Quantity Survey  ·  Level 6
Measurement Of Building Works II
Chapter 2: Take off quantities
📚 4 Topics
⚑ What you will be able to do

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Identify the key principles of measurement by following standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Prepare a dimension sheet or paper correctly using the standard format.
  • Create a list of quantities to be measured based on the specific building items involved.
  • Calculate the quantities of building elements accurately using the correct units of measurement.
  • Record dimensions properly by applying the principles of measurement.
  • Describe booked items clearly using the standard method of measurement for building and civil works (SMM) ©2025.

These skills will help you measure building works confidently and accurately, which is essential for successful construction projects and cost management.

Preparation of quantities checklist is a critical preliminary step in the take off of building works. It ensures accuracy, completeness, and consistency in quantifying materials and work items, which are fundamental for preparing bills of quantities, cost estimates, and tender documents. For Quantity Surveyors in Kenya, mastering this checklist helps avoid costly errors, supports compliance with local standards such as the PWD Standard Method of Measurement, and facilitates effective communication with contractors and clients.

2.1.1 Understanding the Scope of Work

The first step in preparing a quantities checklist is to fully understand the project scope. This involves reviewing architectural and structural drawings, specifications, and contract documents to identify all elements that require measurement.

  • Identify all building components such as foundations, walls, floors, roofs, finishes, and services.
  • Distinguish between provisional sums, prime cost items, and measured works.
  • Note any special conditions or exclusions in the contract documents.
  • Recognize different construction stages or phases if applicable.
  • Understand the level of detail required for measurement (e.g., detailed or abstracted).

Worked Examples

Example 1:
A hospital project has architectural drawings specifying a reinforced concrete slab of thickness 150 mm. The Quantity Surveyor needs to confirm the scope of work for the slab.
Given: Slab thickness = 150 mm, slab area = 200 m²$$\text{Volume} = \text{Area} \times \text{Thickness}$$$$= 200 \, m^{2} \times 0.15 \, m$$$$= 30 \, m^{3}$$ Answer: The scope includes 30 m³ of reinforced concrete slab.

Example 2:
A retail building specification includes a provisional sum for landscaping. The Quantity Surveyor must decide whether to include this in the measured works checklist.
Given: Provisional sum = Ksh 500,000

  • Provisional sums are excluded from measured works but noted for pricing.
    Answer: Landscaping is excluded from quantities checklist but recorded for tender pricing.

Example 3:
A school project has specified prime cost items for sanitary fittings. The Quantity Surveyor must list these separately.
Given: Prime cost for sanitary fittings = Ksh 1,200,000

  • Prime cost items require separate handling in the checklist.
    Answer: Sanitary fittings are listed separately in the checklist for pricing.

2.1.2 Identification of Measurement Units and Methods

The checklist must specify the measurement units and methods for each work item to ensure uniformity and compliance with Kenyan standards.

  • Use the PWD Standard Method of Measurement units such as cubic meters for concrete, square meters for finishes, and linear meters for piping.
  • Determine the method of measurement: count, length, area, volume, or number.
  • Clarify how to handle irregular shapes or partial items.
  • Specify rounding rules to be applied.
  • Account for wastage factors where applicable.

Worked Examples

Example 1:
A bank building requires plastering on walls with an area of 350 m². The measurement unit is square meters.
Given: Area = 350 m²

  • Measurement unit: square meters (m²)
    Answer: The plastering quantity is measured as 350 m².

Example 2:
A county government office requires 120 linear meters of electrical conduit. The measurement unit is linear meter.
Given: Length = 120 m

  • Measurement unit: linear meters (m)
    Answer: The electrical conduit quantity is 120 m.

Example 3:
A hotel project includes concrete foundation excavation with an irregular shape approximated as a trapezoid. The Quantity Surveyor uses volume measurement.
Given: Base 1 = 8 m, Base 2 = 5 m, Height = 10 m, Depth = 1.2 m$$\text{Area} = \frac{(8 + 5)}{2} \times 10 = 65 \, m^{2}$$$$\text{Volume} = 65 \, m^{2} \times 1.2 \, m = 78 \, m^{3}$$ Answer: Excavation volume is 78 m³.

