CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

Chapter # 01
Introduction
1.1. Review of area, perimeters and volumes of various plane and solid
geometrical figures.
1.2. Estimate and its types.
1.3. Data for estimating.
1.4. Various units of measurement and their conversion. (FPS, MKS and SI
Units)
1.1. Introduction:
Quantity surveying is an assessment of the cost based on certain rates of
materials and labour. An estimate should be realistic assessment should be
made on actual conditions of market. Estimation is undoubtedly one or the
most important aspects of a construction project. A good estimation saves
the expenditure to a great extent and ensures optimum use of materials.
Estimation is very much technical. It requires good knowledge on structural
design, properly or engineering materials and essentially practical
experience.
Essentials in a good Quantity Surveyor: He must be able to describe clearly in
proper unambiguous language the requirement of the Architect and so
arrange his bill of quantities (BoQ) that the Builder can quickly, easily and
accurately arrive at the estimated cost or the work. The Quantity Surveyor
must have a sound knowledge or building materials and construction and or
customs prevailing in the trade. He must be accurate in his work and
calculations.

1.2. Estimate and its types:

Estimate is a rough calculation on quantities of various works & their
expenditure, done by the experts of the relevant field before the execution
of a project. Accuracy of an estimate depends on the experience, ability and
judgment power of the estimator.
The estimates are classified as

Page 1
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

(i) Approximate Estimates

a. Preliminary or Approximate or Rough Cost Estimate

b. Plinth Area Estimate.
c. Cubic Contents Method
d. Approximate Quantity Method
(ii) Detailed Estimates
a. Detailed Estimate (or Item Rate Estimate)
b. Revised Estimate
c. Supplementary Estimate
d. Supplementary and Revised Estimate
e. Annual Repair (A.R) or Annual Maintenance (A.M.)

 Before a detailed estimate of the proposed work is to be taken up, it

is necessary to prepare its approximate estimate.
 An approximate estimate gives the approximate cost of the work and
is prepared on the basis of cost of the similar works carried out in the
past.
 Such an estimate is required to obtain administrative approval in case
of Government works.
 Once the work is administratively approved by the Government, a
detailed estimate is worked out.
 A detailed estimate is prepared after its complete set of drawings are
ready.
 The quantities of various items of work are worked out from such
drawings and are multiplied by the present rates of items of works to
arrive at the estimated cost of the work.
1.2.1. Preliminary or Approximate or Rough cost estimate:

 This approximate estimate is prepared for preliminary studies of the

various aspects of the work and also to decide the financial position
and policy for administrative approval by competent sanctioning
authority.
 In case of commercial projects such as residential buildings, irrigation
and power projects that earn revenue, the probable income is
also mentioned and the investment in the project is justified.

Page 2
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

 If the project is non-commercial, having no direct return, its necessity,

utility, prospects in future and availability of finance etc. are
considered before final decision is taken.
 This estimate is prepared on the basis of practical experience of
carrying out similar works in the past and their rates.
 In this estimate, the approximate cost of all important works such as
cost of land, roads, buildings, water supply, sanitary works,
electrification etc. are mentioned separately.
 A brief report of the project indicating its necessity, utility and
method of arriving at the cost of each item and the site or layout plan
is also enclosed with the estimate.
1.2.2. Plinth Area Estimate:

 As the name implies, this estimate is prepared by multiplying the

plinth area of the proposed building by the plinth area rate of similar
building having same specifications and height that is constructed
very recently in the same locality.
 The plinth area of the proposed building is calculated for the covered
i.e. roofed portion by measuring the outer dimensions at the plinth
level.
 The area of courtyards, and other open areas are not to be included
while calculating the plinth area.
 The plinth-area method of preparing estimate gives the approximate
cost of the building to be constructed.
 Even if the plan of the proposed building is not ready, the floor areas
of different units (i.e. rooms) are worked out from the users
requirements and about 35% of it is added for thickness of walls,
circulation and waste to obtain the approximate total plinth area.
 This plinth area is then multiplied by the current plinth area rate in
the locality to obtain the approximate cost of the proposed building.
 The method is simple and is usually adopted in practice.
1.2.3. Cubic Content Method:

 The cubic content method is an approximate method of preparing an

estimate of a proposed building and differs from the method (ii)

Page 3
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

described above in that, in addition to the total plinth area of the

proposed building, it also takes into consideration its height.
 The total cubic contents of the building are obtained by multiplying
its total plinth area by the height.
 Knowing the cubic content rate of recently constructed building
having similar specifications in the locality, the approximate cost of
the proposed building is worked out by multiplying the total cubic
contents by its cubic content rate.
 In order to calculate the cubic contents of the building, the length and
breadth are measured as the external dimensions at the floor level
and the height of the building is measured from the floor level to the
top of the flat roof or up to half way of the sloped roof.
 For multistoreyed building, the height is measured between floor
level of one story to the top of next floor above it.
 As per I.S. 3861, the foundation and plinth and the parapet above the
roof are not taken into consideration in calculating the cubic
contents.
 The cubic content method is more accurate as compared to plinth
area method as it accounts for the height of the building.
 In practice, however, this method is not used.
1.2.4. Approximate Quantity Method:

In this method the structure is divided into:

(a) Foundation Inclusive of Plinth

(b) The Super Structure.

 The cost per running meter of foundation inclusive of plinth is worked

out and is multiplied by the total length of foundation to determine
the total cost of foundation inclusive of plinth.
 Similarly the cost per running meter of the superstructure is found
out and is multiplied by the total length of all the walls of
superstructure to get the total cost of superstructure.

