Methodology of Measurements

Let us now discuss the methodology involved in the process of measurements. As already stated, this consists of three parts viz. 

1. Description of work, 
2. Establishment of dimensions, and 
3. Calculation of work, 

Invariably, architects, designers pr construction companies make available standard printed formats to the estimators for recording measurements and other relevant data. If computers are used for estimating, the program can be selected or designed to present a spreadsheet .of the correct configuration on the screen for the use of the estimator. 

Description of Work or Specifications : The estimator must review with great care, the proposal conditions of contract, the drawings, the specifications for the work of various trades and all other information issued from the architect's/designer's office or otherwise made available for examination in connection with the project in question. Careful notes/checklist  must be made of all items likely to affect cost, time, or quality. Based on the checklist, the estimator prepares a complete list of items of work involved in the project. These items are listed in a certain sequence in the appropriate column of the format. 

Establishment of Dimensions : Every item of work consists of three dimensions and a number. These four elements can be arranged in any configuration convenient to the estimate. For example, the dimension for the thickness of a concrete slab can be placed in the description column, and the remaining two dimensions  of length and breadth placed in the appropriate columns to calculate the area that thickness of slab. Dimensions are of two types : direct and derived. Where possible, the dimensions should be read directly off the drawings. If it is not possible to read the dimension of any part of the work directly from the drawings, a small calculation should be made and a note recorded as to how the dimension was derived. 

Calculation of Work : Once all the dimensions have been entered in their proper places, the measurement is now ready for calculation. All measurements related to a particular item of work are totaled up to arrive at the quantity for that item. Deductions, if any, are also recorded as negative quantities and the net final quantity is arrived at.