2.1.3 Verification of Drawings and Specifications

Accuracy in quantities depends on the reliability of the source documents. Verification of drawings and specifications is essential before commencing take off.

  • Check that all drawings are the latest revision.
  • Confirm scale and dimensions on drawings.
  • Compare architectural, structural, and services drawings for consistency.
  • Identify any discrepancies or omissions.
  • Communicate with project architects or engineers for clarifications.

Worked Examples

Example 1:
A SACCO office drawing shows a wall length of 12 m in the architectural plan but 11.8 m in the structural plan. The Quantity Surveyor must verify which to use.
Given: Architectural wall length = 12 m, Structural wall length = 11.8 m

  • Contact design team for clarification.
    Answer: Use confirmed length after clarification, for example, 12 m if confirmed accurate.

Example 2:
A university project drawing scale is 1:100. The Quantity Surveyor measures a room length of 5 cm on the drawing.
Given: Drawing length = 5 cm, Scale = 1:100$$\text{Actual length} = 5 \, cm \times 100 = 500 \, cm = 5 \, m$$ Answer: Room length is 5 m.

Example 3:
A retail business project has missing specifications for floor finishes. The Quantity Surveyor must request missing details before measurement.
Given: Missing floor finish specs

  • Verify with client or architect for specification.
    Answer: Measurement deferred until specifications are provided.

2.1.4 Preparation of Measurement Sheets and Documentation

Organized documentation supports accuracy and traceability in quantity take off. Proper preparation of measurement sheets is essential.

  • Use standard measurement sheets or software templates.
  • Include project name, drawing references, and date.
  • Record item descriptions, measurement units, and quantities.
  • Allow space for remarks or notes on assumptions.
  • Maintain version control for updates.

Worked Examples

Example 1:
A cooperative society building project measurement sheet includes:

  • Project: Cooperative Offices
  • Drawing Ref: A-101, Rev 2
  • Item: Concrete slab
  • Unit: m³
  • Quantity: 45
  • Remarks: Thickness 150 mm
    Answer: Proper documentation facilitates clear communication and auditing.

Example 2:
A KRA office project uses software to record measurements with automatic calculations and version tracking.
Given: Software generates measurement sheets with timestamps and user details.
Answer: Digital documentation improves accuracy and accountability.

Example 3:
A farm building project measurement sheet omits drawing references. The Quantity Surveyor must add these for completeness.
Given: Missing drawing reference

  • Add drawing number and revision to sheet header.
    Answer: Sheet updated to include drawing references.

Practice Questions

  1. Given a retail building with a reinforced concrete beam of length 6 m, width 0.3 m, and depth 0.5 m, calculate the volume of concrete required for the beam. (5 marks)
  2. A county hospital requires 250 m² of wall plastering. If the plaster thickness is 20 mm, calculate the volume of plaster material needed. (5 marks)
  3. A school project specifies 150 linear meters of electrical conduit. If the contractor applies a wastage factor of 5%, calculate the total length to procure. (5 marks)
  4. A university drawing scale is 1:50. A room measures 8 cm by 12 cm on the drawing. Calculate the actual floor area of the room in square meters. (5 marks)
  5. A hotel project requires excavation for a rectangular foundation 4 m by 3 m with a depth of 1.5 m. Calculate the excavation volume. (5 marks)

2.2 Take off of Building works

In Quantity Surveying practice in Kenya, accurate take off of building works is critical for preparing bills of quantities and cost estimates. Building works include diverse elements such as framed structures, reinforcement, staircases, doors, windows, and finishes. Each element has unique measurement requirements and calculation methods that must comply with Kenyan standards and construction practices.

2.2.1 Take off of Framed Structures

Framed structures consist of beams, columns, slabs, and foundations forming the skeleton of a building. Quantity Surveyors must accurately measure the volume or length of these components to estimate materials and costs. The take off involves calculating the dimensions from drawings and converting them to quantities such as cubic meters for concrete or linear meters for beams.

