Civ3205 Principles of Quantity Surveying I - Ok (First) - 1

NDEJJE UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & SURVEY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
CIV3205 – PRINCIPLES OF QUANTITY SURVEYING 1 (MEASUREMENT)
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) – BCE III
Semester 2 – 2019/2020
LECTURE NOTES
By: Patrick Sekigongo

Mob.: +256 752 647330/776 647330
Email: sphrug@gmail.com
PRINCIPLES OF QUANTITY SURVEYING I – CIV3205 (2019/2020)
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
When a person wants to build a house, he/she goes to an Architect or a Consulting

Engineer and places his/her requirements before him. After the Architect prepares the
plans to the owner’s requirements, the owner’s question is, as to what the house will cost.
If one wants to find out exactly what a house will cost, he/she has to take out the
quantities of the different items of construction involved in the house, and then, assuming
suitable market rates he has to arrive at the cost of the proposed house.
The subject of taking out the quantities, assuming suitable rates and working out the costs
of a house or any other civil engineering structure, is known as quantity surveying. This
Module will deal with one part of taking out the quantities of the different items of
construction involved in the house and other civil engineering works assuming that other
jobs (i.e., preparation of drawings, assuming suitable rates and working out the costs)
have already been done or will be done by the concerned parties.
1.2 CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS AND BUILDING WORKS
There are two separate and distinct practices of measurement in use for civil
engineering works and building works. They are:
1) Building works are generally measured in accordance with Standard Method of

Measurement (SMM) for East Africa, while;
2) Civil Engineering works are generally measured in accordance with Civil

Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM).
1.3 Methods of measurement in Civil Engineering Works and Building Works
The comparisons between the two types of works that necessitate different
method of measurement are as follows:
1.3.1 Details in measurement
 The details of building works are usually in a far more precise stage at the time
of preparation of Bills of Quantities (BoQs) than in the case of Civil Engineering
works.
 Building works cover more trade/works sections and in consequence subject to

more detailed measurement. Much large number of items has to be measured
separately with various labours and other incidental works itemized but this is
not in civil engineering works, e.g. in building works, backfilling trenches,
levelling and compacting bottom trench can each be measured separately,
whereas in civil engineering works, most of these items are included in
© 2020: Principles of Quantity Surveying I Notes. Ndejje Univ. By: Patrick Sekigongo. Email: sphrug@gmail.com. Mob. +256 776 647330 Page 1
excavation rates. In Civil Engineering works, one big item is deemed to include
different other smaller items.
1.3.2 Small rates
Some rates in building works are very small as a result of small items measured
separately.
1.3.3 Risk in Pricing
There is a greater risk in pricing civil engineering works than building works due to
the uncertainty nature of the works involved.
1.3.4 Variations
In building works, there are no much variations since almost all the items can be
measured with certainty. In the absence of variations in design most building works
(with the exception of sub-structure, drainage and external works) will not be
subject to re-measurements and the Contractor will be paid for the quantities
incorporated in the Bills of Quantities.
1.3.5 Bills of Quantities (BoQs)
Building work Bills of Quantities fully describe and accurately represents the works
to be executed. If this cannot be achieved the works are described as provisional
or given a bill of approximate quantities.
In the Introduction to building works (BW), SMM state that more detailed
information than is demanded in the documents should be given where necessary
in order to define the precise nature and extent of the required. For Civil
Engineering (CE) BoQ, a list of items giving brief identifying description and
estimated quantities of the woks comprised in contract are given.
In building contracts, the Specification is not a contract document. Hence the

BoQ in building works is lengthier and more detailed than CE BoQ as it contains
the specification/preamble.
1.3.6 Mixed types of Works
In some larger civil engineering contracts, there are also some building works, take
for example a large Power Station contract.
The best procedure would appear to measure the main superstructure, the
supplementary buildings and probably the chimneys in accordance with the SMM
for building works. The reminder of the power station comprising heavy foundation
of piling, cooling towers, roads, sewers etc. are best measured in accordance with
CESMM.
1.3.7 Administration
The structure of the team concerned with the construction of a civil engineering
project is similar to that for building works. In Civil engineering works, the head of
construction team is an Engineer assisted by a Resident Engineer while for
buildings is an Architect assisted by the Clerks of Works.
CHAPTER 2: MEASUREMENT OF BUILDING WORKS
2.1 Introduction
The purpose of measuring building works 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.
Measurement is used by various stakeholders and construction professionals

throughout the development process to calculate the quantity of work to be
done. For instance;
 A Project Manager may require the gross floor area of a proposed office block
to establish a building budget at the initial stages of 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 detailed 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.
2.2 Historical Background
Measurement of building works is also known as quantity surveying. According to

the records available, the earliest quantity surveying firm to operate was in 1785 in
the United Kingdom (UK). In 1802, a number of Scottish quantity surveyors met and
produced the first method of measurement. Up to the middle of the 19th century it
was the practice to measure and value the building work after it had been
completed.
The Architect was responsible for the creation of buildings as well as their design,
and he/she employed a number of master craftsmen who performed the work in
each trade. On completion each master craftsmen submitted an account for the
materials used and labour employed on the work. The need for Quantity Surveyors
became obvious for the following reasons:
a) Building works increased in volume.
b) Building owners became dissatisfied with the method adopted for settling the
costs of the work.
c) Some Craftsmen were not conversant with the preparation of these cost
accounts and hence they engaged Surveyors or measurers.
d) There were problems on reconciling the amount of materials listed on invoices

with the measured quantity on the completed job.
e) Some of the Craftsmen made extravagant claims for the waste of material on
the site.
Due to the above reasons, general Contractors became established during the
period of the industrial revolution and they submitted inclusive estimates covering
the work of all trades. Furthermore, they engaged Surveyors to prepare bills of
quantities on which their estimates were based.
As competitive tendering became more common the general Contractors began

to combine to appoint a single Surveyor to prepare a bill of quantities, which all
the Contractors priced. In addition, the Architect on behalf of the building owner
usually appointed a second Surveyor, who collaborated with the Surveyor for the
Contractors in preparing the bill of quantities, which was used for tendering
purposes.
In later years, it became the practice to employ one Surveyor only who prepared
an accurate bill of quantities and measured any variation that arose during the
progress of the job. This was the origin of the independent and unbiased Quantity
Surveyor as he operates today.
2.3 Common Terms
1. Standard Method of Measurement (SMM)
This is a document which provides a uniform basis for measuring building works
and it represents the essentials of good practice. It provides the rules of measuring
all items in building works and also provides the units of items such as cubic,
square, linear etc.
2. Quantities
This refers to the estimated amounts of labour and materials required in the
execution of the various items of the work and together these items give the total
requirements of the building contract.
3. Bills of Quantities
This is a fully described and accurate representation of the works to be executed.

