Elemental method
The New Rules of Measurement (NRM) are published by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). They provide a standard set of measurement rules for estimating, cost planning, procurement and whole-life costing for construction projects.
According to NRM1: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building work, the term ‘elemental method’ refers to:
‘… a budget setting technique which considers the major elements of a building and provides an order of cost estimate based on an elemental breakdown of a building project. The elemental method can also be used to develop an initial cost model as a prerequisite to developing an elemental cost plan. The method involves the use of element unit quantities (EUQ) and element unit rates (EUR).’
The building works estimate provides an alternative method for determining the total estimated cost of building works. That is:
'…the sum of the cost targets for group elements 1 to 8 (i.e. Substructure; Superstructure; Internal finishes; Fittings, furnishings and equipment; Services; Prefabricated buildings and building units; Work to existing buildings; and External works). It excludes facilitating works estimate, as well as those relating to main contractor’s preliminaries, main contractor’s overheads, profit/design team fees estimate, other development/project costs estimate and risk allowances.’
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Confronting competency, codes, capacity and costs.
The hidden risk in modern construction supply chains.
Construction Management, 10 June
24 months to 14: CITB launches accelerated apprenticeships.
Bridging the gap between clients and contractors
Concerns remain around contractor quality, capability, and delivery.
Construction Management, 10 June.
Heat pumps beat boilers in new home tests.
Building Safety Act implementation in Wales
CIAT to host industry panel on 26 June.
New and updated CLC building safety guidance.
New UK National Buildings Database.
Building Safety Wiki Interviews
Chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief explanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.