The basic formula for volume of a rectangular beam or column is:

$$ V = L \times B \times H $$

where \(V\) is volume in cubic meters, \(L\) is length, \(B\) is breadth, and \(H\) is height.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Calculate the volume of a rectangular beam with length 6 m, breadth 0.3 m, and height 0.5 m.

Given: \(L = 6\, m\), \(B = 0.3\, m\), \(H = 0.5\, m\)

$$ V = L \times B \times H $$

$$ V = 6 \times 0.3 \times 0.5 $$

$$ V = 0.9\, m^3 $$

Answer: 0.9 cubic meters

Example 2: Find the volume of a rectangular column measuring 0.4 m by 0.4 m by 3 m height.

Given: \(L = 3\, m\), \(B = 0.4\, m\), \(H = 0.4\, m\)

$$ V = L \times B \times H $$

$$ V = 3 \times 0.4 \times 0.4 $$

$$ V = 0.48\, m^3 $$

Answer: 0.48 cubic meters

Example 3: A slab measures 8 m by 5 m with a thickness of 0.15 m. Calculate the volume.

Given: \(L = 8\, m\), \(B = 5\, m\), \(H = 0.15\, m\)

$$ V = L \times B \times H $$

$$ V = 8 \times 5 \times 0.15 $$

$$ V = 6\, m^3 $$

Answer: 6 cubic meters

Example 4: Calculate the volume of a beam with a trapezoidal cross-section. The top width is 0.2 m, bottom width 0.4 m, height 0.5 m, length 4 m.

The average breadth \(B_{avg}\) is:

$$ B_{avg} = \frac{0.2 + 0.4}{2} = 0.3\, m $$

Volume:

$$ V = L \times B_{avg} \times H $$

$$ V = 4 \times 0.3 \times 0.5 $$

$$ V = 0.6\, m^3 $$

Answer: 0.6 cubic meters

Example 5: A column with circular cross-section of diameter 0.5 m and height 3 m. Calculate the volume.

Volume of cylinder:

$$ V = \pi \times r^2 \times h $$

Given: \(r = \frac{0.5}{2} = 0.25\, m\), \(h = 3\, m\)

$$ V = 3.142 \times 0.25^2 \times 3 $$

$$ V = 3.142 \times 0.0625 \times 3 $$

$$ V = 0.589\, m^3 $$

Answer: 0.589 cubic meters

2.2.2 Take off of Reinforcement

Reinforcement take off involves measuring the length and weight of steel bars used in concrete members. Quantity Surveyors calculate the total length of bars by summing individual bar lengths and then convert to weight using the standard mass per unit length of steel bars.

The weight \(W\) of steel reinforcement is calculated by:

$$ W = L \times \rho $$

where \(L\) is total length in meters and \(\rho\) is mass per meter (kg/m) depending on bar diameter.

The mass per meter for steel bars is:

$$ \rho = \frac{d^2}{162} $$

where \(d\) is diameter in mm.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Calculate the weight of 100 m of 12 mm diameter steel bars.

Given: \(L = 100\, m\), \(d = 12\, mm\)

Calculate \(\rho\):

$$ \rho = \frac{12^2}{162} = \frac{144}{162} = 0.889\, kg/m $$

Weight:

$$ W = 100 \times 0.889 = 88.9\, kg $$

Answer: 88.9 kilograms

Example 2: Find the total weight of 150 m of 16 mm diameter bars.

Given: \(L = 150\, m\), \(d = 16\, mm\)

$$ \rho = \frac{16^2}{162} = \frac{256}{162} = 1.58\, kg/m $$

$$ W = 150 \times 1.58 = 237\, kg $$

Answer: 237 kilograms

Example 3: A beam requires 8 bars each 6 m long of 20 mm diameter. Calculate total weight.

Given: Number of bars \(n = 8\), Length per bar \(L = 6\, m\), \(d = 20\, mm\)

Total length:

$$ L_{total} = 8 \times 6 = 48\, m $$

Calculate \(\rho\):

$$ \rho = \frac{20^2}{162} = \frac{400}{162} = 2.47\, kg/m $$

Weight:

$$ W = 48 \times 2.47 = 118.56\, kg $$

Answer: 118.56 kilograms

Example 4: Calculate the weight of 50 m of 10 mm diameter bars.

