ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT

CENTRE (ADC)

DQUAED1
DESCRIPTIVE QUANTIFICTION 1A
LEARNER MATERIAL
JL1

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UNIT 1
INTRODUCTION – INTRODUCTION TO QUANTITY SURVEYING

Overview
In this unit you will be introduced to the history of the quantity surveying
profession, who a quantity surveyor is, and the functions and duties of a
quantity surveyor.

How does this unit fit into the course?

As part of the introductory series to becoming a quantity surveyor, we must first
understand and know the history and how and when the quantity surveying
profession started. This unit is a base underline of this course. All other units
and topics that will be discussed subsequently are all follow-up to this unit.

1.1 UNIT OUTCOMES

Unit Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
At the end of this unit the learners must
be able to:
1.1 Outline how the quantity surveying
1. Narrate the history of the
profession started.
quantity surveying profession.

1.2 Discuss the history of quantity

surveying profession.
2. Define who is a quantity surveyor. 2.1 Define and recall who is a quantity
surveyor.

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 3. State the functions and duties of a 3.1 Recall and explain the functions and
Quantity Surveyor. duties of a Quantity Surveyor.

4. State the role and functions of the

4.1 Recall and explain the roles and
Quantity Surveyor in various stages of
functions of the Quantity Surveyor in
the construction process.
various stages of the construction
process.

1.2 Introduction

In the olden days, people were engaged in building construction, but they could not
accurately determine or calculate the quantities of items that would go into the
construction work. In the 19th century in England, before any building project could start,
a specialist tradesman would be called upon to prepare standardised schedules for the
building project. The standardised schedules quantified all of the construction materials
and labour activities required and competing builders could submit priced tenders
(quotations) against these schedules.

This implies that a bricklayer would be required to give a detailed account of the quantity
of materials and labour that would be used for a brick wall, a carpenter would give a
detailed account of the quantity of planks or timber and labour that would be used for
roofing. These specialised tradesmen were referred to as ‘Measurers’. Because the
tenders were each based on the same schedule of information, they could easily be
compared to find the most suitable candidate.

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In early days of the quantity surveying profession, after the completion of the work, the
quantity surveyors would measure the building work for master tradesmen and submit
final accounts to the building owner which would reflect the total cost of the building as
can be seen in picture 1 below.

Picture 1: Quantity Surveyors in the early days

As a direct result of an increase in these activities building owners began to have work
carried out under contract and to call for contractors to submit their quotations before any
work was undertaken. A procedure therefore developed in which building owners would
approach an architect to design a building. Drawings and specifications were distributed
to selected master builders, who would then submit quotations (tenders) for the total price
rather than a collection of prices from master tradesmen.

The building owners later realised that it would be to their personal advantage both to
appoint and pay the fees of the quantity surveyor. Thus the independent professional
quantity surveyor gained consultant status, in other words, they could practise the
quantity surveying profession on their own.

Apart from working as a consultant quantity surveyor, quantity surveyors also work with
contractors to perform similar duties to a consultant quantity surveyor. However, when
working with contractors, they are often referred to as contract surveyors. The following

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activities below will be used in testing learner’s knowledge of the early days of quantity
surveying profession

ACTIVITY / CLASS DISCUSSION 1

Purpose: The purpose of this activity 1a and 1b, is to see how learners can carry out a
simple analysis (measurement) of their speeding habit, and how to prioritise things.

Activity Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
At the end of this activity the learners must
be able to:
1. Leaner how to budget their income,
1.1 Write out a comprehensive list and
write a list of need and how to prioritise
prioritise accordingly.
cash. (Activity 1a & 1b).

2.1 List the required numbers of duties

2. To have an understanding of the duties they will perform.
they will be require to perform when they
2.2 Discuss these duties with fellow class
qualify as quantity surveyors.
mates.

1a:
If you earn R 5 000 monthly, how much will you spend on groceries? How do you arrive at that figure?

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1b:
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If you have R 2 500,000 in your bank account and you intend to buy a car and to build a house for yoursel
how much money will you spend on the house? How will you arrive at that figure and how will you ensur
that your budget for the construction of the house is not exceeded?
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1.3 Who is a Quantity Surveyor?

A quantity surveyor (QS) is a professional person who works in the construction industry.
A quantity surveyor is a professional consultant appointed by a client (the owner of a
project). The quantity surveyor is required to advise the architect, client and other
professionals on all financial and contractual matters arising from a building or
construction project from the beginning right through to the completion of the building or
construction project.

The title quantity surveyor was reserved under the Quantity Surveyors' Act of 1970 for
exclusive use by those who had obtained the necessary qualifications and experience
prescribed under the Act. In terms of this Act, such people must register with the South
African Council for Quantity Surveyors before they may offer their services as
consultants to the public.

Quantity surveyors are required to comply with a strict code of professional conduct.
This code includes responsibility to their employers or clients and to their profession
while having full regard for the public interest. They must also conduct themselves in
such a manner that they uphold the dignity and reputation of the profession and they are
required to discharge their duties to their employers and clients in an efficient and
competent manner with complete fidelity and without undue delay.

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Quantity surveyors relate to people at all levels, whether they are developers, architects,
engineers, land surveyors, lawyers, accountants or contractors, sub-contractors, emerging
contractors and general workers. They are expected to maintain the highest level of
professionalism towards all parties involved, thus ensuring the fair and accurate
finalisation of projects.

1.4 Functions of Quantity Surveyors

Quantity surveyors are construction cost experts. They possess expert knowledge about
costs, values, labour and materials processes, finance, contractual arrangements and legal
matters in the construction field. Major employers of quantity surveyors are private
developers, governments and related bodies, contractors, mining and petrochemical
companies, and insurance companies. Principal services rendered by quantity surveyor
are as follows:

 Preliminary cost advice: - During the initial stage of the project quantity
surveyors advise the client about the cost implications of the project that he/she is
about to embark on
 Cost planning: - During the design stage, the quantity surveyor will cost each
item in the project to ensure that the budget for the project is not exceeded.
 Advice on fair contract prices for tenders: - The quantity surveyor will study the
tenders (quotations) submitted by the contractors and advise the client/owner on
the selection of the best contractor as well as on the fair contract price for the
project.
 Advice on the best kind of contract for the project: - There are different types of
contract (this will be discussed in Construction Management). The quantity
surveyor will advise the client on the best type of contract to suit a particular
project.
 Valuation of construction and recommendation for certified payment:- During
the construction stage, the quantity surveyor will value the work in progress on a

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 monthly basis and advise the client about the amount of money that will be paid
to a contractor based on the value of the work done on site.
 Preparing cash flow forecasts and exercising cost control: - The quantity
surveyor will prepare cash flow statements during the construction phase in order
to compare the actual amount spent with the forecasted amount. This is done in
order to ensure that the budget for the project is not exceeded. This will also help
to ascertain the financial status of a project.
 Project management: In addition to private professional practice, quantity
surveyors' skills are also utilised in the following spheres of the economy:

1. Construction
2. Property development
3. Government
4. Finance

1.5 Quantity surveying as a career

In the highly pressurised world of spiralling costs and large-scale development like South
Africa, the quantity surveyor’s role within the building industry is even more essential
now than in 1785, when the profession was established in England.

Quantity surveying is a superb career for men and women who have the desire to involve
themselves in the existing world of construction and property development. A quantity
surveyor is a highly trained, independent professional with outstanding analytical and
organisational abilities. Quantity surveyors are construction economists who fulfil varied
and comprehensive duties as discussed above to support cost-effective construction and
property development projects. They enjoy the challenges of the dynamic construction
industry and they offer essential expert project management skills.

Anyone who is considering building or investing in construction projects needs expert

advice on financial and contractual matters. No matter how simple or complex the project
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may be, the quantity surveyor provides valuable advice throughout the various stages of
project development.

1.6 Personal attributes of a Quantity surveyor

The quantity surveyor works in conjunction with architects, consulting engineers and
contractors, safeguarding the client’s interest as an independent professional with
specialist skills. Quantity surveyors must be able to liaise with other people at all levels
whether they are developers, architects, engineers, land surveyors, builders,
manufacturers lawyers, accountants, or colleagues in other sectors of commerce and
industry.

The quantity surveyors are expected to maintain the highest level of professionalism,
ensuring fair and accurate finalisation of projects. In performing their duties quantity
surveyors need to be innovative, ambitious, and able to ‘think on their feet’ and willing to
take risks. They should also have an aptitude for arithmetic, and the ability to express
themselves clearly and competently in the spoken and written word. They should be able
to cope with pressure and should have excellent negotiation skills.

A quantity surveyor is often called upon to lead the professional team as project manager.
Many leaders in the commercial world are qualified quantity surveyors.

ACTIVITY / CLASS DISCUSSION 2

Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to test learner’s knowledge on the duties and
functions of the quantity surveyor.

Activity Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
At the end of this activity the learners must
be able to:
1. Know the key duties and functions they
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will be require to perform when they
1.1 List the required numbers of duties they will
qualify as quantity surveyors
perform.

