Measurement contract
Measurement contracts (sometimes called ‘re-measurement’ or ‘measure and value’ contracts) can be used in situations where the design (or type of works) can be described in reasonable detail, but the amount cannot.
For example, excavation works where the quantity of excavation required is difficult to assess until after the works have begun, or refurbishment projects where there are some uncertainties about the works that will be required. A measurement contract might also be appropriate on projects where the design has not been completed in sufficient detail for bills of quantities to be produced.
It should be possible to describe the works in sufficient detail to determine a programme and to obtain rates from tenderers. Generally, tenderers rates will be based on drawings and approximate quantities.
The actual contract sum (sometimes called the 'ascertained final sum') cannot be determined when the contract is entered into, but is calculated on completion, based on ‘re-measurement’ of the actual work carried out and the rates tendered.
Measurement contracts can allow an early start on site, before design is complete, and they can allow changes to be made to the works relatively easily. However, there is inevitably some risk for the client as the cost of the works is not known. In effect, the client is taking the risk for any ‘unknowns’, and whilst this can result in competitive prices from contractors, the level of uncertainty for the client means that measurement contracts are rare other than on civil engineering projects.
See also: Measured term contract.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
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.
Comments