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 xiAcknowledgements xiiAbbreviations xiii1 Introduction 1The modern quantity surveyor 1The need for measurement 1The need for rules 1Establishing the approach 2Method of study 2Examples 32 Detailed Measurement 5Method of analysing cost 5Origin of the bill of quantities 5The measurement process 6Attributes of a quantity surveyor 6Divisions of bill preparation 6Quantities as part of the contract 7Contractor-produced quantities and estimates 7Differences of custom 83 The Use of the RICS New Rules of Measurement (NRM) 9Background 9The NRM volumes 9Introduction to NRM2 104 Setting Down Dimensions 13Traditional dimension paper 13Form of dimensions 14Timesing 16Dotting on 17Waste calculations 18Alterations in dimensions 18The descriptions 19Anding-on 21Deductions 24Spacing of dimensions 24Accuracy 25Numbering the dimension sheets 25Cross-references 26Clearness of the dimensions 26Headings 27Notes 27Insertion of items 27Squaring the dimensions 28Scheduling dimensions 28Using spreadsheets 295 Alternative Systems 31Standardisation 31Standard libraries 32Computerised bill production 32E-tendering 34Site dimension books 35Estimating paper 366 Preliminary Calculations 37Mathematical knowledge 37Perimeter of buildings 37Centre line of the wall 387 General Principles for Taking-Off 45Receipt of the drawings 45Preliminary study of drawings 46Queries with the designers 46Initial site visit 47Where to start 47Organising the work 48Taking-off by work sections 48Drawings 48The specification 49Sequence of measurement 49Measurement of waste 50Overall measurements 50Use of schedules 50Use of scales 50Use of NRM 2 51Decision on doubtful points 51Descriptions 51Abbreviations 52Extra over 52Dimensioned diagrams 53Prime cost items and provisional sums 53Approximate quantities 54Summary 548 Substructures 55Particulars of the site 55Bulking 55Removing topsoil 55Bulk excavation 56Excavation for paths 57Levels 58Foundation excavation 58Earthwork support 59Disposal of excavated material 60Working space 60Concrete foundations 60Concrete ground slab 61Brickwork and blockwork in foundations 61Damp-proof courses 62Approach taken to measurement in Example 1 629 Walls 79Measurement of brickwork 79Subdivision 79Measurement of projections 80Descriptions 80Brickwork thickness 80Common and facing brickwork 80Cutting, grooves, and the like 81Returns and reveals 81Hollow (cavity) walls 81Bands 81Special purpose blocks or stones 82Reinforcement 82Measurement of arches 82Blockwork 82Rendering 82Stonework 82Internal partitions 83Alternative stud partition example 9010 Floors 97Timber sizes 97Subdivision 98Timber floor construction 98Staircases 100Concrete floors 100Precast concrete beam and pot floors 10011 Roofs 107Subdivision 107Pitched roof construction 107Roof slopes 109Hips and valleys 110Broken-up roofs 111Trussed rafters 112Tile or slate roof coverings 112Eaves and verge finish 113Rainwater installation 113Flat roofs 11312 Internal Finishes 137Schedules 137Subdivision 138Generally 138Floor finishes 138Ceiling finishes 139Wall finishes 139Angle beads and so on 140Decoration 140Cornices and coves 140Skirtings 140Wall tiling 141Internal partitions 141Dry wall linings 14113 Windows and Doors 145Subdivision 145Schedules 146Timesing 146Special features 147Dormer windows 147Adjustments 147Windows and doors 147Glass 148Ironmongery 148Decoration 148Openings 14814 Reinforced Concrete Structures 161Generally 161Columns 161Structural floors and roofs 162Beams 162Walls 162Reinforcement 163Approach to measurement 16315 Structural Steelwork 177Fittings 17716 Plumbing 189Subdivision 189Sanitary appliances 191Foul drainage above ground 191Cold water 192Hot water 19317 Electrical Services 20518 Drainage Below Ground 213Subdivision 213Manholes 213Drain runs 21419 External Works 221Particulars of the site 221Coverage 221Site preparation 223Excavation 223Roads and paving 224Walling 224Fencing 224Sundry furniture 224External services 22420 Preliminaries and Other Priced Bill Sections 233Generally 233Preliminaries and general conditions section 233Part A: Information and requirements 234Part B: Pricing schedule 23621 Bill Preparation 241Abstracting 241Procedure 241Division into sections 242Structure of bills 242General principles 243Order of items in the bill 243Format of the bill 244Referencing items 244Units of measurement 244Order of sizes 245Use of headings 245Writing short 245Unit of billing 246Framing of descriptions 246Totalling pages 247Summary 248The process of checking 249Numbering pages and items 249General final check 249Cover and contents 250Other bill types 250Bill of approximate quantities 251Schedule of prices or rates 251Appendix 255Index 270