1.2 Discuss these duties with fellow class mates.

Activity 2:
If you have just been employed as a quantity surveyor in a consultancy firm, list the duties you
will be required to perform.
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1.7 Employment opportunities.

Employment opportunities vary considerably depending on the economic climate as with

many other careers. In general, most quantity surveyors find employment in private
quantity surveying practices, but a career as quantity surveyor cultivates qualities of
leadership and allows members of the profession to excel in many other fields as well,
such as in;

 Construction companies: Managing the construction process on site.

 Property development companies: Initiating and managing new building projects.

 Industrial development companies: Mining, petro-chemical installations, airports,

shipbuilding, motoring industry, power stations etc.

 Financial institutions (banks and building societies): Initiating the development

of new projects and liaising with professional consultants during the construction
process.
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  The public sector (government departments, local authorities, municipalities):
Providing quantity surveying services for government projects, maintenance of
government buildings and liaison with professional consultants.

 Community service projects: Providing consultancy services for the provision of

houses, development of the infra-structure, initiating ‘design and supply’ projects,
preparation of material list and ordering of building materials for emerging
contractors and owner-builders, advising on contract types and tendering
procedures.

 Other specialist opportunities: research (at universities, council for scientific

industrial research and human science research council), education and training
(as lecturers at universities, colleges and informal sector training programmes),
legal advice, consultancy services (settlement of dispute related to building work),
valuations of building (for insurance, fire damage or expropriation purposes),
investment (advice on investment in property, shares and unit trusts).

 Computer programming and advice: (development of computer programmes for

consultants in the construction industry and advising on suitable software,
hardware, networks and systems maintenance).

1.8 Remuneration.

Being a member of a recognised profession like medical doctors, architects, accountants

and others, the quantity surveyor earns a salary that is in keeping with the status of the
profession. Initiative, enthusiasm, commitment to personal skills development and hard
work results in substantial financial reward.

1.9 Qualification of a quantity surveyor.

Quantity surveying is an internationally recognised profession and a degree awarded by

any of the South African universities offering the course is recognise in several other
countries. Anyone who wishes to become a quantity surveyor can qualify to enter the

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profession at various levels by studying at university to become a practicing quantity
surveyor with a development path that will lead to a full registration.

1.10 Check list

Did you: Yes No Comments

1. Understand the history of the quantity surveying
profession?
2. Understand who is a quantity surveyor?
3. Understand the functions and duties of a quantity
surveyors
4. Understand quantity surveying as a career path,
personal attributes and employment opportunities
available in the profession.
4. Qualification as a quantity surveyor?

1.11 Wrap up

In this unit we discussed the history of the quantity surveying profession, the functions
and duties of quantity surveyors, career path, personal attributes, employment
opportunities and qualification as a quantity surveyor.

1.12 Assignment

Learners are required to visit anyone of the establishment listed above under the
employment opportunities rendering the service of a quantity surveyor and ask the
quantity surveyor in charge the typical duties perform by them.

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Note:
The location or address of the office, the name of the person in charge the date of the visit
must be included in your report. (10 Marks)

RUBRIC FOR MARKING

Assessment criteria Mark Allocation Mark Obtained
1. Neat presentation of work 2
2. Logical presentation of report 2
3. Location, address and contact of
office or visited 3
4. Accurate information 1
Total 10 marks

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STUDY UNIT 2
SETTING DOWN DIMENSIONS

Overview
In this unit the language of measurement, which is central to Quantity Surveying will
be introduced. Quantity surveyors might measure a number of variables such as
perimeter, area and volume and use the values to calculate or estimate the quantity of
materials needed for the building project. The Quantity Surveyor (QS) needs to be
able to record dimensions and do calculations in a precise and unambiguous order.
This requires a universally adopted language involving methods, measurement
principles, controls and techniques.

How does this unit fit into the course?

An understanding of the measurement principles, measurement formulas and units of
measurement are very important to the quantity surveyor. Because the quantity
surveyors can only measure the proposed works if they know how to calculate the
perimeter, area and volume of different shapes.

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2.1 STUDY UNIT OUTCOMES

Unit Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
At the end of this unit the learners
should identify:
Identify the different forms in which
1. Methods of recording dimensions
dimensions are entered on to the
and descriptions.
dimension paper.

2. Measuring principles, controls, Know accepted principles of recording

and techniques dimensions and the various dimension
recording techniques.

3.The order of dimensions in Know the order or sequence in which

elements. dimensions are entered.

4.Collections and side cast Show the origin of the dimensions on

calculations. the right-hand side of the description
column.

5.Sheet numbering, headings, and Know how dimension papers/sheets are

corrections. numbered and the use of headings in the
dimensions.

6.The importance of neat, Maintain a regular order in writing down

systematic, and orderly methods of the dimensions. Follow the order of
working. construction in taking-off quantities.

7.Abbreviations used in descriptions Know words or symbols used to shorten

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 when measuring. descriptions.

8.The use of measuring lists. Identify the items to be measured.

2.2 Introduction

The process employed by quantity surveyors (and other professionals) in order to arrive at
the total cost of the building, is more of a technical representation. This implies the use of
figures, geometric quantities (such as areas, lengths and volumes) and various mathematical
calculations. In this unit, we shall be discussing the process involved in recording dimensions
onto the dimension paper. You will learn the methods of entering dimensions and
descriptions, the measurement principles, the order in which dimensions are entered as well
as the different forms of dimensions. It is only by explaining the basic principles of setting
down dimensions and descriptions as detailed here and throughout the following chapters,
that they can be fully understood and then applied to whatever measurement process is
adopted.

2.3 Taking-off
This implies reading off dimensions from the drawings by the taker-off and setting them
down in a specific order on special paper known as dimension paper and inserting an
appropriate description.

Dimension paper

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The columns (not, of course, normally labelled) have been labelled alphabetically here
for identification. On the left-hand side is a narrow binding margin. The remainder of the
sheet is divided into two identical halves each containing three narrow columns and a
wider one. Column A is called the timesing column. Column B is the dimension column.
Column C is the squaring column. Column D is the description column. The columns are
used as follows:
Timesing column is used for multiplying (timesing) the dimensions, when necessary, each
multiplying factor followed by an oblique stroke.

Dimension column is used for recording the dimensions (measurements) as taken from
the drawings. Each linear dimension is underlined.

Squaring column: the resulting areas and volumes inserted in the timesing and dimension
columns are subsequently calculated and entered into the squaring column opposite their
respective dimensions.

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Description column: this wide column is for writing the description of the measured work
to which the dimensions apply.

Each dimension paper/sheet should have the name and/or the number of the project
written on or, better, stamped on. In addition, the title of the section being measured
should be included. The unique numbering of the dimension sheets allows the surveyor to
easily find an item at a later date.

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2.3.1 The descriptions

The first line of each description should start at the same level as its first dimension.
Standard or common abbreviations (see attached) are allowed in taking off, but
descriptions must be written in full in the Bills of Quantities. Descriptions must be
concise, brief, and free from grammatical errors. Terms used must comply with current
technical usage and an estimator must be able to read, understand and price it quickly and
accurately.

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The following points should be noted:

 Descriptions should not be broken at the bottom of the page or column to continue
overleaf.
 Do not write ‘ditto’at the top of a column as this has no meaning.
 Instead, repeat the first phrase in the description followed by “… as before
described” or “abd”.

2.3.2 Entering dimensions

When entering dimensions, the following guidelines should be followed:
 Enter project reference and title
 Enter page number
 Provide clear side notes and annotations
 Clearly label side calculation
 Restrict waste calculations to description column only
 Provide thumbnail sketches when appropriate
 Allow adequate spacing between descriptions
 Use brackets where appropriate
 Order of dimensions is length, width, and depth
 Dimensions to two decimal places
 Waste calculations to three decimal places.

The above guidelines are illustrated subsequently.

2.3.3 Form of dimensions

Before going any further, it is necessary to understand the dimensions as set down by the
taker-off.

Dimensions are entered on to the dimension paper in one of the following five forms:

 Number or enumerated

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  Linear measurement

 Square or superficial measurement

 Cubic measurement

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  Item

Occasionally the Standard System of Measurement (SMM) requires the insertion of an

item; this is a description without a measured quantity, e.g., testing the drainage system.
The description may, if applicable, contain dimensions, e.g., temporary screens. This
requirement is indicated as follows:

Note! There is no need to label dimensions cube, super, lin and so on as, if a rule is made
always to draw a line under each measurement, it is obvious from the number of entries
in the measurement under which category it comes. It is good practice to set down
dimensions in the following order:

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2.3.4 Alteration in dimensions

Where a dimension has been set down incorrectly and is to be altered, either it should be
neatly crossed out and the new dimension written in, or the word nil should be written
against it in the squaring column to indicate that it is cancelled. Where there are a number
of measurements in the dimension column, care must be taken to indicate clearly how far
the nil applies. This may be done as follows:

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2.3.5 Timesing technique

It often happens that, when the taker-off has written the dimension, it is found that there
are several items having the same measurements. In order to avoid re-writing the items to
the appropriate dimensions may be multiplied or “timesed”. The multiplier is written in
the “timesing” column and separated from the dimension by a diagonal stroke. To
indicate that the measurement is to be multiplied, it will be timesed as follows:

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2.3.6 Dotting on technique

In repeating a dimension, the taker-off may find that it cannot be multiplied but can be
added. For example, if a superficial item occurs 3 times in one room, 2 in the next and 4
in the following room, rather than timesing by 9 (3+2+4), the quantity surveyor would
prefer to record that he has measured that item 3 times to begin with and then record that
and additional 2 and then again and additional 4 similar dimensions have been measured
from the drawings.

