New Rules of Measurement: A Beginner’s Guide to Enhanced Construction Measurement

In the ever-changing world of construction, measurement practices play a crucial role in accurately assessing and quantifying projects. The New Rules of Measurement (NRM) have emerged as a framework to guide professionals in this field. While not entirely revolutionary, the NRM builds upon the foundations set by the Standard Method of Measurement 7 (SMM7) to enhance construction measurement. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the key principles of the NRM, their impact on the UK market, and provide practical examples.

Understanding the New Rules of Measurement

The New Rules of Measurement, introduced by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), serve as a unified set of measurement rules for the construction industry. They aim to standardise and streamline measurement practices, enabling improved accuracy, cost control, and project management.

Key Changes in Construction Measurement

The NRM brings important changes to traditional measurement practices, building upon the achievements of SMM7. While SMM7 introduced elemental cost planning and standardised measurement principles, the NRM refines and expands upon these concepts. Some of the notable changes include:

  • Elemental Cost Planning: Construction projects are now divided into distinct elements, such as foundations, superstructure, and finishes. This approach allows for more accurate cost forecasting, as each element can be individually priced and analysed.
  • Approximate Quantities: The NRM encourages the use of approximate quantities during the design phase. By relying on standard rates for typical building components, stakeholders can obtain early cost estimates, aiding decision-making and feasibility assessments.

Implications for the UK Market

The implementation of the NRM has had a significant impact on the UK market, building upon the progress made with SMM7. Let’s explore how the New Rules of Measurement have influenced different aspects of the industry:

a. Enhanced Cost Control: The NRM promotes greater cost transparency and accuracy. Contractors can now rely on standardised measurement practices, ensuring consistency across projects. This enables better cost control, reducing the risk of unexpected expenses and benefiting clients.

b. Streamlined Tendering Process: The NRM simplifies the tendering process by providing a common language for measuring and pricing construction works. Contractors and clients can easily compare and evaluate bids, leading to fairer competition and more informed decision-making.

c. Improved Project Management: The NRM provides a comprehensive framework for measuring and monitoring project progress. The use of elemental cost planning allows for better tracking of project costs, facilitating early identification of potential deviations and enabling timely corrective actions.

Practical Examples

To illustrate the application of the New Rules of Measurement, let’s consider two hypothetical construction projects in the UK:

a. Residential Development: A property developer plans to construct a residential building. By using the NRM’s elemental cost planning, the developer can accurately estimate costs for each project element, such as foundations, superstructure, and finishes. This information aids in budgeting, ensuring the project remains financially viable throughout its lifecycle.

b. Infrastructure Project: A local authority intends to build a new road infrastructure. With the NRM’s Approximate Quantities method, the authority can obtain early cost estimates during the design phase, facilitating feasibility assessments and informed decision-making about the project’s viability.

Conclusion

While the New Rules of Measurement build upon the foundations of SMM7, they bring important refinements and expansions to construction measurement practices. By embracing these rules, professionals in the UK market can enhance cost control, streamline project management, and improve decision-making processes. Staying up to date with the New Rules of Measurement is crucial for success in the ever-evolving construction industry.

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