Bills of quantities consist of preliminaries, prime cost sums, provisional sums and
measured works.
4. Taking off
This is the measuring of quantities in which the dimensions are scaled or read from
drawings and entered in a recognized form or a specially ruled paper, called a
“dimension paper”.
5. Working-up
This comprises the squaring of dimensions and transferring the resultant lengths,
areas and volumes to an “Abstract Sheet”.
6. Preambles
These are able clauses inserted at the head of each work section bill covering
matters relating to the specific work section that should be brought to the
attention of the estimator as they will affect the rates that he/she inserts against
billed items of measured work.
7. Preliminaries
These are items in the bill of quantities entered for the purpose of setting out all
general liabilities and obligations of the Contractor. These are items required to be
executed at pre-commencement of the actual required work, during the work
and after the work completion.
8. Main Contract Preliminaries
These are items that cannot be allocated to a specific element, sub-element or

component. They include the main Contractor’s costs associated with
management and staff, site establishment, temporary services, security, safety
and environmental protection, control and protection, common user mechanical
plant, etc.
9. Contractor
Is a person or corporate body whose bid to carry out the works has been
accepted by the Employer and eventually engaged to undertake the works.
10. Employer/Client
Is the party who employs the Contractor to carry out the works.
11. Main Contractor (or Prime Contractor)
This is the Contractor responsible for the total construction and completion process
of the project.
12. Subcontractor
This is the Contractor employed by the Main Contractor to undertake specific

work within the project; also known as a Specialist-/Works-/Trade-/Work package-
/Labour only- Contractor.
13. Nominated Subcontractor
This Contractor is chosen by the Architect, Client or Engineer to carry out certain
aspects of the work. They are appointed on the expenditure of a provisional sum
or prime cost sum included in the contract bills.
14. Work package Contractor
This is a specialist Contractor who undertakes particular identifiable aspects of

work within the project; e.g. ground works, cladding, mechanical engineering
services, lifts, soft landscape works or labour only. He/she can be directly
employed by the Employer or by the Main Contractor.
15. Overheads and Profit
This means the Contractor’s costs associated with head office administration
proportioned to each contract, plus the main Contractor’s return on capital
investment.
16. Director’s adjustment
This means a reduction or addition to the tender price, derived by the

Contractor’s estimating team, offered by the Director(s) of the Contractor.
17. Provisional Sums (P.S)
Sum for works which cannot be measure accurately during taking off. It is a sum
provided for work or for costs which cannot be entirely foreseen, defined or
detailed at the time of tendering documents are issued. E.g., testing of materials,
progress photographs and contingencies. The sum is to be used under instruction.
18. Defined Provisional Sums
Sum provided for work which is not completely designed but for which the
following information shall be provided;
 The nature and construction of the work,

 A statement of how and where the work is fixed to the building and what other
work is to be fixed thereto,
 A quantity or quantities that indicate the scope and extent of the work; and
 Any specific limitations and the like defined.
19. Undefined Provisional Sum
Sum provided for work that is not completely designed but for which the
information required for a defined provisional sum cannot be provided.
20. Provisional Item
An item of work identified as provisional in the Contract and is to be carried out by

the Contractor if instructed to do so by the Architect.
21. Provisional Quantity
Means a quantity which cannot be accurately determined (i.e., an estimate of

the quantity). An estimated quantity of work identified as provisional in the
Contract Bills, where the actual quantity could not be accurately determined
when the bills of quantity were prepared to be carried out by the Contractor if
instructed to do so by the Architect.
22. Prime Cost Sum (P.C)
Cost for works provided by nominated Sub-contractors for example, electrical

installations, telephone installation, lifts installation etc. Since this is a specialist work
carried out by persons other than the general Contractors, provision is to be made
for profit to the general Contractor and for attendance.
23. Prime Cost Item
Is an allowance in the contract for the supply of necessary items not yet finally
selected, e.g. taps or door furniture.
24. Fixed charge
This is for work, the cost of which is to be considered independent of duration.
25. Variations
These are the alterations or modifications of the design, quality or quantity of works
as shown upon the contract drawings and described by or referred to in the
contract bills. This includes the additions, omissions or substitution of any work or
the alteration of the type of standard or any materials.
26. Ditto/Do
This means “that which has been said before/above”.
27. Extra-over
Additional sum of money allowed for items of work; normally used where the work
has become slightly different from that originally measured.
For example fittings such as bends and junctions to drain pipes are measured as
‘extra over’. This means that the pipe is measured along its full length including the
fittings length and the estimator when pricing the item assesses the extra cost for
the fittings as “extra over” the pipe length.
28. Extra-over items (e.o)
When measuring certain items of work, they are described as being extra-over
another item which has been previously measured. The estimator will price for the
extra or additional cost involved in the second item as compared with the first
item.
A typical example is the measurement of rainwater pipe and gutter fittings as e.o
cost of the pipe or gutter in which they occur and which has been measured over
the fittings.
29. Deemed to be included items
In SMM the expression “deemed to be included” is used extensively and it

indicates that this particular work is the billed item without the need for specific
mention. Typical example is rough and fair cuttings in brick/blockwork.
30. Credit
Means a refund offered by the Contractor to the Employer in return for the benefit
of taking ownership of materials, goods, items, mechanical/electrical plant and
equipment, etc. arising from demolition or strip out works.
31. Daywork
This means the method of valuing work on the basis of time spent by the
Contractor’s workpeople, the materials used and the plant employed.
32. Raking cutting
The unfair cutting usually to brick/blockwork in walls and roof covering materials at
the hip and valley.
33. Form of Tender
This is a document that is used to record the main Contractor’s price for
completing the project (i.e. his/her tender price). If accepted by the Employer,
the tender price will become the ‘contract sum’. The form of tender can be a
separate document.
34. Pre-tender Estimate
This means a cost estimate prepared immediately before calling Tenders for
construction.
35. Post tender Estimate
This means a cost estimate carried out after the evaluation of tenders to
corroborate the funds required by the Employer to complete the project.
2.4 Measurement Procedures
In any measurement there are a number of essential factors that should always be
considered and applied to follow good established practice. These include;
a) Examine the drawing carefully to become familiar with the work and to
identify any parts where information is lacking.
b) Interpret carefully and apply in a sound and logical way of provisions in the
Standard Method of Measurement of building works. (SMM).
c) Ensure a high standard of accuracy in dimensions.
d) Make full use of sub-headings throughout the dimensions to facilitate

identification and waste to preliminary calculations, explanatory notes and
location description.
e) All descriptions should be adequate, concise and written in a logical and

easily understood format following the sequence adopted in SMM.
f) Adopt a logical sequence of items so that each one follows the preceding
one in a natural progression.
g) Seek to achieve a good standard of presentation.
CHAPTER 3: GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF TAKING-OFF
4.1 General Rules
1. Bills of quantities shall fully describe and accurately represent the works to be
executed. The billed description is to be comprehensive and sufficient to
enable the Estimator to fully understand what is required and to give a realistic
price. Those works whose extent cannot be determined with reasonable
degree of accuracy should be described as “Provisional”.
2. Works are to be measured net as fixed in position. Each measurement are to

