Cost breakdown structure
The New Rules of Measurement (NRM) are published by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and prepared by the Quantity Surveying and Construction Professional Group. They provide a standard set of measurement rules for estimating, cost planning, procurement and whole-life costing for construction projects.
According to NRM2: Detailed measurement for building works, in the context of bill of quantities, the cost breakdown structure (CBS) ‘…represents the financial breakdown of a building project into cost targets for elements or work packages.’ Where the bill of quantities (sometimes referred to as 'BoQ' or 'BQ') provides project specific measured quantities of the items of work identified by the drawings and specifications for a project .
The cost breakdown structure can be developed based on the work breakdown structure (WBS) and can be used to allocate costs to each part of the building project. The WBS and CBS provide a baseline for cost management of the project during construction.
For more information see: Bill of quantities breakdown structures.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Bill of quantities breakdown structures.
- NRM2.
- Approximate bill of quantities.
- Bill of quantities.
- Cost planning.
- Elemental bill of quantities.
- Firm bill of quantities.
- Measurement.
- Product breakdown structure.
- Tender documentation.
- Tender pricing document.
- Types of bill of quantities.
- Uniclass.
- Work breakdown structure.
- Work package bill of quantities.
- Work section bill of quantities.
Featured articles and news
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.



