Page 4
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

 The total cost of the structure is then obtained by the addition of

total cost of foundation inclusive of plinth to the total cost of the
superstructure.
 A line plan of the proposed structure is required for the above
computations.
1.2.5. Detailed Estimate (Or Item Rate Estimate):

 This is the accurate method of estimating in which the entire building

work is subdivided into individual items of work
 The quantities of each item of works are calculated from the
complete set of drawings (i.e. plan, elevation, sections etc.)
 The abstract of the estimated cost is prepared by multiplying the
quantities of each of the above items by the rate of the completion of
that item.
 The rates of various items of work can be obtained from the ‘schedule
of rate’ prepared by the Government organization or from analyzed
rates of item.
 In order to make provision for unforeseen expenditure for
miscellaneous petty items (for which no provision is made in the
estimate) and contingencies a 3 to 5% of the estimated cost is added
to it.
 An additional 1 to 2% is also provided for the work-charged
establishment i.e. for the salaries to be paid to the chawkidars,
technical assistants, supervisors etc. appointed by the Government
(or owner) to look after the work.
 The grand total of all the above cost is known as the total estimated
cost of the proposed work.
 After the administrative approval for the work is obtained, its detailed
estimate is prepared and sent for obtaining technical sanction from
the appropriate competent Government authorities.
 The actual execution of the work commences only after obtaining
technical sanction (from the Government) and necessary allocation of
funds are made available in the budget grants for that year.
 The detailed estimate is accompanied by the following documents:
 A comprehensive report of the proposed work.
 General specifications of the work.

Page 5
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

 Detailed specifications of various items of work.

 Detailed working drawings consisting of plan, elevations, sections,
details of foundations etc. with site or layout plan.
 Calculation and design of component parts of the work.
 Analysis of rates for the items of work not included in the schedule of
rate.
Detailed estimate is generally prepared in the following two steps:

(a) Taking out dimensions and squaring them i.e. the dimensions of the
various items of work are taken from the relevant drawings and are
multiplied (i.e. squared) to obtain its quantities and are entered in the
‘Measurement Sheet Form’.

(b) Abstracting i.e. the quantities of the various items of work calculated as
above are multiplied by the rates of those items obtained either from the
schedule of rate or worked out by rate analysis and are entered in the
‘Abstract Sheet Form’. If ‘rate’ and ‘amount’ columns in the abstract sheet
form are left blank (to be entered by the contractor) then it is termed as the
‘Bill of Quantity’.

1.2.6. Revised Estimate:

It is also a detailed estimate and is to be prepared when:

 The original sanctioned amount of estimate exceeds by more than

5%.
 Amount spent on the work exceeds administratively sanctioned
amount more than 10%.
 When there are drastic changes in original proposal i.e. the original
load bearing structure is now proposed to be converted into a framed
structure, even if the cost of the work does not exceed the sanctioned
amount.
 The revised estimate is accompanied by a comparative statement in
the prescribed format indicating the changes in each item of works,
its rate and amount as per original and revised with full justification
for such variations and excess etc.

Page 6
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

1.2.7. Supplementary Estimate:

 It is a fresh detailed estimate which is to be prepared when additional

works are required to supplement the original proposed work or
when further development or extension of the work is required to be
carried during progress of the work.
 The abstract must indicate the original amount of the estimate and
the total amount including supplementary amount for which fresh
sanction is to be obtained.
1.2.8. Supplementary and Revised Estimate:

 This estimate is prepared when a particular work is abandoned and

the cost of the work remaining is less than 95% of the original
sanctioned amount of the work
 Or where there are material deviations from the original proposed
work which may result in substantial saving in the estimate.
 In such cases a fresh supplementary and Revised Estimate is to be
prepared and sent for revised technical sanction.
1.2.9. Annual Repairs (A.R.) or Annual Maintenance (A.M.)
Estimate:

 Annual Repair (A.R.) or Annual Maintenance (A.M.) is a detailed

estimate prepared to keep or maintain the building or roads in proper
working and safe condition.
 In case of buildings, this includes items such as white washing,
painting of doors and windows, inside and outside plastering and
minor repairs etc.
 The amount of such estimate should be within 1.5 to 2% of the
original cost of the building.
 In case of roads, it includes items such as filling patches, minor repairs
to bridges and culverts, repairs to berms etc.
 In case of damages caused to the works during monsoon, which
cannot be repaired within the annual repair grants a ‘Special Repair
Estimate’ is to be prepared.
1.3. Data for estimating:

Page 7
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

1.1.1 Data required for preparation of estimate:

In order to prepare a detailed estimate of the proposed work, the following

information is required:

1.3.1. Complete Set of Detailed Drawings:

In order to work out the quantities of various items of work, a complete set
of detailed drawings consisting of plan, elevation, sections and foundation
details etc. is required.
The relevant dimensions i.e. length, breadth, depth or height of the items,
whose quantities are to be worked out, can be measured from such
drawings.

1.3.2. Specifications of Items of Works:

The rate of an item depends upon the specifications of the work.

Specifications provide information regarding type of construction, quality of
materials, proportion of mixes, manner in which the work is to be executed,
etc.

1.3.3. Prevalent Rates of Items of Construction:

After the quantities of various items of work involved are calculated, they are
to be multiplied by the current market rates of those items.
The Government department such as Buildings and Communication,
Irrigation and Power Department prepares schedule of rates for all items of
work pertaining to the department for a district or area, on the basis of
analysis of rates of items.
A booklet called ‘Market Rate System’ (M.R.S) is available in such
Government Organizations.