be taken to the nearest 10 mm (i.e. 5 mm and above shall be regarded as 10
mm while less than 5 mm shall be disregarded).
3. Openings under the measured area shall be deducted.
4. The order of stating dimensions in descriptions shall be consistent and generally

in the sequence of length, width and height.
5. Billed items are generally “deemed to include” i.e. without the need for specific
mention: labour; materials unloading, storing, handling; fixing; use of plant;
waste of materials; square cutting; establishment charges and profit. It is
essential that the estimator is fully aware of all these items as he must include
for them when building up unit rates.
6. Works under water shall be so described stating whether canal, river or sea
water and the levels of high and low water.
7. Work in compressed air shall be so described.
4.2 Dimension Paper
Measured items, scaled or taken from drawings are entered on a special paper
known as a ‘dimension paper’. This dimension sheet is split into two identically
ruled parts each consisting of four columns as follows:
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Key:
Column 1 – “Timesing column”. In which multiplying figures are entered when
there is more than one of the particular items being measured.
3/ 5.00
This means that the length of 5.00 m of the same item appears three times in the
measured drawing.
Column 2 – “Dimension column”. In which the actual dimension as scaled or taken

direct from the drawing are entered. The length 5.00 m is in “dimension column”.
Column 3 - “Squaring column”. The length, area or volume obtained by

multiplying the figures in columns 1 and 2 is recorded.
3/ 5.00 15.00
15.00 m is in Squaring column”. This is the result of multiplying column 1 and 2
Column 4 – “Description column”. In which the right description of each item is

entered. Also, the right hand side of this column is used to accommodate
preliminary calculations and other important information.
3.00
1.50
0.50
5.00
3/ 5.00 15.00 Hor. dpc. 110 wide of single layer
of hessian base bit. felt to BS
743 ref A, lapd. 100 at jts.
(mesd net) & bedded in cm (1.3).
“Hor. dpc………………..” are in “Description column”.
4.3 Entering Dimensions
a) Order of Dimensions
For convenience a constant order of entering dimensions should be maintained

throughout i.e. i) length, ii) breath or width, iii) depth or height.
For example: Concrete item is measured in cubic meter. Say concrete of 10 m

long, 690 mm wide and 230 mm deep will be entered as follows:
10.00 Conc. grade 20 in fans.

0.69
0.23
b) Spacing of Items
It is essential that ample space is left between all items on the dimension sheets so
that it is possible to enable any items which may have been omitted when the
dimensions were first taken off to be subsequently inserted without cramping the
dimension disproportionately.
10.00 Conc. grade 20 in fans.

0.69
0.23
4.00
0.69
0.23
c) Waste
The right hand side of the description column is used for preliminary calculations,
build-up of lengths, explanatory notes, location of measured work, etc. This should
not be overlooked. All steps that have been taken in arriving at dimensions, no
matter how elementary or trivial they may appear should be entered in the waste
section.
d) Timesing
If there were five such items, then this dimension would be multiplied by five in the
timesing column:
5/ 10.00 Conc. grade 20 in fans.

0.69
0.23 7.94
If it was subsequently found that four more items of the above of the same
dimensions were to be provided, then a further four could be added in the
timesing column by the process known as “dotting on”, as indicated in the
example.
5/ 10.00 Conc. grade 20 in fans.

.
4 0.69
0.23 7.94
e) Grouping of Dimensions
i) Where the same dimension applies to more than one item the best
procedure is to segregate each of the separate description by an “&” sign
and to bracket the descriptions.
ii) Where more than one set of dimensions relate to the same description, the
dimensions should be suitably bracketed.
100.00 Site clearance by removing up

50.00 bushes, shrubs and the like
including grubbing up their roots
&
Exc. o/s to remove veg. soil av.
150 mm dp., and wh. & dep. on
site av. 20 m away.
f) Abbreviations
Abbreviations are used in the description space in order to save space and time.
There are standard and acceptable abbreviations used in measurement such as:
conc. - Concrete B.S - British Standard

a.b - as before bwk - Brick/Blockwork
a.b.d - as before described Ddt - Deduct
n.e - not exceeding b&j - bed and joint
bldg - building bott. - Bottom
g) deductions
After measuring an item of construction, it is sometimes necessary to deduct for

voids or opening in the main area or volume.
When measuring areas of excavation, concrete oversite, blockwork, etc., the best
practice is to measure the full area in the first instance and, subsequently adjust for
any voids or openings. E.g., Adjustment for blockwork are done when “taking off
the windows and doors openings.
21.30 Exc. o/s to remove veg. soil av.

20.30 150 mm dp.,and wh & dep. on site
av. 100 m away
5.00
4.50 Ddt. Ditto
2.00
2.00
Note: underline the word “Ddt”.
4.4 Measurement of Irregular figures
It is often necessary to measure the areas of triangles and circles, circumferences

of circles and volumes of cylinders, etc., and the usual method of entering the
dimensions is illustrated in the following examples:
½/ 4.00 Area of triangle with a base of 4 m and a

3.00 height of 3 m (Area = ½ x base x height).
22
/7/ 2.00 Area of circle with 2 m radius (Area = πr2)
2.00
½/2/22/7/ 2.00 Circumference of a semi-circle with 2 m

radius (circumference of whole circle = 2πr)
22
/7 0.50
0.50 Volume of a cylinder, 1 m diameter and 3
m high. (area of circle x height of cylinder)
3.00
4.5 Alterations to dimensions
It is sometimes necessary to substitute amended dimensions in place of those

which have already been entered on the dimension paper. It is advised never to
alter the original figures, as apart from looking most untidy, it is often extremely
difficult to read between the lines of the correct figures. If it is necessary to amend
figures the better procedure is to cross out the original figures and neatly write the
new figures above them.
Where it is required to omit dimensions which have previously been recorded the
easiest method is to write the word “NIL” in the squaring column as shown in the
following example.
23.00 Exc. tr. for strip fdn. n.e 1.50 m

0.75 dp. from stripd. level
0.80 &
R.f & r
8.20
0.75 NIL
0.80
4.6 Figured Dimensions
When taking-off it is most desirable to use figured dimensions on the drawing in

preference to scaling, as the drawings are almost invariably in the form of prints,
which are not always true-to-scale. It is sometimes necessary to build-up overall
dimensions from a series of figured dimensions and this work is best set down in
“waste” on the right-hand site of the description column.
4.7 Numbering and Titles of Dimension Sheets
1. Sheets should be suitably headed with the title and section of the job at the
top and numbered at the bottom. Example Drawing 10, doors section can be
seen as below.
2. At the top of the first dimension sheet for a job, it is good practice to enter a list
of the drawings from which the measurements have been taken with the
precise drawing number of each contract drawing carefully recorded.
CONSTRUCTION OF A GUILD CANTEEN AT NDEJJE UNIVERSITY Dwg. 10