Note! Care must be taken when writing fractions in the timesing column that the line
dividing the numerator from the denominator is horizontal, thereby avoiding any
confusion with timesing.

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2.3.7 Sign posting (Referencing)

The taker-off should try to ensure that dimensions are clear to others, as it is quite
possible that, when variations on the contract have to be adjusted, someone else will be
entrusted with the work and will have to find their way around the dimensions. Cross-
referencing between the drawings and the dimensions is essential for ease and speed in
locating why particular dimensions have been used. It has been known for projects to be
postponed for a year or two after tenders were received, and even the taker-off will then
need some references and notes to refresh the memory. The dimensions may also need to
be referred to when preparing the final account, and again clarity is important.

2.3.8 Ampersand (“And”ing-On)

Ampersand technique is used when a set of dimensions relates to two or more separated
described items which have the same measurements and avoids the necessity of repeating
the whole set of dimensions. Note that both descriptions are bracketed against the
dimensions.

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2.3.9 “Super”ing’ technique

The Supering Technique is introduced when items such as cornice or skirtings, measured
in linear metres and one can at the same time measure the wall finish and the plaster to
walls in m2. This aids in the process of speed and accuracy when taking off.

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2.3.10 “Cube”ing technique

The Cubing technique is introduced when items such as DPM is measured in square
metre and one can at the same time measure the concrete surface bed, hardcore, imported
fill etc in cubic metre. This aids in the process of speed and accuracy when taking off.

2.3.11 Adds and deducts

Each item to be deducted requires the description to start with the word Deduct, which is
often abbreviated to Ddt (underlined). A description must follow the word Ddt. It should
not be written on its own. The next positive description should be preceded with the word
Add (underlined) in order to emphasise the change from deductions to additions. An
example of deductions follows:

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2.3.12 Brackets

Brackets are used to link either one or a number of dissimilar dimensions to a common
description, where two or more dimensions are booked against a common description, the
bracket denotes that the dimensions must all be multiplied out and/or added together to
provide a total dimension for transferring to the abstract.

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2.3.13 Spacing of dimensions

All measurements and descriptions should be spaced well apart so that it is quite clear
where one begins and the other ends. Moreover, it is not unusual for the taker-off to
realise an omission and to want to insert it in its proper place. If dimensions are well
spaced out, he will be able to squeeze it in, but otherwise he will have to insert it
elsewhere and resort to cross-referencing which only confuses things.

2.3.14 Waste calculations

Except in very simple cases, dimensions should not be calculated mentally. Not only will
the risk of error be reduced if the calculations are written down, because they will be
checked, but also another person can readily see the origin of the dimension. These
preliminary calculations, known as waste calculations, are made on the right-hand side of
the description column. They must be written definitely and clearly, and not scribbled as
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if they were a calculation worked out on scrap paper. They should be written either above
or below the description not level with it to avoid confusion. The term waste used for this
part of the column might be thought to imply ‘useless’, but in fact it implies ‘a means to
an end’.

2.4 Measurement practice

The process of measurement is commonly referred to as taking-off. Good measurement

practice involves the following stages:

 Read and check the drawings and specifications

 Prepare calculations sheets
 Prepare take-off list/plan
 Prepare query sheets
 Enter dimensions
 Commence take-off
 Check and double check all work

It is important that that the following qualities are present in measurement take-off:

 Neatness of presentation
 Good taking-off principles
 Accuracy of dimensions

When preparing the take-off, the surveyor should possess certain skills:

 Sound mathematical knowledge

 Ability to read construction drawings
 Ability to envisage details not shown
 Ability to interpret tender documents
 Attention to detail
 Neatness of presentation
 Accuracy and relative speed

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  Good measurement practice

2.5 Drawn information

The drawn information used by the Quantity Surveyor may take the following forms:

 Location drawings
 Component drawings
 Bill diagrams.

Table 1. Typical content of drawings

Drawings Type Content

Location drawings Block Identifies the side and locates the outline of the building works
plan in relation to a town plan or other context
Site Locates the position of the building works in relation to the
setting out points, means of access, and general layout of the site
Plans, sections, and Show the position occupied by the various spaces in a building
elevations and the general construction and location of the principal
elements.
Component Show the information necessary for manufacture and assembly
drawings of a component
Dimensioned Shows the shape and dimensions of the work covered by an item
diagram and may be used in a Bill of Quantities in a place of a
dimensioned description

2.6 Query sheets

Preliminary inspection of the drawings may highlight a number of questions which need
answers from the Architect or Engineer. It is good practice to enter these queries on a

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prepared schedule so that the Architect or Engineer can deal with all the queries together
(see Figure 1).

The finding of answers to such queries at early stage saves interruption of the taking-off
process and increases the productivity in achieving the end product.

Typical queries

 Any trial holes or ground condition information?

 Any existing services on or above the site?
 Confirm existing site level
 Confirm specification of facing bricks
 Confirm pre-contract ground water level

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Figure 1. Typical query sheet

2.7 Take-off list

The order of taking-off generally follows the order of construction. The items are usually
arranged in a bill order which follows the work sections in the standard method of
measurement.

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 Typical take-off list for substructure
Excavate topsoil and disposal
Excavate trench and disposal
Extra over excavation for ground water
Disposal of surface and ground water
Earthwork support
Foundation concrete
Formwork (if any) to foundation concrete
Hardcore and surface treatment
Brickwork
Damp-proof course
Concrete bed
Damp-proof membrane
Adjustment of excavation backfilling
Adjustment of topsoil backfilling

2.8 Taking-off summary

Use the following checklist to help achieve satisfactory results when taking-off
quantities:
 Study drawing to obtain a clear picture of what you are to measure
 Check dimensions on drawing
 Decide upon section or part of the works you are going to measure first
 Prepare query sheets
 Prepare take-off list/plan
 Study the rules of the relevant work sections
 List item headings as memory aid
 Commence take-off
 Ensure good measurement practice at all times
 Mark/tick items on the take-off list/plan when measured
 Tick all notes on drawing as you measure
 Scan drawings for any unmeasured items
 Check all side calculations.

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Descriptive Quantification 1  Academic Development Centre
Reminder: Aim to achieve a balance between the skills of presentation, approach and
accuracy while carrying out the measurement process.

2.9 Check list

Did you: Yes No Comments

1. Understand the different methods of recording
dimensions?
2. Understand measuring principles and controls?
3. Can you define what taking-off is and list stages
involved in good measurement practice?

2.10 Wrap up

In this unit we discussed methods of recording dimensions and descriptions, measuring

principles and controls as well as the systematic and orderly methods of working.

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STUDY UNIT 3
MENSURATION IN QUANTITY SURVEYING I

Overview
In this unit you will be introduced to applied Measuration. You will learn to use
measurement formulae to calculate the area, volume and perimeter of circles, triangles,
parallelograms and simple and composite shapes.

How does this unit fit into the course?

Quantity surveyors can only know how to calculate the area, volume and perimeter of
drawings of various sizes and shapes when they have a good understanding of
Measuration and measurement formulae and techniques.

3.1 UNIT OUTCOMES

Unit Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
At the end of this unit learners must be able
to:
1.1 Identify symbols and units of
1. Perform, read and record measurement.
measurement.

1.2 Differentiate between units of

measurement.
2. Convert units within a system (UO2).
2.1 Select and use appropriate units,
converting between measurement units as
required.

Quantity Surveying 1A  Academic Development Centre 33

3. Perform calculations on different types 3.1 Use metric units to estimate and
of objects using appropriate formulae. measure length, area, volume and
perimeter.

3.2 Calculate the area, volume and

perimeter of regular and irregular
objects.

3.2 Introduction

In moving from one environment to the other, say from natural to built environment, the
process employed by the profession members (see unit 3), is more of a technical
representation. This involves the use of figures, symbols and various mathematical
calculations. In this unit, we shall be discussing the mathematical process involve in the
quantity surveying profession. You will learn how to use measurement formulae to
calculate the area, volume and perimeter of circles, triangles, parallelograms and various
simple and composite shapes. The activity below will help you learn how to read
calibrations of different unit of measurement.

ACTIVITY / CLASS DISCUSSION 1

Purpose: The purpose of this activity it to help you understand and know how to read
calibration of different units of measurement.

Activity Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
At the end of this activity the learners must
be able to:
1.1 Identify different units of measurement
1. Read different calibration of different
units of measurements.

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2. Know how to convert from one unit of 2.1 Learn and recall the conversion from
measurement to another. one unit of measurement to another.