1.4. Various units of measurement:

Measurement is to find a number that shows the amount of something. A
measurement unit is a standard quantity used to express a physical quantity.

Page 8
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

To measure different quantities, there are various systems developed in

world. However, the following four systems are mostly used:

1.4.1. F.P.S System:

In this system the units used for measurements of quantities are as follows;
Length = Foot (ft)
Mass = Pound (Lbs)
Time = Second (Sec)

1.4.2. C.G.S system:

In this system the units used for measurements of quantities are as follows;
Length = Centimeter (cm)
Mass = Gram (g)
Time = Second (Sec)

1.4.3. MKS system:

In this system the units used for measurements of quantities are as follows;
Length = Meter (m)
Mass = Kilogram (kg)
Time = Second (Sec)

1.4.4. SI system:
SI unit is an international system of measurements that are used universally
in technical and scientific research to avoid the confusion with the units.
Having a standard unit system is important because it helps the entire world
to understand the measurements in one set of unit system.
In this system the units used for measurements of quantities are as follows;
Length = Meter (m)
Mass = Kilogram (kg)
Time = Second (Sec)
Amount of substance = mole (mole)

Page 9
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

Electric current = ampere (A)

Temperature = kelvin (K)
Luminous intensity = candela (cd)

1.5. Unit Conversions:

1.5.1. LENGTH
FPS TO METRIC METRIC TO FPS
1 in 2.54 cm 1 cm 0.393701 in
1 ft 30.48 cm 1m 3.28084 ft
1 yd 0.09144 m 1m 1.09361 yd
1 chain 20.1168 m 1 km 49.7097 chains
1 furlong 0.201168 km 1 km 4.97097 furlongs
1 mile 1.609344 km 1 km 0.621371 mile
1.5.2. AREA

FPS TO METRIC METRIC TO FPS

1 in2 6.4516 cm2 1 cm2 0.155 in2
1 ft2 0.0929030 m2 1 m2 10.7639 ft2
1 yd2 0.836127 m2 1 m2 1.19599 yd2
1 acre 0.404686 hectare 1 hectare 2.47105 acres
1 sq mile 2.58999 km2 1 km2 0.386102 sq mile
1.5.3. VOLUME & CAPACITY
FPS TO METRIC METRIC TO FPS
1 in3 16.3871 cm3 1 cm3 0.0610237 in3
1 ft3 0.0283168 m3 1 m3 35.3147 ft3
1 yd3 0.764555 m3 1 m3 1.30795 yd3
0.219969 Imp
1 Imp gallon 4.54609 litres 1 litre
gallon
0.264172 US
1 US gallon 3.78541 litres 1 litre
gallon
1.5.4. MASS

FPS TO METRIC METRIC TO FPS

1 lb 0.453592 kg 1 kg 2.20462 lb

P a g e 10
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

1 cwt 50.8023 kg 1 tonne 19.6841 cwt

1.01605 tonne
1 ton 1 tonne 0.984207 ton
(metric)
1.5.5. MASS PER UNIT LENGTH

FPS TO METRIC METRIC TO FPS

1 lb/in 17.8580 kg/m 1 kg/m 2.01594 lb/yd
1 lb/ft 1.4886 kg/m 1 kg/m 0.0559974 lb/in
1 lb/yd 0.496055 kg/m 1 kg/m 0.671969 lb/ft
1.5.6. DENSITY OR MASS PER UNIT VOLUME

FPS TO METRIC METRIC TO FPS

1 gm/cm3 (=1
1 lb/in3 27.6799 gm/cm3 0.0361273 lb/in3
kg/m3)
1 lb/ft3 16.0185 kg/m3 1 gm/cm3 62.4280 lb/ft3
1 ton/yd3 1.32894 gm/cm3 1 gm/cm3 0.75248 ton/yd3
1.5.7. PRESSURE OR STRESS

FPS TO METRIC METRIC TO FPS

1 lb/ft2 4.88243 kg/m2 1 kg/m2 0.204816 lb/ft2
0.0703070
1 lb/in2 1 kg/cm2 14.2233 lb/in2
kg/cm2
1 ton/ft2 1.09366 kg/cm2 1 kg/cm2 0.914358 ton/ft2
0.157488
1 ton/in2 1 tonne/cm2 6.34971 ton/in2
tonne/cm2

P a g e 11
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

1.6. Review of area, perimeters and volumes of various

plane and solid geometrical figures:
1.6.1. Square:
If 'a' denotes the side of the square, then, length of each side of a square is
'a' units

Figure 1.1. Square

Perimeter of square = AB + BC + CD + DA
= (a + a + a + a) units
= 4a units
Perimeter of the square = 4a units
We know that the area of the square is given by
Area = side × side
A = a × a sq. units
Therefore, A = a² square units

1.6.2. Rectangle:
Let us consider a rectangle of length 'l' units and breadth 'b' units.

Figure 1.2. Rectangle

Therefore, perimeter of the rectangle ABCD

P a g e 12
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

= (AB + BC + CD + DA) units

= (l + b + l + b) units
= (2l + 2b) units
= 2 (l + b) units
Therefore, perimeter of the rectangle = 2 (length + breadth) units
We know that the area of the rectangle is given by
Area = length × breadth
A = l × b square units

1.6.3. Triangle:
If a, b, c are the sides of the triangle, then the perimeter of triangle = (a + b +
c) units.
● Area of the triangle = √(s(s - a) (s - h) (s - c))
The semi-perimeter of the triangle, s = (a + b + c)/2

Figure 1.3. Triangle

If a represents the side of an equilateral triangle, then its area = (a²√3)/4

Figure 1.4. Equilateral Triangle

● Area of right angled triangle

P a g e 13
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

Figure 1.5. Right angled Triangle

A = 1/2 × BC × AB
= 1/2 × b × h
1.6.4. Rhombus:
ABCD is a rhombus whose base AB = b, DB ⊥ AC DB = d₁ AC = d₂ and the
altitude from C on AB is CE, i.e., h.

