Pancyprian TS Qty Measurement key terms

A published rulebook setting out how building work must be described and quantified in bills of quantities, so that tenders are prepared on a common and comparable basis.

An agreed rule about how dimensions, quantities and descriptions are recorded, such as whether voids are deducted or which unit of measurement applies to a particular trade.

A priced schedule listing measured items of work with descriptions, quantities and units, forming the basis for tendering, valuation of variations and interim payments under a building contract.

A single line in a bill of quantities giving a full description of work, its unit of measurement and its quantity, against which a contractor enters a rate and amount.

Introductory clauses in a bill of quantities describing the specification, quality of materials, workmanship and method assumptions that govern the priced items that follow.

Bill section covering site-wide costs not tied to a measured trade item, such as site staff, temporary works, insurance, plant, scaffolding and site facilities, usually priced as a lump sum.

A sum inserted in a bill for work that cannot be measured in detail at tender stage, later adjusted to the actual cost properly incurred by the contractor.

An allowance in a bill for materials or services supplied by a named supplier or subcontractor, with the contractor adding a percentage for profit and attendance.

A method of valuing small or unforeseen items of work by recording labour hours, plant time and materials actually used, priced at rates stated in the contract.

A contractually instructed change to the scope, quantity, quality or timing of the works, valued under the contract rules and added to or deducted from the contract sum.

A periodic assessment of the value of work executed and materials on site, used to certify progress payments to the contractor during the construction period.

A percentage withheld from each interim payment as security for performance and rectification of defects, released in stages according to the contract conditions.

The stated basis for quantifying an item, such as cubic metre, square metre, linear metre, number or tonne, chosen to suit the nature of the work described.

The area of a surface measured between its finished boundaries, excluding openings and deductions required by the measurement rules, as opposed to gross overall dimensions.

A measurement method that takes dimensions along the middle of walls or trenches, avoiding double counting at junctions when computing lengths of walls, footings or drainage runs.

The developed length taken around the perimeter of a moulded or irregular section, such as a cornice or skirting profile, used when measuring linear items of that shape.

The rule requiring areas of doors, windows and other voids to be subtracted from measured wall, floor or ceiling finishes once they exceed a stated size threshold.

Measurement of soil removed for strip footings, service runs or drainage, described by depth bands, width, material type and whether the work is hand or machine dug.

The additional excavation allowed beside foundations or below ground structures so that formwork, damp-proofing and operatives can be accommodated, measured separately from the permanent work.

The measured item covering removal of excavated material that is not reused on site, described by distance, method of transport and whether it is carted away or spread locally.

Measurement of material placed and compacted into excavations or under floors, described by source, layer thickness and compaction requirements, usually in cubic metres.

The temporary moulds and supports for casting concrete, measured by the area of concrete face in contact with the formwork, classified by element and finish required.

Quantification of steel bars or mesh in concrete, described by bar diameter, type and bending, with weights derived from bar lengths and standard mass per metre.

A detailed tabulation of every reinforcing bar with its mark, size, shape, cut length, number and bending dimensions, used to order steel and to compute measured weight.

A designation of concrete strength and composition, such as a characteristic cube strength class, stated in the item description together with cement type, aggregate and any admixture.

A horizontal barrier against rising moisture in walls, measured in linear metres by width and material, with laps and angles described separately where required.

A sheet or coating laid under a floor slab or within a structure to stop moisture movement, measured by area with laps, upstands and junctions described.

A specified protective layer such as a membrane, coating or tanking applied to roofs, basements or wet areas, measured by area with preparation and upstands included in the description.

Material reducing heat transfer through roofs, walls or floors, measured by area for boards and quilts or by length for pipe and duct lagging, with thickness and thermal performance stated.

The measured outer layer of a roof, such as tiles, slates or metal sheeting, quantified by area on the slope with ridges, hips, valleys and eaves details given separately in linear metres.

A protective or decorative coat of mortar applied to walls, measured by area classified by background, coat thickness, mix and finish, with beads and stops measured separately.

Internal application of gypsum or cement-based coats to walls and ceilings, measured by area with thickness, number of coats and surface preparation described in the item.

Walling built from concrete, clay or aerated blocks, measured by area with thickness and block type stated, deducting openings above the stated size and describing bond and reinforcement.

A beam over an opening carrying the wall above, measured in linear metres by length, material and bearing, or enumerated when supplied as a standard precast unit.

Finished timber components such as doors, windows, frames and staircases, described by type, size, timber species and finish, and measured by number or by area.

Items of metal hardware fixed to joinery, such as hinges, locks, handles and closers, scheduled by type and reference and measured by number with fixing included.

Fabricated load-bearing metal members measured by weight in tonnes or by length, with section size, grade, connections, surface treatment and erection described in the item.

A linear trim at the base of an internal wall covering the junction with the floor, measured in linear metres by height, material and profile, with ends and angles described.

The final wearing surface of a floor, such as screed, tiles, timber or carpet, measured by area with substrate preparation, borders, patterns and skirtings described separately.

A secondary ceiling hung below the structure on a grid, measured by area with grid type, tile specification, edge trims, access panels and hangers described in the item.

The boards closing the eaves of a roof, fascia being the vertical face and soffit the underside, both measured in linear metres by width, material and finish.

A measured length of pipe laid to a stated gradient between fittings or chambers, described by diameter, material, depth of trench and bedding, with manholes enumerated separately.

A chamber giving access to a drain, enumerated by type and depth with its cover, frame, benching and connections described, and excavation and concrete measured separately.

A plumbing fixture such as a basin, WC or sink, measured by number with type, size, material, taps and waste connections described or referenced to a schedule.

Piped or ducted building services such as heating, ventilation, cooling or water supply, measured by length, number or item with size, material and insulation stated.

Measured wiring, containment, accessories and equipment, described by type and size, with cable runs in linear metres and points, fittings and distribution boards enumerated.

A written document stating the required materials, standards, workmanship and testing for the works, read together with the drawings and bill descriptions to define quality.

A guarantee provided by a surety or bank on the contractor's behalf, securing completion of the works up to a stated percentage of the contract sum if the contractor defaults.