Approximate quantities
A development of the elemental cost plan of estimating construction project costs, approximate quantities form part of an approximate quantities cost plan which represents a first attempt to measure defined quantities from drawings (or to ‘take them off’)
An approximate quantities cost plan is part of the iterative cost planning process and is a development of the elemental cost plan. Unlike the elemental cost plan (in which the cost of elements is broken down from the overall construction cost, based on the experience of the cost consultant and known costs of similar completed projects), the approximate quantities cost plan is a first attempt to measure defined quantities from drawings. In effect, it is a costed approximate bill of quantities.
The approximate quantities method is regarded as being more accurate and reliable than other estimating methods in showing where costs are distributed. In particular, it draws to the attention of designers those elements of the design that are standard and those that are not and which, as a consequence, may be more expensive.
Unlike the elemental method, the basis of the approximate method of estimating is the grouping together of diverse, combined items under a rate (known as a composite rate) which is calculated by combining the individual prices of the components in the group. Because the items grouped together have the same dimensions (whether in metres or square metres, or perimeter and area), it allows those items to be measured at the same time.
For example, under the approximate quantities method, items such as roofs can be grouped with soffits and ceilings; this would not occur in the elemental plan.
The approximate quantities cost plan can form a solid base for an effective value engineering exercise. However, it should be accompanied by a schedule of assumptions made and perhaps a cash flow projection. A pre-construction whole-life cost plan may also be prepared.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.