ACTIVITY 1

(a) Look at your ruler. What is its length? --------

(b) How many millimetres make a centimetre? ------------------------------------------

(c) How many millimetres make a metre? -------------------------------------------------

(d) How many centimetres make a metre? -----------------------------------------------

(e) What is the unit of measurement of time? ------------------------------------------ -

3.3 MENSURATION & MEASUREMENT

Mensuration is the calculation of geometric quantities such as length, area, and volume from dimensions
and angles that are already known. While measurement is the act, process, or skill of measuring things
such as length of wall, area of a triangle and volume of a cube etc. In essence, there is no difference
between mensuration and measurement, but measurement is the application of mensuration formulae to
determine the length, area and volume of different shapes. The purpose of mensuration is to quantify the
amount of materials and equipment required to complete a construction project.

3.4 QUANTITIES

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3.4.1 Linear measurement

Linear measurement is the measurement of the distance between two points on the
surface of the earth. Prior to the introduction of metric units of measurement in 1799, in
France, feet and inches were used as the units of linear measurement. This system was
standardised in 1960 to the SI unit. The international system is commonly referred to
throughout the world as SI, after the initials of Système International (Microsoft Encarta,
2007). The System Internationale (SI) set out the basic and derived units that were
internationally accepted.

The measurement of quantities requires units of measurement. Calculations using the

metric system are easy, because they are based on powers of 10 just like in our decimal
system. Later in the 1970s, the seven base units were added which standardised the basic
units of measurement all over the world. Base unit of measurement, is the unit of
measurement of a base quantity in a given system of quantities. By international
agreement, a set of seven dimensionally independent units from the SI base units, which
are the metre (base unit for length), kilogram (base unit for mass), second (base unit of
time), ampere (base unit for electric current), Kelvin (base unit for thermodynamics),
mole (base unit for amount of substance) and candela (base unit for luminous intensity).
Table 1, shows the base and the derived units of measurement that will be relevant to our
studies, and it is important to remember their symbols (or shortened form). Table 1 also
shows how the base units can be converted from one unit to the other as shown in column
four.

Quantity Name of unit Symbol Value

Length millimetre mm 10mm = 1cm
centimetre cm 100cm = 1m
metre m 1000m = 1km
kilometre km

Mass milligram mg 1000mg = 1g

gram g 1000g = 1kg

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 kilogram kg 1000kg = 1t
tonne t
Area square millimetre
square centimetre
square metre
hectare
Volume cubic millimetres

cubic centimetres

cubic metres
Capacity millilitre ml 1000ml = 1 L
(volume of fluids) litre L 1000L = 1Kl
kilolitre kl

Table 2.1: Units of Measurement

ACTIVITY / CLASS DISCUSSION 2

Purpose: The purpose of this activity it to help you learn and know how to measurement
simple linear measurement and write them down.

Activity Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
At the end of this activity the learners must
be able to:
1.1 Measure the various linear length
1. Know how to measure simple linear
required in the activity
measurement.
2. Know how to write down appropriately,
2.1 Read, record and write down linear
linear measurement including their units.
measurement arrived at in activity outcome
1, above.

Quantity Surveying 1A  Academic Development Centre 37

ACTIVITY 2

Learners are required to measure the total length of the windows and doors in their
lecture room. (Answers to be given in metres.) -------------------------------------------

3.4.2 Conversion of units

The examples 1-3 below show how to convert from one unit to the other.

Centimetre (cm) is a smaller unit than the

1) Let's convert 250cm to metres.
metre. To a convert smaller unit to a larger
100cm = 1m
unit we divide. 100cm = 1m, therefore we
250cm = 250 ÷ 100 = 2.5m
divide by 100

Kilogram is a larger unit than the gram. To

(2) Let's convert 2.8 kg to grams.
convert a larger unit to a smaller unit, we
1 kg = 1000g
multiply by the factor.
2.8 kg = 2.8 × 1000
1kg = 1000g, therefore we multiply by
= 2800g
1000.

(3) Let's convert 100 milliamperes (mA) to Milliampere (mA) is a smaller unit than the
amperes(A) ampere (A). To convert a smaller unit to a
1000 mA = 1A larger unit, we divide by the factor.

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100 mA = 100 ÷ 1000
= 0.1A 1000mA = 1A, therefore we divide by1000.
Note

In Engineering and in Sciences we use

scientific notation for calculations. Instead
of the term ‘milli’ we can use 10-3

Also, not that;

To convert small units to large units you

divide (÷) as can be seen in example one
(1)
To convert large units to small units you
multiply (×) as in example two (2)

ACTIVITY 2

Purpose: The purpose of this activity it to test learners understanding of how to convert
from one unit to another. Make sure you participate and ask questions if necessary.

Convert:
(a) 180 cm to metres (m)

(b) 1.5 minutes to seconds (sec)

(c) 250 milligrams (mg) to grams

3.4.3 AREA

Area refers to the amount of surface covered by a figure or object. The area of simple
square or rectangular objects is obtained by measuring individual length and width of the

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rectangle and multiplying the length of the object by its width. In the case of a building
or house, the area is found by measuring the length and the width of each individual wall,
and multiplying the measurement of the length by the width. To get the total area of the
building the separate calculations achieved from each side will be added together. See
example below;

Figure 1: Area of an object

Example:

Shape A;

Area (A) = L x B

L = 10cm

B = 4cm

Area (A) = 10cm x 4cm

Area (A) = 40cm2

Shape B;

Area (B) = L x B

L = 10cm – (2cm + 2cm) = 6cm

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B = 4cm

Area (B) = 6cm x 4cm

Area (B) = 24cm2

TOTAL SHAPE AREA = Area (A) + Area (B)

40cm2 + 24cm2

64cm2

To determine the area of figure 1 above, you first need to divide the shape into two parts,
say A and B. Let call the upper rectangular shape A, while the other below B. If you
multiply the length and width of the rectangle A total, you will have 40 square meter -
(m2) (10 cm x 4 cm), while for B will be 24 square meter - (m 2) (6 cm x 4 cm). To get the
total area for the shape, you need to add the area of A and B together, which gives 64
square meter (m2).

Learning to apply area formulae can be useful to the home builder and quantity surveyor
because it allows him/her to determine the total size of the building or house to be built in
square metres (m2). It is also necessary for many reasons, for example, to determine the
area of brick wall required or the total number of square metres of carpets, tiles or paint
that will be required to cover a particular space.

3.4.4 Basic formulae

In the calculation of the areas of various shapes, different formulae are used. Table 2
below shows the formulae used to calculate the areas of different shapes.

SHAPE AREA FORMULA

Square A = l2

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 where l is the length of a side.

Rectangle A=l×w
where l is the length, w is the width

Parallelogram A=b×h
where b is the base length, h is the height.

Triangle A = ½ b ×h
where b is the base length, h is the height.

Trapezium A = ½ (a+b)h
where a and b are the side lengths of the parallel sides, h
is the height.

Circle

Table 2.2: Formulae for Calculating the Area of Various Shapes

3.4.5 Area of a Parallelogram

The area of a parallelogram is b × h, where b is the length of the base of the

parallelogram, and h is the corresponding height. To picture this, consider the
parallelogram below:

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We can picture ‘cutting off’ a triangle from one side and ‘pasting’ it onto the other side to
form a rectangle with side-lengths b and h. This rectangle has an area of b × h.

Example 2

What is the area of a parallelogram which has a base of 20 cm and a corresponding height
of 7 cm?
The area is the product of the base and its corresponding height, which is 20 × 7 = 140 m2

3.4.6 Area of a Trapezoid

If a and b are the lengths of the two parallel bases of a trapezoid, and h is its height, the
area of the trapezoid is:
½ × h × (a + b).

To picture this, consider two identical trapezoids. ‘Turn’ one around and ‘paste’ it to the
other one along one side as pictured below:

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The figure formed is a parallelogram which has an area of h × (a + b), which is twice the
area of one of the trapezoids.

Example 3

What is the area of a trapezoid which has bases of 12 m and 8 m and a height of 5m?
Using the formula for the area of a trapezoid, we see that the area is

½ × 5 × (12 + 8) = (Learners are required to work out the answer)

3.4.7 Area of Composite Figures

To find the area of a composite figure, you first split up the composite figure into simpler
shapes (e.g. shapes like squares, rectangles, triangles, circles etc.). You then find the area
of each of the shapes and add them up.
The units of area are square units. (e.g. mm2, cm2, m2)

Example 4

Find the area the figure below:

To find the area of the figure, we need to add the area of Fig.(a),Fig.(b) and Fig.(c).
First we need to identify the shapes:
(a) and (b) are rectangles and (c) is a triangle.
Then, we can use the formula to find the area:

Area of a rectangle = length × width

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Area of a triangle = ½ base × height where base =3, height =2

Area of Fig.(a) = 6 × 4 = 24

Area of Fig.(b) = 4 × 2 = 8

Area of Fig.(c) = ½ × 3 × 2 = 3

Total area = 24 + 8 + 3 = 35 square units

Note: square units could be mm², cm² or m² depending on the specified unit of
measurement.