Figure 1.6. Rhombus

Area of rhombus ABCD = 2 Area of ∆ ABC

= 2 × 1/2 AB × CD sq units.
= 2 × 1/2 b × h sq. units
= base x height sq. units
Also, area of rhombus = 4 × area of ∆ AOB
= 4 × 1/2 × AO × OB sq. units
= 4 × 1/2 × 1/2 d₂ × 1/2 d₁ sq. units
= 4 × 1/8 d₁ × d₂ square units
= 1/2 × d₁ × d₂; where d₁ and d₂ are diagonals.
Therefore, area of rhombus = 1/2 (product of diagonals) square units

P a g e 14
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

Perimeter of rhombus = 4 × side

1.6.5. Parallelogram:
ABCD is a parallelogram with base (b) and altitude (h).

Figure 1.7. Parallelogram

Area of parallelogram = 2 × Area of ∆ABC
= 2 × 1/2 × base × height sq. units
= 2 × 1/2 × AB × CE sq. units
= b × h sq. units
= base × height sq. units
Perimeter of parallelogram = 2(AB + BC) = 2 × (Sum of adjacent sides)

1.6.6. Trapezium:

Area of trapezium ABCD = Area of ∆ ABD + Area of ∆ CBD

= 1/2 × a × h + 1/2 × b × h
= 1/2 × h × (a + b)
= 1/2 (sum of parallel sides) × (perpendicular distance between them)

P a g e 15
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

Figure 1.8. Trapezium

1.6.7. Circle:

The distance around the circular region is called its circumference. The ratio
of circumference of any circle to its diameter is constant. This constant is
denoted by π and is read as pie.
Circumference/Diameter = Piei.e., c/d = π or c = πd
We know that diameter is twice the radius, i.e., d = 2r
C = π × 2r ⇒ C = 2πr
Area of circle = πr²

Figure 1.9. Circle

P a g e 16
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

1.6.8. Rectangular Solid or Cuboid:

V=l×w×h
l = Length
w = Width
h = Height

Figure 1.10. Rectangular solid or cube

1.6.9. Cube:

V = a3
a = Length of edge or side

Figure 1.11. Cube

1.6.10. Cylinder:
V = πr2h
r = Radius of the circular base
h = Height

Figure 1.12. Cylinder

P a g e 17
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

Sphere:
V = (4⁄3)πr3
r = Radius of the sphere

Figure 1.12. Sphere

1.6.11. Pyramid:
V = (1⁄3) × B × h
B = Area of the base,
h = Height of the pyramid

Figure 1.13.Pyramid

1.6.12. Right Circular Cone:

V = (1⁄3)πr2h
r = Radius of the circular base
h = Height

Figure 1.14. Right Circular Cone

P a g e 18
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

1.6.13. Rectangular Pyramid:

V = (1⁄3) × l × w × h
l = Length of the base,
w = Width of base,
h = Height (base to tip)
Figure 1.15. Rectangular Pyramid

1.6.14. Ellipsoid:
V = (4⁄3) × π × a × b × c
a, b, c = semi-axes of an ellipsoid

Figure 1.16. Ellipsoid

EXERCISE
M.C.Qs
Encircle the correct statement.
1. An assessment of the cost based on certain rates of materials and
labour is called:
(a) Quantity surveying (b) Surveying
(c) Mapping (d) a&b
2. A rough calculation on quantities of various works & their
expenditure.

P a g e 19
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

(a) Drawing (b) Estimate

(c) Specification (d) All of these
3. Accuracy of an estimate depends on _____ of estimator:
(a) Experience (b) Ability
(c) Judgment power (d) All of these
4. Data required for preparation of estimate:
(a) Drawing (b) Rates of items
(c) Specification (d) All of these
5. In FPS system unit of measurement for length is:
(a) Meter (m) (b) Inch (in)
(c) Foot (ft) (d) Centimeter (cm)
6. In FPS system unit of measurement for mass is
(a) Pound (Lbs) (b) Kilogram (kg)
(c) gram (gm) (d) None of these
7. In SI system unit of measurement for length is
(a) Meter (m) (b) Inch (in)
(c) Foot (ft) (d) Centimeter (cm)
8. In SI system unit of measurement for mass is:
(a) Pound (Lbs) (b) Kilogram (kg)
(c) gram (gm) (d) None of these
9. One inch is equal to:
(a) 2.54 cm (b) 30.48 cm
(c) 12 cm (d) 0.83 cm
10. One ft is equal to:
(a) 2.54 cm (b) 30.48 cm
(c) 12 cm (d) 0.83 cm
11. One kg is equal to:
(a) 0.453592 lbs (b) 2.20462 lbs
(c) 2.54 lbs (d) 30.48 lbs
12. One lb is equal to:

P a g e 20
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

(a) 0.453592 kg (b) 2.20462 kg

(c) 2.54 kg (d) 30.48 kg
13. Area of right angled triangle is:
(a) 1/2 × b × h (b) (a²√3)/4
(c) lxb (d) bxh
14. Area of circle is:
(a) bxh (b) 2πr
(c) πr² (d) lxb
15. Volume of a rectangular solid is:
(a) V=l×w×h (b) V = πr² x h
(c) V = 2πr2 x h (d) None of these
Answers

1. a 2. b 3.d 4.d 5.c 6.a 7.a 8.b 9.a 10.b

11.b 12.a 13.a 14.c 15.a

Short Questions
1. Define quantity surveying.
2. Define estimate.
3. Enumerate the types of estimates.
4. Define approximate estimate.
5. Define detailed estimate.
6. Define plinth area estimate.
7. Define annual repair estimate.
8. When revised estimate is prepared?
9. Enlist the data required for estimation.
10. Enlist the systems of measurement.
11. Differentiate between FPS and SI system.
12. Write down the formulae to calculate circumference and area of
circle.

