")+
http-..wwwicesorguk. Those who are qualified members of the &'() are allowed to
use the term "(hartered ,uantity )urveyor" or simply "(hartered )urveyor"
The ,) is central to the decision#making process throughout the management of a project
from initial inception to final completion The ,) handles estimating and cost control,
the tendering process and, after contract award, the commercial interface /ll ,)s are
able to carry out estimating and measurement of construction works prior to tender,
producing the bill of quantities0 produce tender documentation and manage the tender
process0 clarify and evaluate tenders0 and manage the resultant contract through monthly
valuations, variations control, and assessment of claims
The ,) is trained in techniques of cost control Those ,)s who emphasize the cost
discipline, often use the term "(onstruction (ost (onsultant" They ensure that projects
are designed and constructed in such a manner as to secure value for money, cost
certainty and programme dates
1thers emphasize contracts management Trained to draft, interpret and administer
comple2 contracts, those ,)s who operate in the broader field of project management
often adopt other titles such as "(ontracts manager" or "(onstruction surveyor" /
number of ,)s work in procurement in the oil 3 gas industry, process and power
industries, and civil engineering Their preferred title, in countries where the ,)
profession is less known, is "(ontracts engineer"
)ome ,)s specialize in project management, the ,) background being a good
foundation for understanding the comple2ities of modern large#scale projects
/s well as in professional quantity surveying practices, the ,) finds employment in all
parts of industry and government including primary and secondary industry, national and
local government bodies and agencies, contractors and subcontractors, developers, and
financial and legal companies
The ,) is a major contributor to the success of all types of projects in all sectors of the
economy including industry, infrastructure, healthcare, education, public buildings, retail
and commercial construction, residential construction, and leisure projects
1
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
/lthough all ,)s will have followed a similar course of education and training *for those
entering the profession today, this is usually to degree level+, there are many areas of
specialization in which a ,) may concentrate The main distinction amongst ,)s is
between-
1 Those who carry out work on behalf of a client organization- often known as a
"professional quantity surveyor", "professional ,)" or "4,)"
5 Those who work for construction companies- often known as a "main contractor6s
quantity surveyor"
The functions of a consultant quantity surveyor
Traditionally referred to as a professional quantity surveyor or 4,)+ are broadly
concerned with contracts and costs on construction projects The methods employed,
however, cover a range of activities which may include cost planning, value engineering,
feasibility studies, cost benefit analysis, lifecycle costing, valuation, and cost estimation
The ,)6s traditional independent role on the team comprising client, architect, ,) and
contractor has given him a reputation and appreciation for fairness This, combined with
his e2pertise in drafting and interpretation of contract documents, enables him to settles
issues, avoid disputes and ensure the effective progress of a project
,uantity surveyors control construction costs by accurate measurement of the work
required, the application of e2pert knowledge of costs and prices of work, labour,
materials and plant required, an understanding of the implications of design decisions at
an early stage to ensure that good value is obtained for the money to be e2pended
The technique of measuring quantities from drawings, sketches and specifications
prepared by designers, principally architects and engineers, in order to prepare
tender/contract documents , is known in the industry as taking off The quantities of
work taken off typically are used to prepare bills of quantities , which usually are
prepared in accordance with a published standard method of measurement !S""#
as agreed to by the QS profession and representatives of the construction industry
$ontractor%s quantity surveyor
/ contractor6s ,) is responsible for the performance of operations that mirror those of
the owner6s ,)0 ie, the measurement and pricing of construction work, but specifically
that actually performed by the contractor *and the contractor6s subcontractors+ as opposed
to the construction work described and measured in the construction contract between the
owner and the contractor )uch a difference in quantity of work may arise from changes
required by an owner, or by an architect or engineer on an owner6s behalf Typically, the
settlement of a change *often referred to in a contract as a 6variation6+ *see, the following
reference sources- "7undamentals of (onstruction "stimating and (ost /ccounting," by
NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae 5
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
%eith (ollier *5nd ed+ *4rentice#8all, 199:+0 "(onstruction (ontracts," by %eith (ollier
*;rd ed+ *4rentice#8all, 5<<1+ These two te2ts each contain a comprehensive glossary