Given: \(L = 50\, m\), \(d = 10\, mm\)

$$ \rho = \frac{10^2}{162} = \frac{100}{162} = 0.617\, kg/m $$

$$ W = 50 \times 0.617 = 30.85\, kg $$

Answer: 30.85 kilograms

Example 5: A column requires 12 bars each 4.5 m long of 25 mm diameter. Calculate total weight.

Given: \(n = 12\), \(L = 4.5\, m\), \(d = 25\, mm\)

Total length:

$$ L_{total} = 12 \times 4.5 = 54\, m $$

$$ \rho = \frac{25^2}{162} = \frac{625}{162} = 3.86\, kg/m $$

$$ W = 54 \times 3.86 = 208.44\, kg $$

Answer: 208.44 kilograms

2.2.3 Take off of Staircases, Podium, and Ramps

Measurement of staircases, podiums, and ramps involves calculating areas and volumes of complex shapes. Quantity Surveyors measure tread and riser dimensions for stairs, surface areas for podiums, and slope lengths for ramps to estimate concrete, finishes, and reinforcement.

Volume of a staircase is often approximated by the product of the floor area it occupies and average thickness.

The slope length \(L_s\) of a ramp is:

$$ L_s = \frac{H}{\sin \theta} $$

where \(H\) is vertical height and \(\theta\) is slope angle.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Calculate the volume of concrete for a staircase occupying 3 m by 2 m floor area with an average thickness of 0.2 m.

Given: \(L = 3\, m\), \(B = 2\, m\), \(H = 0.2\, m\)

$$ V = L \times B \times H $$

$$ V = 3 \times 2 \times 0.2 $$

$$ V = 1.2\, m^3 $$

Answer: 1.2 cubic meters

Example 2: A ramp rises 1.5 m with a slope angle of 10°. Calculate the slope length.

Given: \(H = 1.5\, m\), \(\theta = 10^\circ\)

$$ L_s = \frac{H}{\sin \theta} $$

$$ L_s = \frac{1.5}{\sin 10^\circ} $$

$$ L_s = \frac{1.5}{0.1736} = 8.64\, m $$

Answer: 8.64 meters

Example 3: Find the surface area of a podium measuring 5 m by 4 m.

Given: \(L = 5\, m\), \(B = 4\, m\)

$$ A = L \times B $$

$$ A = 5 \times 4 = 20\, m^2 $$

Answer: 20 square meters

Example 4: Calculate the volume of concrete in a ramp 8 m long, 2 m wide, and 0.3 m thick.

Given: \(L = 8\, m\), \(B = 2\, m\), \(H = 0.3\, m\)

$$ V = L \times B \times H $$

$$ V = 8 \times 2 \times 0.3 $$

$$ V = 4.8\, m^3 $$

Answer: 4.8 cubic meters

Example 5: A staircase has 12 steps, each with a tread of 0.3 m and riser of 0.15 m. Calculate the total vertical height and horizontal length.

Given: Number of steps \(n=12\), tread \(t=0.3\, m\), riser \(r=0.15\, m\)

Total height:

$$ H = n \times r = 12 \times 0.15 = 1.8\, m $$

Total length:

$$ L = n \times t = 12 \times 0.3 = 3.6\, m $$

Answer: Height = 1.8 meters, Length = 3.6 meters

2.2.4 Take off of Doors

Doors take off involves measuring the number, sizes, and types of doors for materials and labour estimation. Quantity Surveyors measure door leaf dimensions, frame sizes, and count ironmongery items. Door areas are used to estimate finishes such as paint or veneer.

The area \(A\) of a door leaf is:

$$ A = H \times W $$

where \(H\) is height and \(W\) is width.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Calculate the area of a door measuring 2 m by 0.9 m.