P a g e 21
 CHAPTER # 01 INTRODUCTION

13. Write down the formulae to calculate perimeter and area of triangles.
14. Write down the formula to calculate volume of sphere with the help
of diagram.
15. Write down the formula to calculate volume of right circular cone
with the help of diagram.

Long Questions
1. Define quantity surveying and give its importance. Also, describe the
qualities of a good quantity surveyor.
2. Define estimate and give brief description of the types of estimate.
3. Describe the data required for estimating.
4. Briefly describe the various units of measurements.
5. Write down the formulae to calculate area and perimeter of the
following figure:
a. Rectangle
b. Triangle
c. Rhombus
d. Parallelogram
e. Circle

P a g e 22
 CHAPTER # 02 SPECIFICATIONS

Chapter # 02
Specifications
1.5. Definition and purpose of specifications
1.6. Principle of writing specs
1.7. General specifications.
1.8. Detailed specifications of all items of work.
1.5. Introduction:
A Specification is a special description or a particular subject. An engineering
specification contains detailed description or all workmanship and materials
which are required to complete an engineering project in accordance with its
drawings and details. The technical drawings of a structure will show, the
proportions and relative positions of the various components of the
structure. It is not often possible to furnish the information on the drawings,
regarding the quality or materials to be used and the quality of workmanship
to be achieved during construction, due to shortage of space. This data
regarding the materials and workmanship is conveyed in a separate contract
document, which is known as the "specifications" for the work. Thus the
drawings with the specifications “will completely define the structure”. The
“specification” is furnished separately along with the drawings and is an
essential part of all engineering contracts.

1.6. Purpose of Specifications:

The purposes of specifications are as follows:-

(a) The cost of unit quantity of work is governed by its specification.

(b) Specifications of a work are required to describe the quality and quantity
or different materials required for a construction work and is one of the
essential contract documents. Thus a contractor can make a programme to
procure the materials required for a project and the owner can check the
quality of materials conforming to the specification avoiding dispute with the
contractor.

P a g e 23
 CHAPTER # 02 SPECIFICATIONS

(c) This also specifies the workmanship and the method of doing the work.
Thus specification of a work serves as a guide to the supervising staff of the
contractor as well as to the owner to execute the work to their satisfaction.

(d) A work is carried according to its specification and the contractor is paid
for the same. Any change in specification changes the tendered rate.

(e) As the rate or a work is based on specification, a contractor can calculate

the rates of various items of works in a tender with his procurement rates of
materials and labour. Thus tender paper without specifications of works is
baseless, incomplete and invalid.

(f) Specification is necessary to specify equipment, tools and plants to be

engaged for a work and thus enables to procure them beforehand.

(g) The necessity of specification is to verify and check the strength of

materials for a work involved in a project.

(h) Specification is an essential contract document and required for

arbitration of court cases

1.7. Principle of writing specifications:

Specifications define the quality of any construction work. Therefore,
specifications should be clear. Language for specifications should be such
that no chance of ambiguity lefts. Specifications are the important part of
contract and it has legal value. In case of any dispute, one can even consult
with court. Most of disputes occur, only because of not properly explained
specifications. Therefore, following principles of specifications should be
considered while writing that prevent conflict and ambiguities.

1.7.1. Description of Material:

It is very important to write in detail about the construction material. Type

and size of construction material should be clearly mentioned. Besides this,
ingredient ratio and mixing method of concrete and mortar should also be
clearly defined. If treatment of any material required before use, then it
should be mentioned in specifications.

P a g e 24
 CHAPTER # 02 SPECIFICATIONS

1.7.2. Workmanship:

Workmanship covers the method of construction, inspection of work, surface

preparation, surface compaction and curing. Procedure of every single item
should be mentioned in detail.

1.7.3. Tools and Plants:

Different equipment, tools and plants required during construction should be

clearly mentioned in specifications. Arrangement of machinery before
construction is only possible, if it is mentioned in specifications. It should also
be mentioned that either contractor has to arrange on its own or client will
arrange equipment for the contractor.

1.7.4. New Work Protection:

It should be clearly mentioned that how new work will be protected from
rain water, temperature, freezing and other atmospheric changes. New work
includes excavation, brick masonry, concrete pouring, plaster etc…

1.3.5. Expression:
Expressions should be very clear. Specifications have legal value, therefore
sentences should be short and complete. For conveying complex
information, short sentences should be used. It break up information into
smaller and easier to process units. Long complicated sentences can confuse
reader and doubtful the main point. Every single paragraph should only be
limited to only one issue.
Vocabulary should be such that it not creates a dual meaning. It should be
such that every reader grasps the same meaning. Language, format and
usage should be consistent. Beside this, specifications must also be
consistently enforced. Specifications only remain effective, if it is consistently
enforced. Without it even well written specifications become ineffective.

P a g e 25
 CHAPTER # 02 SPECIFICATIONS

1.3.6. Clauses of Specifications:

Clauses of specifications should be written in ascending order, in short follow
the construction schedule. First thing come first. For Example: Clauses
related to excavation should come before foundation or footing related
clauses.