Site Clearance
1.1
Doors
10.1
4.8 Order of Taking-off
The order of “taking off” mostly follows the order of construction. In a simple
building the order of taking off would probably be as follows:
i) Site clearance,
ii) Foundations up to and including damp-proof courses (excavations, concrete
footings, block/brickwork, hardcore and concrete slab),
iii) Brickwork and facework,
iv) Blockwork,
v) Floors,
vi) Roofs (including coverings and rainwater installations),
vii) Finishings (walls, ceilings and floors),
viii) Windows (including adjustment of openings),
ix) Doors (including adjustment of openings),
x) Fittings,
xi) Stairs,
xii) Plumbing installation,
xiii) Drainage work,
xiv) Other Services (Electrical etc.),
xv) External works (roads, paths, fences and grassed areas).
4.9 Descriptions
a) General requirements – description must abide with or cover all matters

detailed in the SMM and include all information which the estimator will require
to build-up a realistic price for the item in question.
b) Order of wording – the first few words of a description should clearly indicate
the nature of the item being described.
c) Number of units – in some cases it necessary to give the number of units

involved in a superficial or linear item, in order that the estimator can determine
the average area or length of unit being priced.
4/ 20.00 230 mm wall in standard size

3.00 approved burnt clay bricks in c.m
1:4
4.10 Query Sheets
When “taking-off” any doubt/queries will be forwarded to the Architect on query

sheets normally divided down the centre to accommodate the queries on the left-
hand side and the answers on the right hand side.
During examinations the candidate will have to decide the queries as they arise,
but it will often be desirable for him/her to indicate briefly in the “waste” why
he/she has adopted a certain cause of action.
A Query Sheet
S/N QUERY ANSWER
CHAPTER 4: MEASUREMENT OF BUILDING WORKS
4.1.1 Substructure
The Substructure of any building is a base or the underneath or the foundations of

that building. Building construction can be divided into two faces namely; the
Substructure and the Superstructure. The constructions after the foundations are of
the Superstructure.
4.1.2 Measurement of Excavation and Foundations
It is very important that the ‘taking off’ process is done in a logical order. This
simplifies the process and reduces the risk of omission of items.
A. EXCAVATIONS:
In a small building, a satisfactory order of items would be as follows:
1) Site clearance/site preparation this will include:
i) Site preparation generally including anti-termite treatment if any. This is

given in square meters.
ii) Excavating vegetable soil - This normally forms the first item in the
‘Excavation’ section of the Bill. The area is measured in square meters to
the extremities of the foundations and the average depth (often 150 mm)
is included in the description together with the method of disposal on the
site.
iii) Removing trees and hedges SMM D4
 Cutting down trees and grubbing up their roots shall be enumerated in
groups stating their girth starting with 600 mm girth and in further stages
of 300 mm.
 Cutting down hedges and grubbing up their roots shall be given in
linear meters stating the nature and height of each hedge or its
location.
 Clearing site of bushes, scrub, undergrowth and the like and grubbing
up their roots shall be given in square meters or hectares.
2) Excavation and Earthworks (SMM D5 – D15):
i) Excavation to reduce levels - Where the site is sloping and further

excavation is required to reduce the level of the ground down to the
specified formation level, this excavation is measured as surface
excavation in square meters when not exceeding 300 mm in depth,
otherwise in cubic meters.
The average depth of excavation over the site is most conveniently found
by suitably weighting the depth at each point on the grid of levels,
according to the area that each level affects.
This involves taking the depths at the extreme corners of the area once,
intermediate points on the boundary twice and all other intermediate
points four times. The sum of the weighted depths is divided by the total
number of weightings (number of squares x 4) to give the average
weighted depth for the whole area. This method can only be used when
the levels are spaced the same distance apart in both directions.
ii) Excavation of foundation trenches – Foundation trench excavation is

measured in cubic meters in 1.50 m stages of depth, stating the starting
level of excavation, which is usually stripped level.
For example for foundation trench 2 m deep below the stripped level will
have to be split in two sections:
1) Not exceeding 1.50 m deep, and

2) Exceeding 1.50 m deep and not exceeding 3.00 m deep.
It is advisable to separate the trenches to external and internal walls.

Excavation in rock and in silt or running sand shall be given in cubic meters
as extra over all kind of excavations irrespective of the depth. These are to
be separated from normal excavations because they have different cost
implication during pricing.
Girth of Buildings e.g. Rectangular buildings
Girth is a perimeter of a building. This length is required for foundations, external

walls etc. Also it is a base to calculate dimensions for trench excavation, planking
and strutting, concrete in foundations, blockwork and damp proof course.
Example;
Girth
L W
11.100 6.500
Add: Walls = 2/230 0.460 0.460
11.560 6.960
depth Len.
420 11.560
add fdns. 230 6.960
650 2/18.520
37.040
Less: Corners, 4/230 = 0.920
36.120
36.12 Exc. fdn. tr. ex. 0.30 m in width, max.

0.69 depth n.e 1.50 m, startg at stripd. lev.
0.65 &
Fillg. previously excavtd. mat. to excavns.
Working space allowances, D5 (f)
Working space is required if the face requires formwork. All reinforced in-situ
concrete require formwork hence working space should be provided.
For in-situ plain concrete footing, concrete is poured against the sides of trenches
hence no working space is required. Allowance for working space shall be made
in the as follows;
a) 0.30 m from the face work requiring formwork not exceeding 1 m high,
b) 2 m for trenches to receive post tensioned concrete ground beams
c) 1 m for work which is over 1 m high from below the starting level of excavation.
iii) Excavation of pits for column bases
Excavating pits to receive columns, isolated piers and the like are given in
cubic meters stating the starting level and the depth. Allowances for
working space are to be considered depending on the depth of pits and
the formwork requirements.
3) Disposal of excavated material
a) Disposal of excavated materials – Except in case of vegetable soil, the

subsequent disposal of the excavated material forms a separate billed
item, either of soil to be backfilled or to be removed from site.
In the first instance, when measuring the trench excavation, it is usual to

take the full volume as backfill.
b) Surplus spoil is given in cubic meter. Either deposited on site in permanent

spoil heaps or spread on site shall be so described stating the location or
the average distance from the excavations.
c) Earth filling to make up levels: If the filling is over 300 mm thick, it shall be
given in cubic meters and for the filling less than 300 mm thick, it shall be
given in square meters stating the average thickness.
4) Levelling and compacting trench bottoms.
Surface treatment including levelling and compacting – This is done at the

bottom of excavations to receive concrete. It is measured in square meters.
5) Disposal of water Disposal of water –This is done to keep excavation free from
water and is given as an item.
6) Planking and strutting. - Earthwork support which include the use of timber to
uphold the sides of excavation, plywood trench sheeting and light steel
trench sheeting and strutting. It is measured to the sides of trenches and given
as an item (Section D19) or can be measured in square meters.
B. MEASUREMENT OF FOUNDATIONS:
When the excavation is complete, the excavated trench is filled with foundations
which include:
1) Concrete in foundations, including adjustment shall be given in cubic meters

as stating the mix and thickness (SMM F3). The adjustment of excavated soil
disposal will be taken with this item (i.e. Ddt. Backfill and Add. Removal from
site).
2) Reinforcements – Bar reinforcement will be entered by length on the

dimension sheets and are billed in kilogrammes (Section F16).
3) Formwork (Section F19). Formwork for most of the surfaces are given in square
meters classifying them in groups according to the position requiring formwork.
4) Blockwork/walling (SMM G) in foundations. This is measured in square meters

stating the thickness, mix of mortar for bedding and jointing. The adjustment of
excavated soil disposal will be taken with this item (i.e. Ddt. Backfill and Add.
Removal from site).
5) Damp proof course – Normally measured in linear meter. The description of