Example 5
Find the area of the flower bed below:

Identify the shapes:

Fig. (a) ~ rectangle

Fig. (b) ~ semicircle (x 2)

Use the formulae to calculate the area:

Rectangle:
A = l × w where l is the length, w is the width, A is the area.

Quantity Surveying 1A  Academic Development Centre 45

Area of a Circle:

Area of the semi circle = area of the circle ÷ 2

Area of the semi circle = (3.142 × 1²) ÷ 2

Area of (a) - rectangle = 2.5 × 1 = 2.5m2

Area of (b) - semicircle = (3.142 × 1²) ÷ 2

(Learners are required to work out the answer.)

Hints: You have 2 semicircles, so you have to multiply the area of the semi circle by 2.

The total area is the sum of the area of the rectangle and the area of the two semicircles.

ACTIVITY 3
1. Calculate the area of each room in the home shown below. Add up your answers
to calculate
Purpose: the totalofinterior
The purpose floor area
this activity it of
to the
testhome.
learners understanding(10
of Marks)
how to
calculate areas of basic shapes. Make sure you participate and ask questions if
Note:
necessary. Your marks will count as part of the semester mark.
1. Learners are required to show all workings.
2. You are to submit your work at the end of the specified time

3. Work out your answer in the space provided below

19m

4m 3m

6m
7m
6m
Quantity Surveying 1A  Academic Development Centre 46
5m
6m
3.4.8 VOLUME

Volume: The amount of space occupied by an object is called its volume.

Cubic units are used to measure volume (eg.cm3, m3).

The volume of a rectangular object = length × width × height

2.4.1 Volume of a prism

Example 6

Find the volume of the figure below:

To find the volume of the prism, we can use the formula V = A × h where, A is the area
of the base (or area of the cross section) and h is the height (or the length of the prism).

The base of the prism is a triangle, so we need to find the area of the triangle.

Area of a triangle (A) = ½ b × h = ½ × 8 × 7 = 28 m2

The height of the prism (h) (or the length of the prism) = 13 m

Volume of the prism = A × h = 28 × 13

= 364 m3

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3.4.9 Volume of a cylinder

Example 7
Find the volume of the cylinder below:

Solution:

ACTIVITY 4

Purpose: The purpose of this activity it to test learners understanding of how to

calculate volume of basic shapes. Make sure you participant and ask question if it is not
clear to you. At the end of the activity, marks which will count as part of the semester
mark.

1. Find the volume of the following shapes:

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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.4.9 PERIMETER

Perimeter is the distance around a figure or it is the line drawn around the edge of an
area or shape. For example, the perimeter of a rectangle is the sum of its four sides; the
perimeter of a circle is known as its circumference (Microsoft Encarta, 2007)

To find the perimeter, you just add the lengths of all the sides together. The example
below shows how to calculate the perimeter of a rectangle.

For example, to work out the perimeter P of a rectangular, say a swimming pool, we must
know its length L and width W. We then apply the formula P = (2 x L) + (2 x W).
However, how can we explain these well-known formulas?

The perimeter of a rectangle

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To calculate the perimeter P of a rectangle of dimensions L and W, we can use one of the
following formulas:

P = (2 x L) + (2 x w)
P = 2 x (L + W).

The figure below illustrates the situation:

In these formulas, P, L, and W are expressed in the same units; for example, in
centimetres. Special Case: Perimeter P of a square of side L is equal to 4 x L

The units of perimeter are mm, cm, m, km

Circumference is a special name given to the perimeter of a circle. It is measured as:

C

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The units of circumference are mm, cm, m, km.

Example 8

Find the perimeter of the figure below:

The perimeter of this shape is the total length around the figure.

Perimeter of figure (a) =7×4-3

= 28 - 3
= 25

Perimeter of figure (b) =3×3 (There are only three sides to fig. b)
=9

Perimeter of the shape = Perimeter of (a) + Perimeter of (b)

= 25 + 9
= 34 units

Example 9

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Find the perimeter of the semicircular pond below:

The diameter of the pond is 7.2m. Therefore, the radius of the circle is 7.2 ÷ 2 = 3.6m

The circumference of a circle: c = ×d

The diameter of the circle is twice the radius: d = 2 × 3.6 = 7.2m

c= ×d
c= × 7.2

Let's take = 3.142, c = 3.142 × 7.2m

= 22.62 m

So, the length of the semicircular arc is half the circumference.

That is 22.62m ÷ 2 = 11.31 m = 11.3 m (rounded to one decimal place.)

The perimeter of the semicircular pond is:

The length of the semicircular arc + the diameter of the circle

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11.3 + 7.2 = 18.5 m

ACTIVITY 5

Purpose: The purpose of this activity it to test learners understanding of how to calculate
perimeter of basic shapes. Make sure you participant and ask question if it is not clear to
you. At the end of the activity, 10 marks will be awarded which will count as part of the
semester percentage.

1. Find the perimeter of the following:

2.

Quantity Surveying 1A  Academic Development Centre 53

3.4.10 Check list

Can you: Yes No Comments

1. Understand and identify symbols and units of
measurement?
2. Differentiate between units of measurement and
how to write them in scientific notation?
3. Select and use appropriate units, converting
between units as required?
4. Understand and use metric units to estimate and
measure length, area, volume and perimeter?
5. Calculate the area, volume and perimeter of
different types of objects?

3.4.11 Wrap up

In this unit, we discussed units of measurement and performed calculations on the area,
volume and perimeter of different objects. Also learnt how to convert from one basic Si
unit to the other, and how to write basic units systems in scientific notation.
3.4.12 Assignment

Quantity Surveying 1A  Academic Development Centre 54

Learners are required to use cardboard to make a ruler which is triangular in shape. One
side of the ruler should be divided into equal units in centimetres.

The second side should be divided into equal units in millimetres

You should write your name and your student number on the third side. (20 marks)

RUBRIC FOR MARKING

Assessment criteria Mark Allocation Mark Obtained

1. Neat and accurate construction of 10

triangular ruler
2. Accurate dimensions and 5
calibration of centimetres
3. Accurate dimensions and 5
calibration of centimetres
Total 20 marks

Quantity Surveying 1A  Academic Development Centre 55

STUDY UNIT 4
MENSURATION IN QUANTITY SURVEYING II

Overview
In this unit you will be introduced to mensuration in quantity surveying. You will learn
how to apply measurement formulae and theorem to determine the length of common
rafters in pitch roofs, areas of roofs, hips and valleys. Apply various formulae to calculate
the area, volume, lengths of various shapes (building). And how to record dimensions
onto dimension paper for the various figures be it volume, area or length. And also how
to calculate the mean girth of shapes

How does this unit fit into the course?

Quantity surveyors can only know how to calculate the area, volume and perimeter of
drawings of various sizes and shapes when they have a good understanding of
Mensuration and measurement formulae and techniques. This unit will introduce learners
on how to write dimensions onto dimension papers.

4.1 UNIT OUTCOMES

Unit Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
At the end of this unit learners must be able
to:
1.1 Identify symbols and units of
1. Perform, read and record measurement.
measurement.

1.2 Differentiate between units of

measurement.
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2. Apply various formulae to calculate the 2.1 Identify the shape, select formulae and
area, volume, lengths of various shapes use appropriate units in calculating the
(building) area, volume, lengths of various shapes.

3. Record drawing dimensions onto

dimension paper for the various figures be 3.1 Identify the metric units and write them
it volume, area or length. unto the dimension papers for areas,
volumes, lengths, length, and perimeter.

4.2 Introduction

In the last unit, we shall be discussing how to write measurement formulae and dimensions on a
dimension sheet (billing sheets).

4.3 Measurement

Measurement is the general process of analysing the working drawings of a building, or works already
carried out, and using this information to produce details of the various amounts of labour and materials
that will be needed, or that have already been used. The term is also used to indicate the number that
results from that process.
The act of measuring usually involves using a measuring instrument, such as a ruler, weighing scale,
thermometer, speedometer, or voltmeter, which is calibrated to compare the measured attribute to a
measurement unit. Any kind of attributes can be measured.

The basic process in building measurement is the taking-off of quantities. The taking-off (will be
discussed under Bills of Quantities) concerns the measurement of length, areas and volumes, a process
sometimes referred to as mensuration. The purpose of mensuration is already highlighted in unit 4.

4.4. Mathematical formulae

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Most of the mathematical formulae which will mostly be used have been discussed extensively in unit 4
(under 4.6 – 4.8). Please go through unit 4 again for a proper understanding and application of the
formulae.

4.5 Recording of various shape dimensions onto dimension paper.

For an understanding of what is a dimension paper, Unit 8 – 8.9.2. The following example is how to
record dimensions of various types of shapes on the dimension sheet or paper. This is a foundational
element in writing taking-off of shapes (building). Taking-off is discussed in Unit 8. The dimensions
(measurement) written on the dimensions sheets is in accordance with the formulae and unit of
measurement used in calculating either the area, perimeter of volume of the shape as the case may be.
From dimension sheet 1 – 11, it shows how to writing drawing (shapes) dimension appropriately on the
dimension paper.