1.4. Types of Specifications:

There are two types of Specifications as follows.

1. General Specifications.

2. Detailed Specifications.

1.4.1. General Specifications:

General Specifications are also known as Brief Specifications.

They are used to show aspect, standard, and type of constructional work.

They would describe the general classifications of the construction work of

the project.

These specifications are used to establish the standards of the construction

work that will help in establishing a Detailed Estimate.

1.4.2. Detailed Specifications:

Detailed Specifications shows, in the detailed description, characteristics,
quantity, ratio and formation method of the material used in construction
work.

Each component of the constructional work is described in details separately

with the help of Detailed Specifications.

Therefore, all features establishing standards and quality of the construction

work are disclosed which will be used later in Detailed Estimate.

Detailed Specifications of the items used in ordinary projects are printed that
are used for contracts.

P a g e 26
 CHAPTER # 02 SPECIFICATIONS

These Specifications are called Standard Specifications.

Detailed Specifications have two major types as follow.

a) Standard Specifications.

b) Special Specifications.

a. Standard Specification.

This type of Specification of constructional work is written down and

published in departments of engineering that will eliminate the need of
writing Specifications in details.

These Specifications are merely referenced when required.

So, these are known as Standard Specifications that are published in the form
of books and generals.

Whenever tender is required for constructional work, then these

Specifications are merely referenced in the tender that will ease the
preparation of tender documents.

And possible mistakes can be avoided occurred during frequent writing of

same Specifications.

Standard Specifications have to be written and published by Public Works

Department (PWD), Military Engineering Services (MES) and Irrigation
Departments.

However, other departments can reference Standard Specifications that are

organized and published by mentioned departments and organizations.

Standard Specifications subject to change as changes and evolution occurs in

science and engineering with the passage of time.

These changes and evolution must be reflected in Standard Specification to

reflect the best practices in work.

P a g e 27
 CHAPTER # 02 SPECIFICATIONS

b. Special Specification.

Some specifications of the construction work are of the special form, and
they are not officially written and published in Standard Specifications.

These specifications are known as Special Specifications.

Special Specifications are written by the in-charge engineer of the

constructional project which will usually be a divisional officer (XEN).

These specifications are included in tender documents and captioned as

Special Specifications.

1.5. Specifications for Brick masonry in Cement Mortar:

i. The bricks shall be of first class, regular in shape, size and colour.
ii. The bricks should be free from flaws, cracks and lumps of any kind.
iii. Shall have minimum crushing strength 10.5N/mm2.
iv. The bricks shall not absorb the water more than one sixth of the
weight of the brick.
v. The sand used shall be medium coarse, clean, sharp, free from clay,
mica and other organic matter.
vi. The cement used shall satisfy the requirement of Bureau of Indian
Standard.
vii. The mortar is designated in specified proportion of cement and sand.
The materials are weighed or measured and mixed on watertight
platform after allowing bulkage of sand.
viii. Bricks before laying shall be thoroughly soaked in water.
ix. The bricks laid truly horizontal in course with frogs upwards.
x. The brickwork shall be raised 1m in height at a strength all round the
building.
xi. Only fresh mortar within ½ hour for cement mortar, the time of
adding water shall be used.
xii. During rains, no brickwork is carried out when special arrangements
are made.
xiii. The brickwork shall be kept wet for at least 10 days.

P a g e 28
 CHAPTER # 02 SPECIFICATIONS

 1.6. Specifications for Plain Cement Concrete (PCC):

i. Aggregate shall be of invert materials and should be clean, dense,

hard, sound, durable, non-absorbent and capable of developing good
bond with mortar.
ii. Coarse aggregate shall be of hard broken stone of granite or similar
stone, free from dust, dirt and other foreign matters. The stone
ballast shall be of 20mm size and smaller. All the coarse material
should be retained in a 5mm square mesh and should be well graded
such that the voids do not exceed 42%.
iii. Fine aggregate shall be of coarse sand consisting of hard, sharp and
angular grains and shall pass through a screen of 5mm square mesh.
Sand shall be of standard specifications, clean and free from dust, dirt
and organic matter. Sea sand shall not be used.
iv. Cement shall be fresh Portland cement of standard specifications and
shall have the required tensile and compressive stresses and fineness.
v. Water shall be clean and free from alkaline and acid matters and
suitable for drinking purposes.
vi. 1:2:4 (cement : sand : crush) by volume when specified. Minimum
compressive strength of concrete of 1:2:4 proportions shall be 140
kg/cm2 in 7 days.

vii. Mixing shall be done on masonry platform or sheet iron tray if mixing
is to be done by hand.

viii. Stone ballast, sand and cement shall be put into cement concrete
mixer to have the required proportions.

ix. Regular slump test should be carried out to control the addition of
water and to maintain the required consistency. A slump of 7.5cm to
10cm may be allowed for building work.

x. Formwork centering and shuttering shall be provided as required as

per the standard specification before laying concrete to confine to

P a g e 29
 CHAPTER # 02 SPECIFICATIONS

support or to keep the concrete in position. The inner surface of

shuttering shall be oiled to prevent concrete sticking to it.

xi. Concrete shall be laid gently (not thrown) in layers not exceeding
15cm and compacted by pinning with rods and tamping with wooden
tampers or with mechanical vibrating machine until a dense concrete
is obtained.

xii. After about two hours of laying of concrete, when the concrete has
begun to harden, it shall be kept damp by covering with wet gunny
bags or wet sand for 24 hours.