Damp proof course must include particulars of materials used,
thickness/gauge, number of layers and the nature of bedding (Section G96 –
G97).
Solid floors
a) Ground floor consisting of a concrete bed usually supported on a bed of

hardcore.
Hardcore – This is measured as equal to the area of the void being filled (D20 in
SMM).
It is measured in square meters if it does not exceed 300 mm thick, otherwise it

is in cubic meters.
Damp proof membrane – This is laid on top of the hardcore and normally
measured in square meter. The description of Damp proof membrane must
include particulars of materials used, thickness/gauge, number of layers and
the nature of bedding (Section G96 –G97).
Concrete bed – Rarely exceeds 300 mm in thickness and so are normally

measured in square meters stating the thickness. (SMM. section F5).
b) Upper floors consisting of suspended concrete slabs (SMM. Section F7 (a)).

Suspended floors and the like shall be given in square meters stating the
thickness. The floors will be measured together with the associated items such
as reinforcements Section F16 and formwork section F19
Example 1
Solution:
Assume that the site is covered by coffee plantations, it has 2 no. tree stamps measuring 950 mm birth and it is sloping. It
is required to excavate down to a level of 2.00 m, including top soil to a depth of 150 mm.
WEIGHTED
GROUND DEPTH OF DEPTH OF
POINT LEVEL EXCAVATN. (m) WEIGHTING EXCAVATN. COMMENT
A4 2.250 0.25 1 0.25  To do weighting, you look at how
D4 3.000 1.00 1 1.00 much area in terms of the no. of
D1 4.500 2.50 1 2.50 squares that is likely to affect
A1 3.750 1.75 1 1.75 the depth at each point.
B4 2.500 0.50 2 1.00  If you remove topsoil and excavate
C4 2.750 0.75 2 1.50 without without reducing levels,
D3 3.500 1.50 2 3.00 then your stating point is strip
D2 4.000 2.00 2 4.00 off.
C1 4.250 2.25 2 4.50  If av. depth of excav. is less than
B1 4.000 2.00 2 4.00 300 mm, unit of measurement is
A2 3.250 1.25 2 2.50 m2; if greater than 300 mm, unit
A3 2.750 0.75 2 1.50 of measure is m3.
B3 3.000 1.00 4 4.00
C3 3.250 1.25 4 5.00
C2 3.750 1.75 4 7.00
B2 3.500 1.50 4 6.00
SUM (∑) ∑W = 36 ∑WD = 49.50
Average depth = ∑WD/ ∑W = 49.50/36 = 1.38 m. This is inclusive of 150 mm topsoil.

Therefore, adjusted average depth = 1.38 – 0.15 = 1.23 m.
PROPOSED APARTMENT AT NDEJJE TRADING CENTRE Dwg. SP/01/001

Substructure
3/4/ 2.10 Excav. trench to receive
(All Provisional)
Site clearance 2.10 column bases n.e 1.50 m dp.,
1.10 starting from stripped levels.
18.00 Clear site of coffee plantations, &
18.00 bushes, shrugs and the like, R.f & r.
grab up the roots and remove
from site.
Item Allow for supporting sides of
Item Alternatively excavations.
Clear site of coffee plantations, Strip wall fans.
bushes, shrugs and the like, Item L W
grab up the roots and remove 4.000 4.500
Less
from site approx.324 m2. 2/1.050 2.100 2.100
1.900 2.400
2/ 1 Cut down trees over 900 mm but
n.e 1200 mm girth, grab up 2/3/ 1.90 Excav. trench for strip fans. n.e
their roots & remove from site. 0.69 1.50 m dp., starting from
2/ 0.70 stripped levels.
1 Uproot tree stamps 950 mm
&
birth and remove from site. 2/ 1.90
R.f & r.
0.69
Item Allow for the removal of 1No.
0.70
termite nest, by digging up the
anthill, removal and destruction 4/2/ 2.40
of the queen ant and praying the 0.69 0.690
pit and excavated matls. With 0.70 2/0.70 1.400
approved chemical toxic and 2.090
backfilling pits and compacting.
2.10 Anti-termite treatment with
Excavations and Earthworks 2.10 approved chemical to bott. and
(All Provisional) sides of excavn.
4/ 2.10
18.00 Exc. o/s to remove veg. soil av. 1.10
18.00 150 mm do., and remove from
site. 8/ 1.90
2.09
18.00 Exc. to reduce levels and
18.00 8/ 2.40
remove from site.
1.23 2.09
Col. Bases
Col. base + working space
= (2/300 + 1.50) = 2.10 m
2.10
4/ 2.10
2.10
16/2/ 0.69 Ddt ditto. Starters

1.100
0.70
Concrete wks Less: 50
2/12 = 24 0.074
50 mm conc. C7.5 blinding. 1.026
3/4/ 1.50 Add: 250
1.50 & 300
Ddt: R.f & r 75
& 700 = 1.325
Add: Remove surplus exc. matls. 2.351
from site 12/4 2.35 16 mm dia. high yield ribbed
1.50 Vibrated in-situ r.c C25 in col. reinft. bars.
12/
1.50 bases. L = 4/180 + 2/25 = 0.770
0.30 & 0.2)1.401
Ddt: R.f & r 180 7.005 + 1
25 8
&
Add: Remove surplus exc. matls. 12/8 0.77 8 mm dia. round mild steel reinft.
from site bars.
1.100 Fwk
Less: 0.350 Bases = 4/1500 = 6.000
0.750 Cols. = 4/230 = 0.920
Add: 0.375
1.125 12/ 6.00 Sawn fwk to sides of col. bases
0.30 & cols.
12/ 0.23 Vibrated in-situ r.c C25 in
L W
0.23 starter cols. 12/ 0.92 4.000 4.500
1.13 & 1.13 Less: 1.500 1.500
Ddt: R.f & r 2.500 3.000
&
Add: Remove surplus exc. matls. 8/ 2.50 Plain in-situ conc. C25 in fdns.
from site 0.69 in trenches
12 dia. bars 0.23 &
1.500 Ddt: R.f & r
Less: 2/50 = 0.100 8/ 3.00 &
1.400
0.69 Add: Remove surplus exc. matls.
Add: 2/100 = 0.200
1.600 0.23 from site.
Bwk ht.
12/2/8/ 1.60 12 mm dia. high yield ribbed 700
reinft. bars. Less: 230
470
Add: 150
620
L W Hardcore
4.000 4.500
Less: 0.230 0.230 5/ 3.77 150 mm thick hardcore bed c/o
3.770 4.270
Plinths over pads: Ht. L
4.27 granite broken stones to pass 75
1.100 1.500 mm ring, well rammed &
Less: 0.350 0.230 compacted & blinded with 50 mm
0.750 2)1.270 bed of sand, fin. level to rec.
Add: 0.150 0.635
0.900
conc. bed (m/s).
&
8/ 3.77 230 mm wall in burnt clay bricks Anti-termite treatment with
0.62 bedded in C.M 1:4. approved chemical toxic to
hardcore bed.
8/ 4.27 L W
3.770 4.270
0.62
Add: 2/150 = 0.300 0.300
4.070 4.570
6/2/ 0.64
0.90 5/ 4.07 Polythene hor. DPM not less
4.57 than 1000 gauge lapd. 100 at
4/3/ 0.64
jts.
0.90
Concrete floor
2/4/ 0.64 L W
0.90 3/4.000 = 12.000 4.500
Add: 0.230 0.230
12.230 4.730
8/ 3.77 Ddt: R.f & r
0.23 & 12.23 100 mm thick plain conc. C25
0.47 Add: Remove surplus exc. matls. 4.73 Surface bed, laid on blinded h/c
from site. bed (m/s).
4.27 2/ 4.23
8/
0.23 4.50 &
0.47 Steel fabric reinft. in slab to
0.64 BS 4483 ref. A142 w.200
32/
0.23 mesh, weight. 2.22 kg/m2,
0.75 wi.100 min. end & side laps.
12/ 0.23 Ddt: ditto

