Group element in elemental cost plans
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 ‘group element’ refers to:
‘… the main headings used to describe the facets of an elemental cost plan (i.e. Substructure; Superstructure; Internal finishes; Fittings, furnishings and equipment; Services; Complete buildings and building units; Work to existing buildings; External works; Facilitating works; Main contractor’s preliminaries; Main contractor’s overheads and profit; Project/design team fees; Other development/project costs; Risks; and Inflation).
Where an elemental cost plan (or cost plan):
'…is the critical breakdown of the cost limit for the building(s) into cost targets for each element of the building(s). It provides a statement of how the design team proposes to distribute the available budget among the elements of the building, and a frame of reference from which to develop the design and maintain cost control. It also provides both a work breakdown structure (WBS) and a cost breakdown structure (CBS), which, by codifying, can be used to redistribute work in elements to construction works packages for the purpose of procurement.'
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
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.