The role of a contractors ,) will e2tend further than the day to day running of building
projects and will cover such other areas as sub#contract formation, forecasting of costs
and values of the project, cash flow forecasts and the collation of the operation and
maintenance manuals of the project *13= manuals+ This increase in the capacity of the
surveying profession has led to an increased demand for qualified personnel and goes
some way to e2plaining the popularity of related degrees at university
)ome contractors and others may attempt to rely on a general accountant to deal with
construction costs, but usually this is not effective, primarily because an accountant does
not have the technical knowledge to accurately allocate costs to specific items of work
performed, especially at times prior to the particular work6s completion as required to
make accurate assessment of the amounts to be paid to the contractor during the course of
the work
&rinciples 'f "easurements
Dimension paper
!s ;;5:19:< specification for stationary for quantity surveying specifies the paper
size for dimension papers as () !*+,mm-*./mm# ruled vertically as per the figures
given below The rulings widths3 purpose of columns on the face and reverse sides of
the dimension paper are illustrated in figures 135
0igure +1 face Side

NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae ;
9mm
1
1
1>mm 1?mm 1@mm ??mm 1>mm 1?mm 1@mm ?@mm
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
0igure *1 Reverse Side
"ach dimension sheet is split in to two identically ruled parts each consisting of four
columns The 9mm wide first column of the face side and last column of the reverse side
is the binding margin for binding the dimension papers The purpose of each column is
indicated below
$olumn + is the Atimesing column2 where multiplying figures are entered when there is
more than one of the particular items being measured
$olumn * is the Adimension columnB where the actual dimensions are scaled or taken
direct from drawings are entered There may be one, two or three lines of dimensions in
an item depending on whether it is linear square of cubic
$olumn 3 is the Asquaring column2 where the length area or volume obtained by
multiplying together the figures in columns 135 is recorded ready for transfer to the
abstract or bill
$olumn ) is the Adescription column2 where the written description of each items
entered the right hand side of the wider column is used for preliminary calculations and
other information needed in building up the dimensions references to the location of the
work and is referred to as waste
NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae >
1@mm 1?mm 1@mm ??mm 1>mm 1?mm 1@mm ?>mm 9mm
1
1
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
0orm of Dimensions
There are five forms of dimensions as set down by the taker1off They are as follows
1+ (ubic measurements
5+ )quare or superficial measurement
;+ Cinear measurement
>+ ADumbersB or enumerated items
?+ 'tems
'rder of Dimensions
/ constant order of entering dimensions shall be followed throughout and it is customary
to write down in the dimension column in the same order
1+ 8orizontal length
5+ 8orizontal width or breadth
;+ Eertical depth or height
/lthough the order will not affect the calculations of the cubic or square measurement, it
is very valuable in tracing measurements later and an incorrect order in a description
may even sometimes mislead an estimator in pricing
4ntering dimensions
Fimensions are entered in meters with two decimals in dimension column
Ghen setting down the dimensions immediately under each other in the dimension
column each separate item is divided from the ne2t by a line
NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae ?
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
'ndicating a cubic measurement of, ;<<m long <@<m wide and 1<< deep
'ndicating a superficial measurement, ;<<m long and 5<< m wide
'ndicating a linear measurement of, ;<<m long
/n item to be enumerated is usually indicated in one of the following ways
'ndicating four in number

)ometimes the S"" requires the insertion of an item which is a description without a
measurement quantity and indicated as follows
NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae @
;<<
<@<
1<<
;<<
5<<
;<<
>.
>
Dr >
1
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
'tem

There is no need to label the dimensions cube super linear etc
Timesing
)ometimes when the taker1off has written the dimensions, it is found that there are
several similar items having the same measurements and to indicate that the measurement
is to be multiplied it will be AtimesedB thus0
'ndicating that the cubic
measurement is to e
multiplied by ;
'ndicating that the superficial measurement is to be multiplied by ?

The timesing figure is kept in the first column and separated from the dimension by a
diagonal stroke an item AtimesedB can be AtimesedB again each multiplier multiplying
everything to the right of it thus
NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae :
;.
?.
;<<
<@<
1<<
;<<
5<<
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
'ndicating that the cubic
measurement having been
multiplied by ;the result is
to be multiplied by ? ie
*;H?+ by 1?