0.23 2/4500 = 9.000
Add: 0.230
9.230
2/ 12.23 Sawn fwk to edge of surface bed 3/4000 = 12.000 2/4500 = 9.000
Add: 0.230 0.230
over 75 mm but n.e 150 mm
2/ 9.23 12.230 9.230
birth. 12.230
2/ 4.50 2/21.460
42.920
Add: 2/4500 = 9.000
51.920
8/ 3.77 Damp-proof course
Asbestos based 3 ply bit. felt dpc 51.92 19 mm two coats of cement/sand
8/ 4.27 230 mm girth bedded in c.m 0.33 (1:4) rendering on brickwalls.
32/ 0.64 (1:4) on brickwalls. &
Prep. & apply two coats of
black bit. pt. to rendered walls
Rendering to plinth wall ext.
externally
Above g.l = 250 Item Allow for keeping excavations
Below g.l = 75
325
free from water.
N.B: Practice using SMM for deep and stepped foundations.
4.1.3 Superstructures
Superstructure elements of any building are those constructed on top of a base or

off the foundations of that building. For a simple building, superstructure elements
are such as; walling, roofing, floors, doors, windows, staircases, fittings, electrical
installation, plumbing installation etc.
1. Walling (SMM Section G)
Walling can be of blocks, bricks, concrete, natural stones and other light materials
recommended by the design team to be used for walling.
Measurements
It is essential to measure the wall in a sequential order starting with external wall,
internal wall together with their incidental works if any.
a) Particulars of the following shall be given:
i) Material, kind, type, finish and size of blocks shall be so described,

ii) Any requirement as to the stone and the quarry,
iii) Type of bond for blockwork,
iv) Composition and mix of mortar for bedding and jointing.
b) External walls
The length of external walling will be obtained by the method of girthing and the
height will normally be taken up to some convenient level, such as the general
eaves line. Any additional areas of the external wall such as gables parapets, wall
up to higher eaves level, etc., will be then taken off.
In measuring the wall, the measurer takes the whole area regardless whether there
are some voids and the adjustment of wall for window and doors openings will be
made when measuring the windows and doors.
The measurement of areas of external walls will be followed by incidental labours,

etc., such as rough cutting, eaves-filling, projecting courses etc.
c) Internal walls
The measurement of external wall is usually followed by internal walls. A careful

check should be made on the type and thickness of each partition, and where
there are a number of different types of partition it is often helpful to colour each
type in a different colour on the floor plan. Internal walls are also measured in
square meters stating all essential particulars as before described.
2. Measurement of Roofs (SMM Section J, K & L)
Roofs are of two types namely; Pitched roofs and flat roofs. Both types can
conveniently be subdivided into two main sections for purposes of measurement,
i.e. construction and coverings. The order of measurement of these two sections
varies in practice, but on balance it is probably better to take the construction first
as this follows the order of construction on site.
2.1 Pitched Roofs
a) Construction
The order of items should follow a logical sequence such as plates, rafters, ceiling
joist, collars, purlins, struts, ridge boards, and hip and valley rafters.
i) Timber works
 The roof timbers such as rafters, ceiling joist, collars, purlins, struts, fascia
board, barge board, hip and valley rafters are all measured in linear meters
stating the size (thickness x width),
 Size – Thickness x Width,
 Kind and quality of timber,
 Preliminary treatment of timber (e.g. Pressure impregnated).
The quantity of timber required can be calculated by various formulas. For

example, L/S + 1 = number of Trusses; L = Length, S = Spacing of Truss. Now if the
length is 18 m and the spacing of rafters is 1.5 m, then the number of Trusses will
be;
o 18/1.5 -1 = 11 Trusses (Hipped end) or,

o 18/1.5 + 1 = 13 Trusses (Gable end) or,
o 18/1.5 = 12 (One end hipped and other Gable).
ii) Lengths of Rafters
Where roof sections are drawn to a sufficiently large scale, the easiest method is to
scale the length of rafter off the drawing, taking the length from one extremity to
other of the rafter.
Another alternative is to calculate the length by multiplying the natural secants of

the angle of pitch by half the total span of the roof.
b) Coverings
Roof covering are of various types such as slates or tiles, corrugated or troughed
sheets, thatch, bitumen felt, etc.
Slates or Tile roofing (SMM K2 -K15)
Particulars of the following shall be given:
 Kind, size, type and quality of slates or tiles,

 Extent of lap,
 Method of fixing and the number of nails or pags per slate or tile,
 Size and type of laths or battens
Measurements:
 Roof coverings shall be measured in square meters,