1.7. Specifications for Reinforced Cement Concrete

(R.C.C.):
i. Shuttering shall be done using seasoned wooden boards of thickness
not less than 30mm.
ii. Surface contact with concrete shall be free from adhering grout, nails,
splits and other defects.
iii. All the joints are perfectly closed and lined up.
iv. The shuttering and framing is sufficiently braced.
v. Nowadays timber shuttering is replaced by steel plates.
vi. All the props of approved sizes are supported on double wedges and
when taken out, these wedges are eased and not knocked out.
vii. All the framework is removed after 21 days of curing without any
shocks or vibrations.
viii. All reinforcement bars conform standards and are free from rust,
grease oil etc.
ix. The steel grills are perfectly as per detailed specifications.
x. The covers to concrete are perfectly maintained as per code.
xi. Bars of diameter beyond 25mm diameter are bent when red hot.
xii. The materials proportion should be as per the specifications of the
concrete.

P a g e 30
 CHAPTER # 02 SPECIFICATIONS

1.8. Specification of Plastering:

i. Plastering is the finishing coat which protects the masonry and gives
a decent look. It also enhances the hygienic conditions in the
building.
ii. The reference marks should be made on the wall in 2″ to 3″
diameter before starting the plastering work.
iii. Cement and sand mortar is used in plastering which comprises of
different thickness according to the requirement of site..
iv. Plastering should be done with cement mortar ratio of 1:3, 1:4, 1:6
etc. as per the requirements of the work.
v. The plaster should be in straight line, leveled, plumbed and the joint
must be in right angle.
vi. Before starting the plaster, the surface should be raked and properly
cleaned by wire brush and it should be wet for 24 hours.
vii. Door and window frames, water supply lines, electric fittings should
be fitted appropriately before starting the plastering work. They
should be laid as per the drawings.
viii. All unnecessary cement mortar should be removed from the frames
and electric fittings instantly after finishing the plaster.
ix. Curing of the plastered surface should be done properly. It should be
cured at least for 7 days to get desired strength.
1.9. Specification for Damp Proof Course (DPC):
i. The damp-proof course should cover the total wall thickness.
ii. The bottom of the DPC should be clear, even and free from
overhanging that may damage to the damp-proof course.
iii. The side shuttering should be sufficiently strong and fixed well that it
does not get disturbed at the time of compaction and cement slurry
does not spill out.
iv. The concrete should be prepared in the quantitative ratio of 1:2:4
(Cement: Sand: Stone chips 12 mm).
v. The concrete used in the DPC should be workable.
vi. The concrete should be placed and tempered roughly to make a thick
mass.

P a g e 31
 CHAPTER # 02 SPECIFICATIONS

vii. After laying the concrete of 24 hours, it should be cured minimum for
7 days.
viii. After completing the curing properly, the surface should be left to dry
out to get the cover of hot bitumen.
ix. After drying the concrete surface, it should be cleaned with brushes
and with a kerosene soaked cloth piece.
x. Finally, the treated concrete surface should be filled uniformly with
hot bitumen in specified quantity.

EXERCISE
M.C.Qs
Encircle the correct statement.
16. Document containing data regarding the materials and
workmanship is:
(a) Drawing (b) Estimate
(c) Specifications (d) None of these
17. An essential part of all engineering contracts.
(a) Drawing (b) Estimate
(c) Specifications (d) None of these
18. The cost of unit quantity of work is governed by:
(a) Drawing (b) Estimate
(c) Specifications (d) None of these
19. Brief specifications are known as:
(a) General specifications (b) Detailed specifications
(c) Standard specifications (d) Special specifications
20. Specifications that are published in the form of books by
departments.
(a) General specifications (b) Detailed specifications
(c) Standard specifications (d) Special specifications

P a g e 32
 CHAPTER # 02 SPECIFICATIONS

21. Specifications that are not published in the form of books

departments.
(a) General specifications (b) Detailed specifications
(c) Standard specifications (d) Special specifications
22. Special Specifications are written by
(a) S.D.O (b) X.E.N
(c) S.E (d) Chief Engineer
23. Minimum crushing strength of first class bricks should be:
(a) 10.5N/mm2 (b) 8.5N/mm2
(c) 9.5N/mm2 (d) 6N/mm2
24. The bricks shall not absorb the water more than _______of the
weight of the brick:
(a) One third (b) One fourth
(c) One fifth (d) One sixth
25. The bricks laid truly horizontal in course with frogs:
(a) Downward (b) Sideward
(c) Upward (d) None of these
26. A slump of ______ may be allowed for building work.
(a) 7.5cm to 10cm (b) 10cm to 15cm
(c) 150cm to 17.5cm (d) 17.5cm to 20cm

Answers

1. c 2. c 3.c 4.a 5.c 6.d 7.b 8.a 9.d 10.c

11.a

Short Questions
16. Define specifications.
17. State four purposes of specifications.

P a g e 33
 CHAPTER # 02 SPECIFICATIONS

18. Enumerate the types of specifications.

19. Define general specifications.
20. Define detailed specifications.
21. Define standard specifications.
22. Define special specifications.
23. Enumerate the details given in detailed specifications.
24. State four specifications of brickwork in cement mortar.
25. State four specifications of plain cement concrete (PCC).
26. State four specifications of reinforced cement concrete (RCC).
27. State four specifications of plastering.
28. State four specifications of damp proof course (DPC).

Long Questions
1. Define specifications and describe its purposes.
2. State the principals of writing of specifications.
3. Describe the data required for estimating.
4. Briefly describe the types of specifications.