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 Dimension sheet 1
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 Dimension sheet 2
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 Dimension sheet 3

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 Dimension sheet 4

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 Dimension sheet 5

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 Dimension sheet 6
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 Dimension sheet 7

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 Dimension sheet 8

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 Dimension sheet 9
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 Dimension sheet 10
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 Dimension sheet 11

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 4.6 MEAN GIRTH (CENTRE LINE)

Girth means the same thing as the perimeter of anything, say a wall, or
room

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 71
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 4.7 Check list

Can you: Yes No Comments

1. Identify various formulae for calculating different
shapes and areas?
2. Apply formulae in calculating areas, length and
volume of different part of building?
3. Write appropriating the measurement formulae in
the dimension sheets?
4. Understand and use metric units to estimate and
measure length, area, volume and perimeter?
5. Calculate the area, volume and perimeter of
different types of objects?
6. Calculate the mean girth of simple shapes?

4.8 Wrap up

In this unit, we discussed how to apply measurement formulae and theorem to determine the length of
common shapes. Apply various formulae to calculate the area, volume, lengths of various shapes
(building). And how to record dimensions onto dimension paper for the various figures be it volume,
area or length and how to calculate for simple mean girth of buildings and shapes.

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Learner’s Material University of Johannesburg

STUDY UNIT 5
SCHEDULES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

In this unit you will be introduced to schedules and specifications for building work.
Learners will be taught how to read written specification and also how to write
specification from building drawings.

How does this unit fit into the course?

No building ever have the same finishing materials, expect on mass production scale, as
part of the quantity surveyors understanding of writing description for materials to
enhance effective measurements from drawings and write good and accurate descriptions,
this unit will teach learners what are schedules and specifications how to read, understand
and write schedules and specifications.

5.1 UNIT OUTCOMES

Unit Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
At the end of this unit the learners must be
able to:
1.1 Define; describe the functions of each
1. Differentiate between Schedules and
of schedule and specification.
specifications.

2. Know the information contained in a

2.1 Describe the information that can be
particular type of drawing.
obtained from each of the drawings in
writing a specification.

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Learner’s Material University of Johannesburg

3. Understand the difference between 3.1 Differentiate between drawings,

drawings, specifications and schedules. schedules and specifications.
3.2 Explain the relationship between
drawings, specifications and schedules.

5.2 Introduction.

Building drawings used by builders (contractors) in constructing a buildings, are not

without the breakdown of the materials which will be used in constructing the building
and used in finishing the building. In this unit we shall discuss how to write and read
building schedules and specification because this are what is used in writing description
of materials, workmanship and installation of materials, which forms the subject of
taking-off.

5.3 SCHEDULES

A schedule serves as a quick reference tool. It gives additional information about the
type of materials, the quality of materials and the size/amount of the materials to be used
for a particular area of a building. Different types of schedules include: schedule of
finishes, door and window schedules and so on. Examples of schedules are shown on the
following page:

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Learner’s Material University of Johannesburg

SCHEDULES OF INTERNAL FINISHES

CEILING
6.4 mm Gypsum board fixed to 38 x 38 sawn S.A.P Ceiling brandering at
450 mm centers.

CORNICES
75 mm Gypsum cove cornice

PAINTING TO CEILING
Two coats of PVA paint on ceiling and cornices.

FLOORS
All rooms as defined on the plan but the granolithic to be 27 mm thick and the
screed to the 2.5 mm vinyl tiles to be 24.5 mm thick.

SKIRTING
Living Room, Dining Room, all Bedrooms and Passage to have
20 x 75 mm Wrot Meranti skirting plugged to walls with 20 mm quadrant bead
planted on at junction of floor and skirting, and varnish.

Kitchen, Bathroom, cupboards

75 mm Granolithic skirting flush with tiling

WALLS
Living Room, Dining Room, all Bedrooms, Passage and Cupboards
Internal cement plaster and two coats PVA

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DOOR SCHEDULE

D1 No. 1
Frame Steel jamb lining to suit 220 mm wall
Finish on frame Oil paint
Door 45 mm Wrot Oak framed, ledged and braced, battened
door size 813 x 2032 mm
Finish to door Varnish
Ironmongery 4 lever mortice lock with brass lever furniture and
two keys with ‘Yale’ night latch.

Schedules can also be represented on a spread sheet as show below,

Mark Total Frame type Finish Door Finish Ironmongery

on no. on frame type on door
Plan
D1 1 Steel jamb Oil paint 45 mm Varnish 4 lever mortice
lining to suit Wrot Oak lock with brass
220 mm wall framed, lever furniture
ledged and two keys
and with
braced, “Yale”night
battened latch
door size
813 x
2032 mm

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5.4 SPECIFICATIONS
A specification is a clear and detailed written description of the requirements for
materials, equipment, construction systems, standards and workmanship. Specifications
form part of contract documents.

Specification is an essential part of the design process. Unfortunately, for most engineers,
it is the least enjoyed task. This often results in specifications of inferior quality. If a
specification is written badly it can cause major problems for every member of the
construction team and can cost the client a great deal of money. If the specification is
well written it can enhance project delivery for the whole construction team while saving
everyone money.

The specification is a set of instructions from owner/client to constructors, prepared by

designers, and should be written in a form that is easily understood. Specifications must
be arranged in a clear structure so specific information is easy to find. The language must
be clear, concise, complete, and correct. The writing style should be unambiguous with
minimal legal phraseology or stilted formal terms. The content must be current and
authoritative.

Specifications are the most detailed method of describing requirements. Various types of
design specifications include the detailed descriptions of the materials, parts and
components to be used in building projects. Hence, they are the descriptions that tell the
contractor exactly what the employer (the owner of the proposed building) wants in
his/her building.

A specification is the detailed description of the requirements for the materials and
design of work to be done in a building. A detailed description of each item in the
building is required so that the estimator will be able to give the correct price for the item

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and the contractor will be able to quote the correct prices. It will also enable the supplier
to supply the correct type of materials.

Examples:

1. Two coats of Plascon Polvin Super acrylic paint, including undercoats on interior
walls.

2. Two coats of Plascon Double Velvet paint, including undercoats to interior

ceilings and cornices.

The specification of paint for the interior walls in example one is different from the
specification of paint for the interior ceiling. From examples one and two above, we
are able to know:

 The number of coats of paint to be applied.

 The type of paint.

 The trade name of the paint required.

 Where the paint is to be applied.

5.5 Content Requirement for Plans, Drawings and Specifications

Plans, drawings and specifications should provide sufficient information to enable City
staff to determine whether the proposed construction, once completed, will comply with
the requirements set out in the Building Code and other applicable laws.

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5.6 Check list

At the end of this unit, I Yes No Comments

1. Understand and can read building schedules and
specifications from different aspect of the building
2. Can differentiate between a schedule and
specifications.
4. Prepare schedules and write specifications.

5.7 Wrap up

In this unit, we discussed the different types of building drawings and the information
contained in each type of drawing. We also discussed schedules and specifications for
building works.

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5.8 Assignment

The learners are required to write standard specification and schedules for windows,
doors, floor and wall finishes for the plan of a two bedroom house they drawn in unit 6.
(30
Marks)

RUBRIC FOR MARKING

Assessment criteria Mark Allocation Mark Obtained

1. Neat presentation of work 2
2. Correct format for Window 2
schedule
3. Correct format for door schedule 2
4. Correct format for floor schedule 2
5. Correct format for wall finishes 2
schedule
6. The information contained in the 5
window schedule is adequate
7. The information contained in the 5
door schedule is adequate
8. The information contained in the 5
floor schedule is adequate
9. The information contained in the 5
wall finishes schedule is adequate
Total 30 marks

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STUDY UNIT 7
PREPARATION OF BILLS OF QUANTITIES

Overview

In this unit you will be introduced to the stages involved in the preparation of bills of
quantities. There are two stages involved in the preparation of bills of quantities: taking-
off and working up. Only taking-off processes will be discussed in this module.

How does this unit fit into the course?

This unit fit into the course in that without the knowledge of how a bill of quantity is
produced and what a bill of quantity is, our aim of studying this course would be
meaningless. This unit will teach learners will learn about the stages involved in the
preparation of bills of quantities, the objectives of bills of quantities, and the advantages
of using bills of quantities and taking-off processes.

7.1 UNIT OUTCOMES

Unit Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
At the end of this unit the learners must be
able to:

1. Know what bills of quantities are: 1.1 Describe the objectives of bills of
- The objectives of bills of quantities.
quantities 1.2 State the functions of bills of quantities.
- The functions of bills of 1.3 Highlight the advantages derived from
quantities pre-and post tender. the use of bills of quantities.
- The advantages of bills of

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quantities

2. Understand the stages involved in the 2.1 Describe the stages involved in the
preparation of bills of quantities. preparation of bills of quantities.

2.2 Prepare the format of a billing sheet.

2.3 Apply taking-off guidelines and taking-

off processes to measure and book
dimensions and descriptions from drawings
and specifications.