 Square cuttings around openings, raking cuttings, curved cuttings, valleys, hips
and vertical angles shall be given in linear meter separately.
Corrugated or troughed sheets (SMM K16 – K26)
 Kind of sheeting,
 Quality and gauge of sheeting and type,
 Extent of side and end laps,
 Nature and general spacing of the structural supports (e.g. Purlins),
 Method of fixing the sheeting.
Roof coverings shall be measured in square meters.
Measurements:
Square cutting around openings, raking cuttings, curved cuttings, valleys, hips and
vertical angles shall be given in linear meter separately.
2.2 Flat Roof Covering
a) Asphalt (SMM Section J)
The main areas of asphalt are measured in square meters stating the thickness
and the number of coats of asphalt. Furthermore, the asphalt item is to include the
underlay of felt, cork, fibreboard or similar material and any reinforcement.
b) Bitumen felt (SMM K36)
The unit of measurement is the square meter and it is classified by slope. Full
particulars of felt are to be given such as extent of laps, nature of base and
method of securing felt to it and the nature of surface treatment if any. The
measurement of the main areas of roof covering will be followed by such linear
items.
Example 2
Solution 2:
Superstructure
6/2/ 4.97 50 mm x 150 mm Tie beams in
Pitched Roof
lengths n.e 9.0 m long.
Timber roof construction 6/2/
Plates
1 E.O for dovetailed & scarfed
10.130 13.130 jts. in 50 mm x 150 mm timber.
Less
O’hg. at eaves, 2/425 0.850 0.850 6/2/ 3.99 50 mm x 150 mm Principal
9.280 12.280 rafters.
9.280
2/21.560 6/2/ 2.51 50 mm x 150 mm Collar beams.
43.120
Less 6/2/ 1.70 50 mm x 100 mm Ties &
Crns. 4/2/230 1.840
Len.on int. face 41.280
Struts.
Add 2/4.500 9.000
50.280 (End of 6No. trusses)
Add laps at crns. 4/100 0.400
50.680 The following in 3No. bolted
treated pine trusses span 3.77
50.68 100 mm x 75 mm treated pine m x 1.32 m rise incdg all next
wall plate bedded in c.m (1:4) gusset plates and 12 mm dia. ms
and secured to brick wall with bolts.
galv. steel hoop iron 900 mm at
2 m c/c. 3/2/ 4.39 50 mm x 150 mm Tie beams in
Rafters lengths n.e 9.0 m long.
13.130
Less 2/450 = 900 3/2/ 1 E.O for dovetailed & scarfed
2/230 = 460 jts. in 50 mm x 150 mm timber.
2/50 = 100 1.460
2.400)11.670 3/2/ 3.52 50 mm x 150 mm Principal
5+1 = 6
4.500 rafters.
Less 230
50 0.280 3/2/ 2.22 50 mm x 150 mm Collar beams.
2.400)4.220
2+1 = 3 3/2/ 1.50 50 mm x 100 mm Ties &
Struts
The following in 6No. bolted
treated pine trusses span 4.27 m (End of 3No. trusses)
x 1.49 m rise incdg all next Com. Rafters per bay
600)2400
gusset plates and 12 mm dia. ms 4-1 = 3
bolts. No. of bays
2.4)4.220 2.4)11.670
2 5

5/3/2/ 3.99 Roof coverings
50 mm x 150 mm Common Add 3.592 4.068
rafters. Proj. of tiles 40 0.040 0.040
2/3/2/ 3.52 Ridge piece 3.632 4.108
13.130
Less 2/½/5.630 5.630 350 mm x 230 mm clay
7.500 2/ 13.13
Add 4.500 4.11 interlocking tiles, laid to a 45°
12.000 pitch w. a 65 end double lap &
2/ 4.50 half time lap, & nailed w. 2No.
7.50 50 mm x 225 mm Ridge piece 3.63 40 lg. comp. nails in every 4th
cos. & at eaves on & inc. 50
4.50 mm x 40 mm Battens nailed to
rafters w. 40 lg. galv. clout
2/ 1 E.O for scarfed joints nails.
&
Hip & Valley rafters 1000 G polythene sheet under
layer.
&
Galvanized chicken wire mesh
Eaves
Sa = √3.9462 + 2.9682 13.130
= 4.938 10.130
2/23.260
46.520
Add 2/4.500 9.000
55.520
Sb = √3.5922 + 2.7022
= 4.495 55.52 E.O rf. tilg. for double cos. at
4.94 eaves.
4/2/ 50 mm x 150 mm Hip rafters.
4.50 55.52 75 mm x 75 mm (extr.) sn.
2/2
swd. triang. tiltg. fillet.
Ridge
4/2/ 1 E.O scarfed joint. len
13.130
2/2 1 Sv = √3.5922 + 2.7022 Less 2/½/5.63 5.630
= 4.495 7.500
Add 2/4.500 9.000
2/2 4.50 50 mm x 150 mm Valley 16.500
rafters.
16.50 E.o rf. tlg. for flat top
2/2 1 E.O scarfed joint. Portuguese ridge tiles ea. 400
lg. to match gen. tilg. & b.&
p. in c.m (1:2).

2/ 1 Ext
Mitred intersection between
55.520
2ridges & 1 hip Less:∟s 4/400 = 1.600
53.920
2/ 1 Ditto, between 1 ridge & 2
hips. 53.92 200 mm x 25 mm wrot swd.
t&g. eaves bag., fxd. to swd.
4/ 4.94 E.o rf. tlg. for flat top brrs. (m/s).
Portuguese ridge tiles ea. 400 &
2/ 4.50 lg. to match gen. tilg. & b.& K.p.s. & 3 on g.s. 150-300
p. in c.m (1:2). gtg.
2/ 4.50 Rakg. cuttg. to underfeltg. Extl. Rainwater Installation
2/ 4.50 E.o rf. tlg. for 26 G percolated Len. of gutters
55.520
steel valley gutter 800 mm Add:∟s 4/100 = 0.400
girth nailed to battens. 55.920
2/2/ 4.50 55.92
Rakg. cuttg. to underfeltg. 100 mm h.r. PVC gutter,
(valley). bolted tog. & jtd. In r.l.
Item putty, on & inc. bkts. at 1 m
Protectg. rf. covergs.
crs. scrd. to tbr.
Eaves & R.W.Gds. &
Prep. & 3 on leaves gutters
55.52 25 mm x 230 mm wrot swd. inside & out, 150-300 gtg.
Fascia & barge-bd. nld. to ft.
of rafters. 4/ 1 E.o. 100 mm PVC gutter for
& angle.
K.p.s. & 3 to g.s. 150-300 &
gtg. Ext. Ditto. for angle w. nozzle outlet
for 100 mm downpipe
8/ 1 Mi. to fascia & barge-bds. &
4/ Ditto. for s.e
1 F.E to ditto &
& Cop. Wire balloon gtg. to 100
Wrot swd. Gusset end to mm outlet of e.g
eaves.
& l.m 100 mm PVC pipe, jtd. & fxd.
K.p.s. & 3 to boxed end to 50 mm clear of wall.
eaves
3. Finishing (Section S)
Major Finishing classifications are walls, floors and ceiling. The classifications
depend on which kind of materials e.g.
o Cement sand screed, o Ceramic floor tiles, etc.

o Terrazzo,
Materials can be further grouped into;
 Insitu finishing,
 Tiles, slab, block finishing,
 Plain sheeting finishing e.g. plywood, soft board
They should be stated either;
 Internal finishing work or

 External finishing work
3.1 Insitu Finishings
a) Sand and Cement Screed Finishing
i) Composition and mix ratio (e.g., 1:3, 1:4),

ii) Thickness – (20 – 60 mm thick; common 40 mm),
iii) Number of coats – normally laid is one coat,
iv) Nature of surface treatment such as - wood floated, Steel trowelled smooth,
v) Nature of base e.g. Concrete blockwork background,
vi) Preparatory work so as to form keys e.g. hacking concrete,
vii) Any other special curing on finishing such as steam curing, should be given in
your description.
b) Terrazzo Finishing
i) Composition and mix ratio;