'ndicating that the square measurement is to be multiplied *;H?H5+by 5<
'ndicating that the linear measurement is to be multiplied *@H>H5+ by >9
Dotting '5 !#
'n repeating a dimension the taker#off may find that it cannot be multiplied but added
where additional items occur the dimensions may be increased by Adotting on or added
Thus
'ndicating that the cubic
measurement is to be
multiplied *5I>+ by @
'ndicating that the square measurement is to be multiplied J52 *;I1+K by9
NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae 9
?.;.
5.?.;.
5.>.@.
;<<
<@<
1<<
;<<
5<<
@<<
5.
>
;.5.
1
;<<
<@<
1<<
;<<
5<<
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
"easurement of irregular figures
)ometimes it is necessary to measure the areas of triangles and circles the circumferences
of circles and the volume of cylinders etc and the usual method of entering the
dimensions are as follows

/rea of triangle with a base of 5<m and height of 1<m
/rea of circle 1<m radius
(ircumference of a circle 1< m radius
Eolume of a cylinder 1< m diameter and 1<< m height
6rackets
/ bracket is used whenever more than one measurement relates to a description or group
of descriptions The bracket being placed outside of the squaring column, a vertical line
with a little cross marks to indicate top and bottom The total quantity indicated by the
measurements within the bracket is set against each related description on the abstract
(lteration of dimensions
Ghen dimensions have set down incorrectly they shall never be erased or altered'ncorect
dimensions should be cancelled by writing D'C in the squaring column alongside the
incorrect figures and the e2tent of the cancellation indicated by brackets and arrowheads
The correct dimensions shall be written clearly in the dimension column and this can be
done thus-
NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae 9
1
5
:
55
5 :
55
:
55
5<<
1<<
1<<
1<<
1<<
<?<
<?<
1<<
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
Total quantity to be abstracted
/lteration of dimensions
7aste calculations
"2cept in very simple cases dimensions shall not be calculated mentally Dot only will
the risk of error be reduced if the calculations are written down, but another person can
readily see the origin of the dimension when they are checked The preliminary or waste
calculations involved in determining the dimensions and any related e2planatory
comments shall be written clearly on the right hand side of the description column the
risk of error will then be reduced since these calculations can be checked during working
up and in addition the process by which the dimensions where determined will made
clear of later reference
Gaste calculations are written to three decimal places and the results reduced to the
nearest 1<mm *ieabove ?mm as 1<mm and ?mm neglected+ before transfer to the
dimension column
Spacing of dimensions
NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae 1<
15<<
<@<
1<<
1<?<
<@<
1<<
11?<
<@<
1<<
:5<
D'C
"2cavating trenches width
e2ceeding <;< m and depth L1<<m
3
Fisposal of e2cavated material off
site
@9<
1>1
<
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
/ll measurements and descriptions shall be spaced well apart, so that it is quite clear
where one begins and it ends 't is not unusual for a taker#off to realize that after writing
down the measurements that some item has been overlooked and it is desired to insert it
in its proper place if the dimensions are well spaced out, it can be squee8ed in, but
otherwise it will have to be inserted elsewhere and cross#references made which only
complicate the work
The description
The description of the item measured is set down opposite the measurement in the
description column Fescriptions shall be adequate, clear, concise and built up
following the order set out in the tabulated rules of the S"" together with the
necessary information from the supplementary rules
The (mpersand or 9(nding '5: !;#
Ghen dimensions are to be repeated or other items this is indicated by use of the
ampersand sign*3+ thereby preventing repetition of dimensions however care must be
taken when combining linear with superficial items or superficial with cubic items
Deductions
=easurements shall always be carried out Aworking from whole to the part2 ie
measure overall and then makes any deductions if necessary Feductions of previously
measured quantities are made in the description column as shown below the item must
be preceded by the word MD4D<$T: ! Ddt,# and to ensure that only the intended items
are properly deducted the ne2t item shall be preceded by the word A(dd2 for the
avoidance of any doubt
NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae 11
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae 15
991>
<@<
<5<
;><<<
1@<<<