7.2 INTRODUCTION

We have discussed the importance of applied mensuration, building drawings,

specifications and schedules. The information obtained from these drawings,
specifications and schedules is used to measure (mensuration) the quantity of work that
will be done on the proposed building (Shape). For example, the dimensions of each item
of work we intend to measure will be determined from the drawing and put together in
order for us to be able to estimate the quantity of materials needed for that item of work.

In the following example below, we will learn how to calculate the area of a brickwall.
The brickwall shown in figure 1 below is rectangular in shape, and so we will apply the
formulae use in calculating the area of a rectangle.

7.3 STAGES OF THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

The construction process comprises several separate stages, as follows:

1. The pre-tender stage. This is the stage where the actual compilation of the
contract documentation takes place with the objective of setting the terms and

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conditions of the contract for the proposed project (contractual

delivery/procurement system).
2. Tender stage. This is the stage when the previously prepared documentation is
used to call for tenders from contractors to do the work, and where the results of
the tenders are adjudicated, and the contract awarded to the successful tenderer.
3. Construction stage. This is the stage when the documentation in accordance with
the accepted tender is used to administer the contract with the objective of
insuring that the project is completed within the terms and conditions of the
agreed contract.
4. The final account stage. This is the stage when the documentation is used to
reach finality of the project.

7.4 THE ROLE OF THE QUANTITY SURVEYOR IN THE CONSTRUCTION

PROCESS

The role of the Quantity Surveyor in the various stages of the construction process is as
follows:

Pre-tender stage:

 Preparing estimates of cost and providing such other cost advice as may be
required prior to invitation of tenders.
 Preparing documents for the purpose of inviting tenders.

Tender stage:

 Examining and verifying pricing of Bills of Quantities and adjusting where

necessary.

The construction phase:

 Preparing schedules of predicted interim valuations.

 Preparing valuations for the issue of payment certificates.

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 Evaluating or verifying fluctuations in costs under any applicable contract price

adjustment provisions.
 Estimating the valuation of variations, maintaining and running financial
statements and monitoring against the cost plan.

The final account stage:

 Measuring variations, work as executed. Preparing and pricing final accounts in

terms of the contract and negotiating with the contractor.

However, the role and function of the Quantity Surveyor is not exhausted and confined to
the above only. The Quantity Surveyor could also look into the viability of a proposed
project for a client. The Association of SA Quantity Surveyors and Royal Institute of
Chartered Surveyors have a list of other services that is offered by Quantity Surveyors.

7.5 INTRODUCTION TO THE STANDARD SYSTEM

In South Africa the measurement of “builder’s work” is done in accordance with the
principles laid down in the Standard System of Measuring Building Work, 7 th edition a
guide which is used by the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors in
consultation with the Building Industries Federation South Africa known as BIFSA.

The Standard System of Measurement (SSM) is an important document as its main

function is to give uniformity in the preparation and compilation of Bills of Quantities.

The SSM is divided into various trades or workgroups and describes the principles of
measurement related to the items of materials and labour and states which unit of
measurement should be employed in respect of each item.

7.6 INTRODUCTION TO THE MODEL PREAMBLES

The content of this document, listed under the respective trade headings are intended to
provide general information on workmanship and materials encountered in the project.

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Once again, this “model” or “standard” information and the aims of the Association of
SA Quantity Surveyors in drawing up these preambles were identical to what was hoped
to be achieved with the model preliminaries.

Every project has special materials or requirements regarding quality of workmanship

and so it is expected that the Quantity Surveyor will provide supplementary or special
preambles in the individual trades in the Bills of Quantities to cover specific
requirements.

Preambles assist in reducing the lengths of descriptions within the various trades as
otherwise it would be necessary to mention all the specification information within the
description of each item of builder’s work.

It is expected that prior to pricing any item, the building contractor will first read the
applicable preambles.

The model preambles for the trades will be used by way of reference only in the BOQs
and will not be bound into or reproduced as part of the bills, but they do form part of the
contract documentation and should be initiated by the parties when the contract is signed.

7.7 BILLS OF QUANTITIES

A Bill of Quantities is a tender document, normally produced by a Quantity Surveyor,

which contains general information on a construction project, together with quantities
measured from drawings in accordance with a measurement code (in accordance with the
rules of the Standard System of Measuring Building Work, as shown below). The
document will subsequently be priced by contractors and be used throughout the
construction project for valuation and cost control purposes. The Bill of Quantities
provides a wealth of information about a project, in addition to the detailed breakdown of
the proposed work.

Bills of Quantities are firstly tender documents, and secondly contract documents. They
are prepared in accordance with established measurement codes and conditions of

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contract provisions and should contain certain basic information and be presented in a
recognised format to make them easy to use.

Below is an outline of how the BOQs (bills of quantities) is written on a standard

dimension paper (sheet). This example is for a masonry (brick wall). In the example, the
type of brick wall to be used is provided, which is the NFP brick and the type of materials
that will be used in laying the brick is also stated (Class II mortar) and the sizes of the
various bricks to be used is stated. These all came from the schedules and specifications
given for the item of work (which is Masonry).

Item Description Unit Quantity Rate Amount

BILL NO 2

MASONRY

Brickwork of NFP brick in

class II mortar

110mm walls

220mm walls

1 400 x 400mm in piers m² 20 70 1400.00

2 Carried to Summary m² 85 140 11900.00

3 Bill No.2 m 15 170 2550.00

Masonry ____________

15 850.00

Figure 1. Example of Bills of Quantities.

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7.8 FUNCTIONS AND SCOPE OF THE BILLS OF QUANTITIES

The overall purpose of a Bill of Quantities is to measure, in a systematic and standard

manner, the work contained in the construction or alteration of a building. The aim is to
obtain competitive tenders from contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.

Pre-tender

 All contractors tender on the same information

 It prompts the client and the design team to finalise most of the project particulars
before the Bill is prepared.
 It limits the risk borne by the contractors to the rates he enters in the Bills of
Quantities.

Post-tender

 It provides the basis for the valuation of variations.

 After being priced and rated it provides a good basis for cost analysis.
 Bills are utilised for the preparation of interim payments (valuations)
 It gives an itemised list of component parts of the building and can be used by the
contractor to order materials during construction.
 Assist contractor in planning resources such as labour, plant and materials and
organising project work.
 Assist in preparing approximate estimates for future work and preparation of final
account at completion of project.

7.9 ADVANTAGES OF BILLS OF QUANTITIES

Using a Bill of Quantities offers the following principal advantages:

 It will help in the locational identification of the work.

 Each contractor prices and identical bill

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 Contractors are relieved from preparing their own quantities and concentrate on
the tender estimate.
 It limits the risk errors in measurement and pricing because of preparation by
professionals.
 Labour-saving document for inviting competitive offers.
 Assists contractor in planning resources such as labour, plant and materials and
organising project work.
 Acts as a vehicle for valuing changes.
 Assists contractor in the preparation of an estimate.
 Assist contractor in preparing approximate estimates for future work.
 Assists in valuing work for stage payments.
 Assists in preparation of final account at completion of project.

7.10 THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE BILLS OF QUANTITIES

The main purpose of the BOQs is to obtain a price for the execution of all the work
necessary to construct a particular building.

7.11 CONTENT OF A BILL OF QUANTITIES (THE COMPOSITION OF

BOQs/THE STRUCTURE OF BOQs)

A traditional Bill of Quantities (Figure XX) is divided into the following sections:

Preliminaries

The preliminary section is normally the first section in a Bill of Quantities and its main
purpose is to set out all the general liabilities and obligations of the contractor; it covers
the entire contract. In other words, these are the conditions under which the contractor
will be administered and describes all matters which may affect the contractor’s staff or
equipment on the site and the general execution of the works. The preliminaries
documents are used by reference only in the preparation of the Bills of Quantities. The
preliminary section normally contains the information listed and described below:

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Items in preliminary section

Project general nature

General information relating to the Client, Architect and Quantity Surveyor. Also
gives an outline of the site and brief description of the work.

Specific requirements
List of any specific problems or employer’s requirements that may affect contractor’s
pricing or method of working.

Contract
List of the condition of the contract, together with details on any amendments to the
standard printed conditions.

Employer’s requirements
Identifies the principal requirements of the client in respect to quality control,
security, safety, working restrictions and facilities to be provided for the client’s
benefit.

Contractor’s general cost items

Identifies items that the contractor must provide for the proper running of the site,
such as management, site accommodation, services, facilities, plant and temporary
works.

Work by others or subject to instructions

Describes work or materials arranged directly by the client or at its instruction, suck
as work by statutory bodies, nominated subcontractors and suppliers, and provisional
work including daywork.

Preambles section

The preamble section contains details of the specification in terms of the work, the
workmanship, and the materials; together with any further information that may quality
the scope and interpretation of measured work item descriptions. The estimator needs to
know about preamble clauses as they affect the rates that are inserted against billed items
of measured work.

Preambles clauses allow the description of the measured work items to be reduced
significantly in length and assist with the pricing. The contractor does not price the

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preamble section directly but will be influenced by the information contained in the
section.