Given: \(H = 2\, m\), \(W = 0.9\, m\)

$$ A = H \times W = 2 \times 0.9 = 1.8\, m^2 $$

Answer: 1.8 square meters

Example 2: A project has 10 doors each measuring 2.1 m by 0.8 m. Calculate total door area.

Given: \(n = 10\), \(H = 2.1\, m\), \(W = 0.8\, m\)

Single door area:

$$ A = 2.1 \times 0.8 = 1.68\, m^2 $$

Total area:

$$ A_{total} = 10 \times 1.68 = 16.8\, m^2 $$

Answer: 16.8 square meters

Example 3: Calculate the perimeter of a door leaf measuring 2 m by 0.9 m to estimate door frame length.

Given: \(H = 2\, m\), \(W = 0.9\, m\)

$$ P = 2(H + W) = 2(2 + 0.9) = 2 \times 2.9 = 5.8\, m $$

Answer: 5.8 meters

Example 4: A double leaf door has each leaf measuring 2 m by 0.75 m. Calculate total leaf area.

Given: \(n = 2\), \(H = 2\, m\), \(W = 0.75\, m\)

Single leaf area:

$$ A = 2 \times 0.75 = 1.5\, m^2 $$

Total area:

$$ A_{total} = 2 \times 1.5 = 3.0\, m^2 $$

Answer: 3.0 square meters

Example 5: Calculate the volume of timber needed for door leaves 2 m by 0.9 m with thickness 50 mm.

Given: \(H = 2\, m\), \(W = 0.9\, m\), thickness \(t = 0.05\, m\)

$$ V = H \times W \times t = 2 \times 0.9 \times 0.05 = 0.09\, m^3 $$

Answer: 0.09 cubic meters

2.2.5 Take off of Windows

Windows take off includes measuring window frame dimensions, glass area, and quantity. Quantity Surveyors calculate the perimeter for frames and area for glazing. This helps in material take off and costing for frames, glass, and finishes.

Window area \(A\) is calculated as:

$$ A = H \times W $$

where \(H\) is height and \(W\) is width.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Calculate the glass area of a window measuring 1.2 m by 1.0 m.

Given: \(H = 1.2\, m\), \(W = 1.0\, m\)

$$ A = 1.2 \times 1.0 = 1.2\, m^2 $$

Answer: 1.2 square meters

Example 2: A building has 15 windows each measuring 1.5 m by 1.2 m. Calculate total glass area.

Given: \(n = 15\), \(H = 1.5\, m\), \(W = 1.2\, m\)

Single window area:

$$ A = 1.5 \times 1.2 = 1.8\, m^2 $$

Total area:

$$ A_{total} = 15 \times 1.8 = 27\, m^2 $$

Answer: 27 square meters

Example 3: Calculate the perimeter of a window frame 1.2 m by 1 m.

Given: \(H = 1.2\, m\), \(W = 1.0\, m\)

$$ P = 2(H + W) = 2(1.2 + 1.0) = 4.4\, m $$

Answer: 4.4 meters

Example 4: Calculate the volume of timber needed for a window frame 1.2 m by 1.0 m with frame cross-section 0.05 m by 0.05 m.

Given: \(P = 4.4\, m\), cross-section \(A = 0.05 \times 0.05 = 0.0025\, m^2\)

$$ V = P \times A = 4.4 \times 0.0025 = 0.011\, m^3 $$

Answer: 0.011 cubic meters

Example 5: Calculate the glass area for a bay window consisting of three panels: one 1.2 m by 1 m and two 0.6 m by 1 m.

Given: Panel 1: \(1.2 \times 1 = 1.2\, m^2\), Panels 2 and 3: \(0.6 \times 1 = 0.6\, m^2\) each

Total area:

$$ A_{total} = 1.2 + 2 \times 0.6 = 1.2 + 1.2 = 2.4\, m^2 $$

Answer: 2.4 square meters

2.2.6 Take off of Finishes

Finishes take off involves measuring surface areas for plaster, paint, tiles, and other finishes. Quantity Surveyors measure wall and floor areas, deduct openings, and calculate quantities for materials. Accurate measurement ensures correct costing and reduces wastage.

