Spot items

The term ‘spot items’ refers to items of existing buildings that require alteration and repair. In order for quantity surveyors to be able to price spot items, they need to be inspected on site to gain an understanding of the extent of work that will be involved.

A good working knowledge of the construction technology and methodology is required to be able to write spot items, making it easy to visualise and price accurately.

In a bill of quantities, the measurement unit will be stated as ‘Item’, although quantities may be given if they are considered more appropriate. Items that have quantities are generally much easier for an estimator to price. Typically, spot items will be set out in progression from location to location in the building, as this makes monitoring and estimating easier and clearer.

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[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Alterations to existing buildings.
• Bills of quantities.
• Common arrangement of work sections.
• Elemental cost plan.
• Estimate.
• Extra over (EO).
• How to take off construction works.
• Measurement.
• New Rules of Measurement.
• Sundry items.
• Taking off construction works.