The preambles section is found in the Bill of Quantities in two alternative positions:

 After the preliminaries section.

 At the start of each work section.

Example of trade preamble

Excavation and filling

A. The rates included for excavation are to include for excavation in all types of
ground.

B. In the event of the contractor excavating below the given levels, then the
contractor will be required to fill extra depth with lean-mix concrete (1:12) at
its own expense.

C. The contractor shall divert as required and protect existing services

encountered during building work.

D. The “pre-contract water level” was established as being 3.20 m below

existing ground level on 28 July 1997.

Specification

The specification is sometimes referred to as the preambles to trades sections and consists
of general descriptions of materials and workmanship requirements. The specification
may be presented in a number of ways, depending on the current preferences of
architectural practices. The specification is normally divided into trades and considers the
following two elements:

 Materials.
 Workmanship.

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A specification may supplement a Bill of Quantities, or it may form a full specification. If

it is a full specification, it will also include a third element: a description of the actual
work to be executed.

Example of specification

Specification

Brickwork and blockwork

Materials

A. Foundation bricks 101.

102.5 m brickwork in cavity construction in calcium silicate bricks class 3.

B. Damp-proof course 102.

Bitumen as BS 743, Type 5A, hessian base and joints well lapped.

C. Ties 103
Copper butterfly wire wall ties to comply with BS 1243, Type B, and 150 mm
Long for 50 cavity.

D. Workmanship
All bricks to be neatly stacked on site and not tipped and should be protected
From the elements.

E. All mortar to be mixed on site in mechanical mixers adding only sufficient water
To give correct consistency.

Measured Work

This comprises all the items measured by the takers off, which will be abstracted and
billed, and is usually the main section in the BOQs. The decision on the number of
volumes in which the BOQs are to be produced, must be decided at the earliest stage of
the measuring process.

Provisional Sums and Prime Cost Sums

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Prime costs are for goods, which are to be chosen by the Architect or engineers and fixed
by the contractor. Prime cost is used to establish a range of quality, where the final price
is uncertain because the final choice rests with the client.

Provisional sums cover the complete execution of specialist sub-contractor’s work such
as lift installation etc. The principal contractor has an opportunity to insert separate prices
for the profit and attendance on each of the provisional sums applicable to work of the
specialist sub-contractors.

An example of measured work, provisional sums and prime cost sums is shown below.

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Final summary and Contingency

It is found at the end of the BOQs (last page) and provides for the total cost of the various
sections to be listed and added together to arrive at the complete cost of the works.

The contingency is included in a separate item on the main summary. The purpose of the
contingency sum is to provide a “reserve fund” to finance the cost of “unforeseen”
problems or any extra work which may arise during the carrying out of the contract and it
is usually calculated as a percentage of the estimated value of the project.

Tender Form

The tender form is duplicated at the back of the BOQs. The tenderer enters the total on
the main summary of his priced BOQs in the space provided in the form of tender and
returns it to the architect on the date appointed for the return of tenders.

It contains the following:

 Name of the contractor

 Agreement to execute and complete the work
 Amount of tender or tender value
 References to the Architects or Engineers drawings and to the BOQs
 The name of Architect /Engineer or Quantity Surveyor
 The method to be used for the adjustment of preliminaries
 Period of executing the work
 Length of time that the tender remains open for acceptance by the employer
 A note that states the employer reserves the right to reject all tenders and not to
accept the lowest or any tender which may have been submitted.
 The date and time for return of tenders

7.12 PRODUCTION OF A BILL OF QUANTITIES

The methods used to prepare Bills of Quantities vary between different quantity
surveying practices or firms, but usually takes one of the forms listed below. Some

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practices may use a combination of more than one system and make use of new ideas.
The most known are the London or Southern method (also known as Group method) and
the Northern method. Both of these methods are discussed below: However, the most
widely used method is the Group method (or London method).

London or Southern method

This is the most popular and widely used method. In this method, the Bill is grouped into
a special order for taking-off purposes and grouped into the required Bill format before
the Bill is printed. The order in which the taking-off is prepared is designed to assist in
the speed and accuracy, and often bears little relation to the order in which items will
finally appear in the Bill. This procedure has also been termed traditional abstracting and
billing.

Advantages of the London or Southern Method.

 The taker-off measuring brickwork, plaster, etc, does not have to interrupt his
train of thought to calculate opening sizes which may be shown on a completely
separate set of drawings from those with which he is working. Therefore, there is
less chance of an error being made in the measurements.
 In the event of an adjustment inadvertently not being made, or a window or door
not being measured, at least the brickwork or plaster, etc, has been measured in
these areas and can offset part of any additional cost.

Disadvantages of the London or Southern Method

 The measurement of the early trades such as concrete work, brickwork, etc,
cannot be finalised until all the windows and doors have been measured as the
adjustments in these sections could affect the quantities of work measured in both
of those trades.

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The Northern Method

In this method the quantities are taken-off in the order in which they will subsequently
appear in the Bill. With this technique, the sorting of items into the Bill order is minimal,
or unnecessary. The technique allows for each trade to be prepared for printing while the
next trade is being taken-off. The method is also known as the trade-by-trade system.

Advantages of the Northern Method.

 The measurement of the trades such as concrete work, brickwork, etc, can be
finalised quite quietly, thereby facilitating the early processing of the quantities
for these trades.

Disadvantages of the Northern Method.

 The measuring process takes longer because the taker-off is required to examine
all the drawings each time he/she measures the work for each trade. As there are
many trades, (refer to index in the standard system) this means that the taker-off
may well have to return to the same drawing six or seven times during the
measurement of work
 Because the early trades are finalised quickly, considerable inconveniences and
disruption can be caused should an item occurring in the bricklayer trade be left
out and only discovered at a later date.

Other Bill production methods include Cut and shuffle, Billing direct, computer
application, and shorter Bill of Quantities.

The processes involved in producing a completed Bill of Quantities requires the

following stages:

 Taking-off/measurement
 Squaring and checking
 Abstracting and checking
 Reducing and checking
 Writing the draft Bill of Quantities and checking

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 Proofreading the Bill of Quantities and checking

The stages after the taking-off are known as working-up. A brief explanation of these
stages is given below:

Stage 1: Taking-off

Dimensions are set down on dimension sheets in the normal manner. The taking-off
procedure is not affected by the method used in producing the Bill of Quantities.

Stage 2: Squaring and checking

Dimensions are squared out (totalled) and then checked for accuracy.

Stage 3: Abstracting and checking

Similar descriptions are collected or collated, together with their quantities, on specially
ruled paper known as abstract or analysis paper. The descriptions are written in the final
form and order that they will appear in the printed Bill of Quantities. Once complete, the
abstracting should be checked by another person and any errors returned to the original
abstracter.

Stage 4: Reducing and checking

The add and deduct quantities are squared and reduced to a net quantity, which is then
rounded up or down to the nearest whole unit. This net figure is then inserted adjacent to
the units in the abstracting sheets. Once the reducing is complete, it should be checked by
another person, and any errors are returned to the original reducer.

Stage 5: Writing the draft Bill of Quantities and checking

The draft Bill of Quantities is written in its final form, ready for printing. The draft
should be checked for accuracy by another person.

Stage 6: Editing the draft Bill of Quantities and checking

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The draft Bill of Quantities is edited by carrying out all the normal spot checks on
individual items and sections.

Stage 7: Proof reading Bill of Quantities and checking

The documents are proofread in full by an appointed person, normally a Senior Quantity
Surveyor or other partner in the organisation. After being word-processed, bound and
packaging, the documents should be finally checked before being sent out to tender.

ACTIVITY 2

Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to assess learners’ understanding of taking-off

and bills of quantities.

Activity Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
At the end of this activity the learners must
be able to:

1. Prepare the format for a billing sheet 1.1 Identify a billing sheet and a take-off
and a take-off sheet. sheet.
1.2 Differentiate between a billing sheet
and a take-off sheet.

2. List the benefits derived from the use of

2.1 State the advantages of bills of
bills of quantities.
quantities.

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7.13 Check list

At the end of this unit, I Yes No Comments

1. Understand what bills of quantities are, including:

- The objectives of bills of quantities

- The functions of bills of quantities

- The advantages of using bills of quantities

- The stages involved in the preparation of

bills of quantities.
2. Understand taking-off and the method and
processes involved in taking-off from drawings.
3. Can prepare the format of a billing and a take-off
sheet

7.14 Wrap up

In this unit, we discussed the stages and methods used and involved in the preparation of
bills of quantities and the objectives and functions of bills of quantities. We also
discussed taking-off and the processes involved in taking-off dimensions from drawings
and specifications.

7.15 CLASS WORK

Learners are required to measure their lecture room and write out the dimension of the
plaster and paint and give a detailed description of these items in a take-off sheet.
(10 MARKS)

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RUBRIC FOR MARKING

Assessment criteria Mark Allocation Mark Obtained

1. Neat presentation of take-off sheet 1

2. Accurate dimensions 3
3. Good and detailed description 3
4. Application of guidelines for 3
booking dimensions and writing
descriptions.
Total 10 marks

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