Surface area \(A\) is found by:

$$ A = L \times H $$

for walls, subtracting areas of doors and windows.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Calculate the plastering area of a wall 5 m long and 3 m high with one door 2 m by 0.9 m.

Given: Wall area:

$$ A_{wall} = 5 \times 3 = 15\, m^2 $$

Door area:

$$ A_{door} = 2 \times 0.9 = 1.8\, m^2 $$

Plaster area:

$$ A_{plaster} = 15 - 1.8 = 13.2\, m^2 $$

Answer: 13.2 square meters

Example 2: Calculate paint area for a room with four walls each 6 m by 3 m, with two windows 1.2 m by 1.5 m and one door 2 m by 1 m.

Wall area:

$$ A_{walls} = 4 \times 6 \times 3 = 72\, m^2 $$

Windows area:

$$ A_{windows} = 2 \times 1.2 \times 1.5 = 3.6\, m^2 $$

Door area:

$$ A_{door} = 2 \times 1 = 2\, m^2 $$

Paint area:

$$ A_{paint} = 72 - (3.6 + 2) = 72 - 5.6 = 66.4\, m^2 $$

Answer: 66.4 square meters

Example 3: Calculate floor tiling area for a hall 10 m by 8 m with a built-in staircase of 3 m by 2 m.

Floor area:

$$ A_{floor} = 10 \times 8 = 80\, m^2 $$

Staircase area:

$$ A_{stairs} = 3 \times 2 = 6\, m^2 $$

Tiling area:

$$ A_{tile} = 80 - 6 = 74\, m^2 $$

Answer: 74 square meters

Example 4: Calculate the plastering area of a ceiling 6 m by 5 m.

Given:

$$ A = 6 \times 5 = 30\, m^2 $$

Answer: 30 square meters

Example 5: Calculate the paintable surface area of a room measuring 4 m by 3 m by 3 m high with one door 2 m by 0.9 m and one window 1.2 m by 1.2 m.

Wall area:

$$ A_{walls} = 2 \times (4 + 3) \times 3 = 2 \times 7 \times 3 = 42\, m^2 $$

Door area:

$$ A_{door} = 2 \times 0.9 = 1.8\, m^2 $$

Window area:

$$ A_{window} = 1.2 \times 1.2 = 1.44\, m^2 $$

Paint area:

$$ A_{paint} = 42 - (1.8 + 1.44) = 42 - 3.24 = 38.76\, m^2 $$

Answer: 38.76 square meters

Practice Questions

  1. Calculate the volume of concrete required for a beam measuring 7 m length, 0.25 m breadth, and 0.5 m height. (5 marks)
  2. Find the total weight of 120 m of 16 mm diameter reinforcement bars. (5 marks)
  3. A staircase occupies a floor area of 4 m by 2.5 m with an average thickness of 0.18 m. Calculate the volume of concrete. (5 marks)
  4. Calculate the total area of 12 doors each measuring 2.1 m by 0.9 m. (5 marks)
  5. Find the perimeter of a window frame 1.5 m by 1.2 m. (5 marks)
  6. Calculate the paintable surface area of a room with four walls each 5 m by 3 m, with one window 1.2 m by 1.2 m and one door 2 m by 0.9 m. (5 marks)
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🔒2.3 Booking of dimensions

Booking of dimensions is a critical step in the measurement of building works for quantity surveying in Kenya. It involves systematically recording the linear, area, and volume measurements derived from drawings or site measurements in a clear and organized ma…

🔒2.4 Booked items description

In quantity surveying, the description of booked items is essential for clarity, precision, and ensuring that measurements correspond exactly to specific building elements or works. Accurate descriptions prevent ambiguities during tendering, valuation, and pay…

Chapter Summary

This chapter focused on the measurement process for building works, starting with the preparation of a quantities checklist to ensure systematic and accurate take off. It then detailed the take off of various building components including framed structures, reinforcement, staircases, podiums, ramps, doors, windows, and finishes, emphasizing the specific considerations for each. The importance of precise booking of dimensions was highlighted to maintain clarity and consistency in measurement records. Finally, the chapter addressed the correct description of booked items to ensure that all quantities are clearly and comprehensively documented for effective communication and cost estimation. Together, these topics provide a comprehensive framework for the accurate measurement and documentation of building works.