5. ?<<<<
1<<<<<
Fdt>.51? 9@<
991><
NNNNN
'n#situ concrete 1-5->*5<#agg+ in
foundation, mass poured in to ground
3
Fdt
7illing to e2cavations >?< mm
avgthickness abd
3
/dd
Fisposal of e2cavated material off site
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
=eadings
8eadings are essential in taking off in order that the dimension sheets can be identified
with a particular contract and also to indicate the sequence of measurement for later
reference The title of the contract must appear at the head of each dimension sheet 'n
contracts with several buildings0 the name of the building unit shall be incorporated in the
title on the appropriate dimension sheets
$olumn numbering
Dumbering in sequence at the bottom of the column must identify each column of
dimensionsthis useful for reference purposes and provides a check which ensures that the
dimensions are complete
4>tra over items
(ertain items are measured as e2tra over the item of work in which they occur in which
case the estimator will price the additional cost involved as to some e2tent this item will
have been previously measured /n e2ample of this type of item is bends on rainwater
goods
(bbreviations ; symbols
=any of the words entered in the description column are abbreviated in order to save
space and time in entering the items by highly skilled technical staff =any abbreviations
have become almost standard and are of general application / considerable number of
abbreviations are obtained by merely shortening the particular words
4>
"2cavationO "2c
NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae 1;
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
Trench# Tr
7oundation# 7dn
"arthwork support# "wk
JIvor H. Seeley & Roger, W. (1999) Building Quantities Explained: 5
th
.ed., Macmillan,
pp;:9#;99 */ppendi21+ for the complete list of standard abbreviationsK
<se of schedules
'n addition to providing design information schedules can be produced to facilitate the
taking off process )chedules can be used to collect all the relevant specification
information on concise tabulated form for ease of reference to assist measurement or they
may be used for recording measurement and can become the taking#off The use of
schedules for items, which repeat themselves throughout the building, is advocated as a
mean of saving time and due to the more systematic approach reducing the possibility of
errors
Drawn information
Peneral rules clause ? refers to three types of Drawn information
1 Cocation Frawings
5 (omponent Frawings
; Fimension Frawings
Gith regard to dimension diagrams, sometimes rather than a lengthy and possibly
ambiguous dimension description a sketch included in a bill of quantities can be more
appropriate it has the advantage of showing clearly the shape and dimensions of the
work, although a bill diagram shall not replace an item otherwise require to be measured
Deemed To 6e @ncluded @tem
'tems, which are deemed to be included are mentioned in the coverage rules of
S""!SAS B/3C+...# and indicate that an allowance is to be made by the estimator for
these specific items, which are not require to measure separately
Query Sheets
Furing the taking off process problems may arise involving the interpretation of
drawings, clarification of the specification or additional information, which will require a
decision from the (rchitect or 4ngineer in the event of this a query sheet is to be
produced by taker#off The sheet is normally divided down the centre to accommodate
the queries on the left1hand side of the sheet and the answers on the right hand side
,$"&Q /D)G"&
NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae 1>
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
1
1
/rchitectBs )ignature
'rder 'f Taking 'ff
The order of taking off largely follows the order of construction to simplify the work
and to reduce the risk of items being missed The measured items will subsequently be
sorted in to bill order, which can embrace the work sections in S"" to secure uniformity
and assist with computerization
The taking# off of dimension is usually divided in to sections under three main sub#
divisions
a+ $arcass- *1+ 7oundations* substructure+
*5+ 7rame
*;+ "2ternal walls internal walls
*>+ 4artitions
*?+ 7ires and vents
*@+ 7loors
*:+ &oofs
b+ 0inishing *1+ 'nternal 3 e2ternal finishing
*5+ Gindows
*;+ Foors, including openings without joinery
*>+ 7i2tures and surfaces
*?+ )tairs and lifts
*@+ 4lumbing and engineering services
c+ 4>ternal 7orks- *1+ Frainage
*5+ &oads, paths, site layout, outbuildings etc
(ccuracy @n Dimensions
't is essential that all dimensions shall be as accurate as possible as inaccurate
dimensions are worthless a generally accepted limit of permissible error is
NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae 1?
