Construction Estimation and Quantity Surveying

Construction Terminology

• Estimate: anticipated or probable cost of work prepared before construction begins, involving calculations of various items of an engineering work.

Quantity Survey

• Schedule of all items of work in a building, calculated from the drawing of the building.
• Provides quantities of work done for each item, and when priced, gives the total cost.

Specifications

• Detailed descriptions of nature, quality, and class of work, materials to be used, and workmanship.

Rates

• Rates of various items of work, materials, and labor (skilled and unskilled) required for preparing an estimate.
• Includes transportation charges and follows sanctioned "Schedule of Rates" or "Analysis of Rates" method.

Site Plan

• Plan showing the position of a construction with respect to approaching roads, markets, and other permanent features in a populated area.
• Shows location of the area under construction with respect to other areas, including names of owners of adjoining properties.

Line Plan

• Plan showing main features of a construction with single lines, without details.
• Inside and outside dimensions correspond to actual dimensions.

Index Plan

• Plan showing the position of different houses, roads, schools, markets, hospitals, and other features in a colony.
• Fixed at the entrance, exit, or central place of the colony for guidance.

Detailed Plan

• Plan drawn to a definite scale, showing all detailed information required for execution.
• Includes sections and elevations.

Centre Line Plan

• Layout plan facilitating the laying out of foundation lines and other features.
• Fixed at the entrance, exit, or central place of the colony for guidance.

Supplementary Estimate

• Fresh detailed estimate prepared to supplement the original work, accompanied by necessary papers.
• Required when additions are made to the original work.

Administrative Approval

• Formal acceptance by the administrative department concerned of the proposals for incurring expenditure.
• Required for any project, obtained before construction begins.

Technical Sanction

• Sanction and order by the competent authority of the department for the detailed estimate, design, calculations, quantities of work, rates, and cost of work.
• Received before construction begins.

Competent Authority

• Officer or authority in the department to whom relevant powers are delegated by the government (Financial Department).

Ordinary Measurement Book

• Measured book recording work done, supplies made, and services performed for payment to contractors or labor.
• Recorded by sectional officers or deputed officers.

Lumpsum Items

• Small items like front architecture or decoration work, where detailed quantities cannot be worked out.
• Provided with a lump sum rate.

Plinth Area

• Built-up covered area of a building measured at floor level of any storey.

Circulation Area

• Total cost of construction, including all expenditures incurred, plus the cost of external services up to the end of completion.
• Includes preliminary works, miscellaneous items, and supervision charges.