Self-Assessment

🔒 PDFDownload this self-assessment, with answers

Written Assessment

  1. A rectangular framed structure has a length of 8 m, width of 6 m, and height of 3 m. Calculate the total length of columns if columns are placed at every corner and at the midpoint of each side. (2 marks)

  2. Calculate the total volume of concrete required for a slab measuring 10 m by 8 m with a thickness of 0.15 m. (2 marks)

🔒18 more in this section.

Chapter Examination Questions

🔒 PDFDownload these examination questions, with worked answers

SECTION A (40 Marks) - Answer ALL Questions

  1. Explain the purpose of a quantities checklist in the preparation of building works measurement. (4 marks)
  2. Describe the key stages involved in the take off process for framed structures. (4 marks)
🔒18 more in this section.

Chapter Practical Activities

Practical 1: Prepare a Quantities Checklist for a Single-Storey Residential Building

Quantity Survey · Level 6
Measurement Of Building Works II
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 4 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Prepare a detailed quantities checklist for materials required for a single-storey residential building measuring 12,000mm x 8,000mm.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Measuring Tape 5mWorking Drawing - Single Storey Residential Building
CalculatorStandard Quantity Takeoff Sheets
Scale Ruler (Metric)
Notebook and Pen
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1Measuring Tape 5m1 Pc per Candidate
2Notebook and Pen1 Set per Candidate
3Calculator1 Pc per Candidate
4Scale Ruler (Metric)1 Pc per Candidate
5Working Drawing - Single Storey Residential Building1 Set per Candidate
6Standard Quantity Takeoff Sheets1 Set per Candidate
7PPE Kit (Helmet, Safety Boots, Reflective Jacket)1 Set per Candidate
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: PREPARATION AND USE OF PPE
Identified and donned appropriate PPE (helmet, safety boots, reflective jacket)
(Award 1 mark for each correctly worn PPE item)
3
Assembled all necessary tools and materials before starting the task
(Award 2 marks for assembling all listed tools and materials)
2
Reviewed the working drawing accurately to understand building dimensions and specifications
(Award 3 marks for thorough review and understanding)
3
Prepared a suitable workspace for taking measurements and recording quantities
(Award 2 marks for proper workspace preparation)
2
Sub-Total10
TASK 2: QUANTITY TAKEOFF EXECUTION
Measured and noted all linear dimensions (lengths, widths, heights) accurately from the drawing
(Award 1 mark for each correct dimension measurement: length, width, height, thickness)
4
Calculated quantities of bricks, concrete, steel reinforcement, sand, and ballast correctly
(Award 1 mark for each material correctly quantified: bricks, concrete, steel, sand, ballast, cement)
6
Completed the quantities checklist clearly and legibly with correct units
(Award 3 marks for neat, complete, and accurate checklist)
3
Cross-checked all quantities against the working drawing for consistency
(Award 3 marks for thorough cross-checking)
3
Sub-Total16
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
Quantities checklist includes all required materials: bricks, cement (bags), sand (m3), ballast (m3), steel reinforcement (kg)
(Award 1 mark for each material correctly listed with quantity)
4
Dimensions in the quantities checklist match the building dimensions 12,000mm length x 8,000mm width x 3,000mm height
(Award 3 marks for accurate dimension matching)
3
Calculations show correct unit conversions and measurement tolerances applied (+/- 50mm where applicable)
(Award 3 marks for correct application of tolerances and units)
3
Checklist is complete, logically organized, and suitable for use by procurement and site teams
(Award 4 marks for completeness and presentation quality)
4
Sub-Total14
GRAND TOTAL40
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)

Practical 2: Take off quantities for a reinforced concrete beam 4000mm x 300mm x 500mm