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
around + percent based on full working drawings and so one must e2ercise the
greatest care in arriving at dimensions
Taking1off procedure
1 8ead the first sheet with the name of the project date, name of the taker#off,
drawing numbers and section of work measured and adopt a similar system of
identification for subsequent sheets
5 Fo not crowd dimensions and write legibly Deat presentation is paramount
; )ignpost dimensions give occasional information and sub#headings in the waste
column
> /pproach drawings in a standard sequence "gstarting at the top left#hand corner
and allow clockwise pattern
? "nsure that all items are measured by taking#off in a logical sequence and that
dimensions follow on
@ (ross reference where dimensions are added back- when to take notes has been
cleared or where schedules are used
: 'f necessary, correct dimensions in the right place0 this is normally where they are
first recorded !ut if this is not possible use cross references
9 Cine through specification notes, taking off list items, query lists, dimensions and
schedules when items have been measured
9 $se Ato take2 notes when information is not to hand or as an aide memoir and
check that all Ato takeB notes are cleared before completion
1< (heck through drawings, query lists, T1 list,specifications and schedules on
completion to ensure that all items have been taken
NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae 1@
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
Specimen taking off list
NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae 1:
Frawing Do
To-
date
Substructure
To Aist
1 (utting down trees
5 (learing site vegetation
;Top soil "2cavation
> Fisposal of e2cavated material for
4reservation
? Trench e2cavation
@ Fisposal of e2cavated =aterial
: Trimming sides of e2cavation
9 (ompaction of bottom of e2cavation
9 "arth work support
1< Fisposal of surface water
11 (oncrete in foundation
15!rick work to dpc
1;F4(
1>7illing to e2cavation
1? 7illing to make up levels
1@ F4=
1: (oncrete bed
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
The Standard "ethod of "easurement
The Standard Method of Measurement, :
th
edition, *)==:+ and the Code of
Measurement Practice *=(+, both agreed by the &oyal 'nstitutio of (harted )urveyors
*&'()+, set out rules for the measurement and description of building work )==: is a
document that provides not only a uniform basis for measuring building work but also
embodies the essentials of good practice 'f all bill of quantities are prepared in
accordance with these rules then all parties concerned are aware of what is included and
what is to be assumed (ontractors therefore tender on an equal basis and their tenders
can be more readily compared and evaluated Githout the use of such a set of rules the
quality of bills of quantities can vary widely The (ode of =easurement 4ractice is a
companion volume which clarifies and e2plains the rules contained in the )==
)C)-?:;# 1999 version is the )tandard =ethod of =easurement which used in )riCanka,
developed by )ri Canka )tandards *)C)+ and revised by 'nstitute of (onstruction
Training /nd Fevelopment *'(T/F+
(ivil "ngineering )tandard =ethod of =easurement, ;
rd
edition *(")==;+ is used for
the measurement of civil engineering work developed by 'nstitution of civil "ngineers
and 7ederation of (ivil "ngineering (ontractors *1991+
$onclusion
'n conclusion measurement is basically a practical skill which involves the following key
factors
1 / disciplined logical and consistent approach
5 / sound knowledge of construction technology to facilitate the interpretation of
drawings and three dimensional thinking
; The ability to apply the rules of measurements as laid down in the )== or other
recognized form of measurement
> )ufficient understanding and knowledge of mensuration technique to calculate
measurements
? the application of checks at all stages of the work
NTK Lokuliyana. ACTA Pae 19
MEASUREMENT Lecture note No: 01 outcome No: 2
Droup 4>ercise
1 =ake five groups of student
5 7our groups should select si2teen different measurement procedures* each group
will select four+
; )tudy their significance in measurement process
> 1ne student from each group should make a presentation regarding the
significance of selected procedures in measurement process for five minutes
using multimedia or chalkboard
? The fifth group will be presenting five minutes presentation on significance of
)== in measurement process
@ "very group =$)T make at least one comment on all five presentation
References
1. Ivor H. Seeley & Roger, W. (1999) Building Quantities Explained: 5
th
.ed., Macmillan,
P, 1 to !"
5 Sandra, #.,William, $.,&Willi%, &. ('((5) Williss Elements of Quantity Surveying:
!
rd
,ed., )lac*+ell, 1 , -.
!. Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works, Seventh Edition Revised !!"
(#ondon/ RI0S )oo*%, 199.).
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