 1st coat consist of cement and sand screed (1: 3), (1: 4), (1: 6)
 2nd coat consist of cement marble chipping white or any colour 1:2½.
ii) Thickness (20 – 60 mm thick; minimum thickness is 16),
iii) Number of coats – 2 coat or 1 coat if the thickness is less than 30 mm,
iv) Nature of surface treatment - Grind the surface, Polish the surface,
v) Nature of base – concrete, blockwork or brickwork,
vi) Special curing
3.2 Floor and paving (S 3)
Horizontal floor and paving, cross falls and slopes not exceeding 15 degrees from
horizontal shall be given separately in square meters.
3.3 Ceiling Finishing (S 4)
Work to walls and ceilings shall each be given separately in square meters
describing if to battering walls, to sloping walls etc.
The area of ceiling is measured between wall surfaces in square meters, followed
by any associated labour such as arises to beams.
3.4 Wall Finishing (S 4)
The measurement is taken from the floor to ceiling. Work behind wood skirting and
the like shall be dealt with the work of walls disregarding any ground.
3.5 Skirting and picture rails (S.8)
Timber skirtings and picture rails as well as cornices, fillets etc. are measured in
linear meters stating the size and describing the labours and including any
supporting grounds.
3.6 Dividing strips S. 7
Dividing strips are given in linear meters stating end, angles and intersections shall
be deemed to be included with the item.
4. Doors and Windows (Section M)
4.1 Doors
a) Door shutters
The measurement of doors can be subdivided into internal and external doors,
and the dimensions of each of these two classes of door broken down into;
 Door
 Adjustment of opening
Measurements
 Doors shall be given in square meters stating the thickness and the number of
doors (each leaf being counted as one door).
 Doors may also be enumerated stating the size.
Classification
i) Flash doors stating the construction of the core, the finished thickness of the
door, the kind, quality and the thickness of the facing materials and the
method of fixing of facing material to the core.
ii) Boarded doors stating the thickness of the boarding, ledges, braces and
framing and the method of jointing the board covering or filling.
iii) Panelled doors stating the nominal thickness of the framing, the number and
nominal thickness of the panels and where moulded stating whether the
mouldings are worked on the solid or planted on and whether on one or both
side. Panelled doors with open panels for glass shall be so described.
b) Door frames and linings
Door frames and linings are measure in linear meters giving full description of all
the labours and the size of the member.
4.2 Adjustments
When adjusting the opening, care must be taken to cover all the appropriate
items by adopting a logical order of ‘taking off’ such as deduction of walls,
external and internal finishings, - skirting, and flooring.
4.3 Sundries
Plugging - Plugging to concrete, blockwork and stonework shall be given in squire

meters or enumerated or may be given in the description.
Holes in timber – Holes for bolts and the like shall each be enumerated separately
stating the size of bolts and the thickness of timber.
4.4 Iron-mongery
 Kind and quality of Iron-mongery,

 Surface finish,
 Nature of the background (e.g. timber, metal…) to which items are fixed.
5. Fixtures and Fittings (Section M28)
Cupboards, Tables, Work-benches, Counters, Bookcase etc., shall be given in

detail or may be enumerated and fully described.
Those of similar character may be grouped together.
Drawers shall be enumerated stating the overall dimensions, the thickness of

component parts and the method of joining.
Applied covering – In square meters stating the method of securing.
6. Painting and Decorations (Section U)
Work is grouped into internal work and External work
 Generally, work on surface over 300 mm girth shall be given in square meters.
 Those not exceeding 300 mm girth shall be in linear meters
 Those not exceeding 0.10 square meter shall be enumerated
Particulars of the following shall be given;
i) Kind and quality of material,

ii) Nature of work (e.g. lime whiting, painting, varnishing),
iii) Nature of base on which work is executed,
iv) Preparatory work – (rubbing down, repairing cracks, scrubbing),
v) Number of priming or sealing coats,
vi) Number of undercoat,
vii) Number of finishing coat
Measured on groups according to the nature of the background such as:
 On general surfaces,
 On wood, frames, wood windows and glazed wood doors,
 On metal windows and glazed metal doors,
 On structural steelwork,
 On grilles, balustrades, railing and mesh,
 On gutters,
 On pipes,
 On bars, cables, conduits, straps and ducting.

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NDEJJE UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & SURVEY

CIV3205 – PRINCIPLES OF QUANTITY SURVEYING 1 (MEASUREMENT)

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) – BCE III

By: Patrick Sekigongo

When a person wants to build a house, he/she goes to an Architect or a Consulting

1.2 CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS AND BUILDING WORKS

1) Building works are generally measured in accordance with Standard Method of

2) Civil Engineering works are generally measured in accordance with Civil

1.3 Methods of measurement in Civil Engineering Works and Building Works

1.3.1 Details in measurement

 Building works cover more trade/works sections and in consequence subject to

1.3.2 Small rates

1.3.3 Risk in Pricing

1.3.5 Bills of Quantities (BoQs)

In building contracts, the Specification is not a contract document. Hence the

1.3.6 Mixed types of Works

CHAPTER 2: MEASUREMENT OF BUILDING WORKS

Measurement is used by various stakeholders and construction professionals

 A Quantity Surveyor may calculate the approximate quantities of work during

 A Quantity Surveyor may take-off quantities from detailed drawings to produce

 A Contractor will present measured variations as part of a final account

2.2 Historical Background

Measurement of building works is also known as quantity surveying. According to

a) Building works increased in volume.

d) There were problems on reconciling the amount of materials listed on invoices

As competitive tendering became more common the general Contractors began

2.3 Common Terms

1. Standard Method of Measurement (SMM)

This is a fully described and accurate representation of the works to be executed.

8. Main Contract Preliminaries

These are items that cannot be allocated to a specific element, sub-element or

11. Main Contractor (or Prime Contractor)

This is the Contractor employed by the Main Contractor to undertake specific

13. Nominated Subcontractor

14. Work package Contractor

This is a specialist Contractor who undertakes particular identifiable aspects of

15. Overheads and Profit

16. Director’s adjustment

This means a reduction or addition to the tender price, derived by the

17. Provisional Sums (P.S)

18. Defined Provisional Sums

 The nature and construction of the work,

19. Undefined Provisional Sum

20. Provisional Item

An item of work identified as provisional in the Contract and is to be carried out by

21. Provisional Quantity

Means a quantity which cannot be accurately determined (i.e., an estimate of

22. Prime Cost Sum (P.C)

Cost for works provided by nominated Sub-contractors for example, electrical

23. Prime Cost Item

24. Fixed charge

This is for work, the cost of which is to be considered independent of duration.

This means “that which has been said before/above”.

28. Extra-over items (e.o)

29. Deemed to be included items

In SMM the expression “deemed to be included” is used extensively and it

32. Raking cutting

33. Form of Tender

34. Pre-tender Estimate

35. Post tender Estimate

2.4 Measurement Procedures

c) Ensure a high standard of accuracy in dimensions.