Quantity Survey · Level 6
Measurement Of Building Works II
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 4 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Take off quantities for a reinforced concrete beam 4000mm long, 300mm wide, and 500mm deep.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Measuring Tape (5m)Binding Wire (1kg)
Spirit LevelReinforcement Bars (R12)
Builder's SquareReinforcement Bars (R8)
Calculator
Pencil and Eraser
Scale Ruler (Metric)
Drawing Board
Cutting Tool / Pliers
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1Measuring Tape (5m)1 Pc per Candidate
2Spirit Level1 Pc per Candidate
3Builder's Square1 Pc per 4 Candidates
4Calculator1 Pc per Candidate
5Pencil and Eraser1 Set per Candidate
6Scale Ruler (Metric)1 Pc per Candidate
7Drawing Board1 Pc per Candidate
8Binding Wire (1kg)1 Kg per Candidate
9Reinforcement Bars (R12)1 Full Length Pc per Candidate
10Reinforcement Bars (R8)1 Full Length Pc per Candidate
11Cutting Tool / Pliers1 Pc per Candidate
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: PPE and Preparation
Identified and used appropriate PPE (helmet, safety boots, reflective vest)
(Award 1 mark for each correct PPE used)
3
Assembled all required tools and materials for the task
(Award 1 mark for each correctly assembled tool/material, max 3)
3
Prepared workspace and arranged drawing and tools neatly
(Award 2 marks for proper preparation and neat arrangement)
2
Sub-Total8
TASK 2: Measurement and Quantity Take Off
Measured beam length, width, and depth accurately within ±10mm tolerance
(Award 2 marks for length, 1 mark each for width and depth accuracy)
4
Measured and calculated main reinforcement bars (R12) length and quantity correctly
(Award 1 mark for each correct step: measurement, calculation, total length, quantity, and presentation)
5
Measured and calculated stirrups (R8) length, spacing, and quantity correctly
(Award 1 mark for each correct step: measurement, spacing, calculation, quantity, and presentation)
5
Calculated concrete volume for the beam accurately
(Award 4 marks for correct volume calculation with units)
4
Recorded all measurements and calculations clearly and legibly
(Award 2 marks for clarity and legibility of records)
2
Sub-Total20
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
Beam dimensions match drawing within ±10mm tolerance (Length 4000mm, Width 300mm, Depth 500mm)
(Award 4 marks for all dimensions correct)
4
Main reinforcement bars quantity and length match drawing specifications
(Award 5 marks for correct quantities and lengths)
5
Stirrups quantity, spacing, and length match drawing specifications
(Award 5 marks for correct stirrup calculations)
5
Concrete volume calculation is accurate and consistent with beam dimensions
(Award 4 marks for correct concrete volume)
4
Final quantity take off report is neat, complete, and well presented
(Award 4 marks for overall neatness and completeness)
4
Sub-Total22
GRAND TOTAL50
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)
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🔒Take off reinforcement quantities for a reinforced concrete beam 4000mm x 300mm x 500mmPractical 3
🔒Measurement of Quantities for Staircases, Podiums, and RampsPractical 4
🔒Take off door quantities including frames and shuttersPractical 5
🔒Take off quantities for window components from a technical drawingPractical 6
🔒Quantify Finishes for Plastering, Painting, and Tiling of a Wall SectionPractical 7
🔒Booking of Dimensions for Wall ElementsPractical 8
🔒Describe booked items for quantity take off of a reinforced concrete footing 1200mm x 1200mm x 300mmPractical 9
🔒Comprehensive Quantity Take Off for a Small Building SectionPractical 10
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Am I competent?

At the start of this chapter we promised you would be able to:

  • Identify the key principles of measurement by following standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Prepare a dimension sheet or paper correctly using the standard format.
  • Create a list of quantities to be measured based on the specific building items involved.
  • Calculate the quantities of building elements accurately using the correct units of measurement.
  • Record dimensions properly by applying the principles of measurement.
  • Describe booked items clearly using the standard method of measurement for building and civil works (SMM) ©2025.

Tick each one you can genuinely do.

So, are you there yet?

You're competent when you can confidently do 50% or more of what this chapter promised.

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