Elemental Cost Plans in Quantity Surveying: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Learn about elemental cost plans in quantity surveying, including their importance, key elements, and compliance with the New Rules of Measurement. Gain insights into the UK market practices. In the world of quantity surveying, an elemental cost plan is a crucial tool for estimating and managing construction project costs. This comprehensive guide is designed to introduce beginners to the concept of an elemental cost plan, its significance in the field, and how it aligns with the New Rules of Measurement (NRM). We will explore the key components of an elemental cost plan and highlight its relevance in the UK market.

1. Understanding Elemental Cost Plans

An elemental cost plan is a systematic breakdown of a construction project’s costs, categorised into various elements or components. These elements typically reflect different functional parts of a building, such as foundations, superstructure, finishes, services, and external works. By dissecting costs in this manner, quantity surveyors gain a clear understanding of how expenses are allocated throughout the project.

2. Importance and Benefits of Elemental Cost Plans

Elemental cost plans offer several benefits in the realm of construction cost management. They provide a structured approach to estimating costs, allowing project stakeholders to identify potential cost drivers and make informed decisions. By understanding the cost breakdown, project teams can allocate resources effectively, monitor spending against the plan, and assess the financial viability of the project.

3. Key Elements of an Elemental Cost Plan

An elemental cost plan typically comprises the following key elements:

3.1. Preliminaries: This includes costs related to project management, site setup, temporary works, and other necessary activities before construction begins.

3.2. Substructure: Encompasses costs associated with excavation, foundations, basement construction, and other below-ground elements.

3.3. Superstructure: Covers expenses related to the building’s structural framework, such as walls, floors, columns, beams, and roof.

3.4. Finishes: Includes costs for interior and exterior finishes, such as flooring, wall finishes, ceilings, joinery, and painting.

3.5. Services: Encompasses the installation and provision of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other building services required for functionality.

3.6. External Works: Covers costs associated with the site’s external areas, including landscaping, parking, drainage, pathways, and utilities connections.

4. Elemental Cost Planning and the New Rules of Measurement

In the UK market, elemental cost planning is closely aligned with the New Rules of Measurement (NRM). NRM provides a standard set of measurement rules, definitions, and guidelines for quantifying construction works. It promotes consistency, transparency, and accuracy in cost planning across projects.

By adhering to the NRM, quantity surveyors ensure that their elemental cost plans conform to industry standards and facilitate meaningful cost comparisons. The NRM’s categorization and coding system allow for better cost control, risk assessment, and benchmarking, making it an essential tool for the UK construction industry.

5. Conclusion

Elemental cost plans serve as fundamental tools in quantity surveying, enabling accurate cost estimation, effective resource allocation, and informed decision-making. By breaking down project costs into specific elements, quantity surveyors gain valuable insights into the financial aspects of a construction project. When coupled with compliance to the New Rules of Measurement, elemental cost plans provide consistency and transparency in cost planning, fostering better communication and collaboration among project stakeholders. Embracing the principles of elemental cost planning and the NRM can significantly contribute to the successful delivery of construction projects in the UK market.

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