Quantity Surveying Fundamentals for Building Projects

In building construction, accurately estimating quantities is the bedrock of cost control. Misestimating volumes or overlooking small components can snowball into overspends and disputes.

Who this helps

This guide is written for junior quantity surveyors, billing engineers, site QSs, and project managers who are responsible for measurements and cost checks on building projects in India and the GCC.

Foundations: What is included in a building take-off

A complete quantity survey includes all elements: foundations, concrete works, brick/blockwork, finishes, doors, windows, MEP allowances and preliminaries. Each item must be described clearly with a consistent unit (e.g. m³ for concrete, m² for plaster).

Step-by-step measurement process

1. Review drawings, specifications, and scope notes to understand the boundaries of work.

2. Break the project into elemental parts such as substructure, superstructure, services and finishes.

3. Measure each item using the appropriate unit and measurement rules.

4. Apply standard codes (e.g. IS 1200 in India or the POMI in GCC) for deductions and inclusion rules.

5. Compile the quantities into a bill of quantities and check totals against independent checks.

Example BOQ lines for a building

Item | Unit | Quantity | Rate | Amount

Concrete for footings | m³ | 50 | ₹7,000 | ₹350,000

Brickwork walls | m³ | 90 | ₹5,000 | ₹450,000

Plastering | m² | 800 | ₹120 | ₹96,000

Floor tiles | m² | 500 | ₹350 | ₹175,000

Plain-text formulas

Concrete volume = length × width × thickness

Brickwork volume = wall length × wall height × wall thickness

Number of bricks = wall volume ÷ volume per brick

India vs GCC site notes

In India, IS 1200 dictates how openings and chases are deducted; the standard method requires separate measurement of different grades of concrete. In GCC projects, the method of measurement often references CESMM or POMI and may include formwork and reinforcement as separate items. Environmental conditions also mean different curing practices and concrete grades (e.g., M30 vs C35/45).

Common mistakes and how to fix them

- Missing deductions for openings; fix by cross-checking each wall’s door and window schedule.

- Double counting items in both preliminaries and direct work; fix by carefully classifying overhead items.

- Incorrect unit conversion (e.g., cm to m); fix by using consistent units and verifying formulas.

- Omitting temporary works such as scaffolding; fix by including them in preliminaries.

- Overlooking tie beams and lintels; fix by reviewing structural details thoroughly.

Mini QA/QC checklist (example)

- [ ] Verify drawings and revision numbers before measuring.

- [ ] Use correct measurement codes (IS 1200 or POMI).

- [ ] Check units and conversion factors.

- [ ] Document assumptions made during take-off.

- [ ] Cross-check quantities with an independent estimator.

- [ ] Verify that material waste factors are applied appropriately.

- [ ] Ensure that rebar bends and laps are accounted for.

- [ ] Review final BOQ for completeness and logical sequencing.

FAQ

**How detailed should the BOQ be?** It should include all items necessary to price the project with clarity but avoid excessive breakdowns that add complexity.

**Which method of measurement should I use?** Use IS 1200 in India; CESMM or POMI in GCC; always align with contract requirements.

**Can I automate quantity surveying?** While software can assist with take-off, understanding fundamentals is essential for accuracy and auditing.

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