P a g e 34
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

CHAPTER NO. 3
BUILDING ESTIMATE
Introduction
Basically building estimate is of two types . First one is rough cost estimate
and second one is detailed estimate. Rough cost estimate is used to calculate
the cost that is not perfectly accurate but it is an approximate estimate
which helps to decide whether money can be arranged for the building or
not. This estimate is prepared with different methods for different types of
buildings. Rough cost estimate is applied to get administrative approval.
When it is decided to build a building another type of estimate is made this is
called as detailed estimate. Estimates are made in different ways according
to different buildings such as public work departments, military engineering
services etc. In addition, English method is also used in some departments
and private firms, but basically it is always implemented in following two
ways.
A. First one is center line method
B. Second one is individual method or long wall and short wall method.

3.1 Technical Terms

A variety of technical terms are used when preparing a building estimate.
The most important of these are as follows:
3.1.1 Provisional Sums
Provisional sum is the amount provided in the estimate and bill of quantities
for some specialized work to be done by a specialist firm; whose details are
not known at, time of preparing estimate. The work like installation of air
conditioning, for which full information and details may not be known at the
time of „paring estimate and entering into contract and are required to be
installed by a specialist firm, a reasonable amount is provided in the estimate
and in the bill of quantities of contract as Provisional sum. The items of work
under Provisional sum known as Provisional sum item .

3.1.2 Prime cost

P a g e 35
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

While preparing the estimate, some of the amount is included for the items
which are applied at the construction stage with the approval of the owner
or project manager or site engineer. For example door and window and their
fittings, water supply fittings are to be decided at the time of fitting
according to the choice of the owner or engineer incharge .For the execution
of such items a reasonable amount is kept in the estimate as prime cost and
the same is also provided in bill of quantity. The actual cost of article is paid
to the contractor, he is not allowed to any profit to prime cost articles.

3.1.3b Input rates

Main store of technical departments purchase the materials from market to

execute the work from contractors on labour rate. The rates on which
government purchase the materials from market are called Input Rates.

3.1.4b Market Rate Schedule ( MRS )

The unit price of various items available in the market is called market rate.
When buying in material for construction work, this value also includes the
cost of rent and additional expenses like wastage charges, carriage charges,
tax etc

3.1.5 Composite Schedule Rate (CSR)

The Engineering Departments prepare prices for construction work according
to the market rates, which is called the Schedule of Rates. It does not include
the prices of cement, sand, gravel etc. Rather, excavation work, concrete
work, brick masonry rates are recorded per unit. The only list of wage rates
are called labour rates while wages and material rates are called as
composite rates which are shortly written as CSR. Nowadays, schedules are
issued at the beginning of each half of the year in view of the change in the
market rates for every district, which is valid for six months. These are called
composite schedule rate which are also uploaded to the Internet. it is shortly
known as CSR.

3.1.6 Premium
After the schedule of rate is ready, rates of the market increase, due to
which when contracting with the contractor, the rates more than the
schedule of rates are included, called premium.

P a g e 36
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

3.1.7 Rebate
After the schedule of rates is prepared, if the market rates goes down, the
contractor will contract the schedule at a lower percentage of schedule of
rates. The decreased percentage from the scheduled rate is called the
rebate.

3.1.8 Contingencies
There are items of works in the estimate that cannot be listed under any
particular title. An additional 3% to 5% of the total estimate is added to cover
these expenses. These are called contingency charges.

3.1.9 Petty items

When preparing estimates, there are some items which cannot be measured
exactly. These are called as petty items

3.1.10 Work charge establishment

Sometimes during the construction of the project, some staff are recruited
on a temporary bases. This is called Work Charge Establishment . This staff
includes Mate and Guard etc. These people are recruited for a short period
of time. For payment of their salaries 1.5 to 2 percent of total estimate is
added to project budget.

3.1.11 Bill of Quantity (BOQ)

There is a statement of items of works of construction works on which the
names of the items along with the description of work and the amount of
work are written. While space is left for their rates and money. Contractor
does so to submit the tender. It is shortly called as B.O.Q.
Sr. Description of No. Length width Height or Quantity Remarks
No. work Depth
1
2
3.1.12 Bill of cost or Cost
After the calculating the quantity of different items of work, on another
Performa the bill of cost is prepared. On this Performa the rates are
multiplied with quantities of items of work to calculate the cost of work.

P a g e 37
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

Sr. Description of Quantity Units Rate Amount Remarks

No work
1
2

3.1.13 FIDIC

It is an international organization of Consulting Engineers. Its members are

national organizations of Consulting Engineers of different countries. Its aim
is to provide guidance and support for big projects and make all the stages of
these big projects transparent. The Association of Consulting Engineers of
Pakistan is also a member of FIDIC. The team has developed guidelines for
winning the contract and then taking the project to the completion level so
that the standard of construction work is the same all over the world. These
principles have been given a book form, Named FIDIC. These principles can
be change when it is required.

External Services

While preparing building estimate Necessary facilities are provided which

are called as external services. This includes the supply of electricity,
telephone, water and gas. It also includes sewerage and street in this area of
the building. It also includes boundary wall and main gate etc. For this
purpose, 10 to 20% extra is added to estimate.

Plinth Area

The area built on the floor is called Plinth Area, It also includes verandahs
other passages over which there is a roof. This area is measured Up to the
outer edges of the outer walls.

Floor Area

It covers the interior area of all the rooms. The rooms also include kitchen,
washroom and stair. It does not include are of walls.

Carpet Area

P a g e 38
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

The area of the living rooms of the building is called Carpet Area. It does not
include the area of kitchen, washroom, stair and verandah etc.

3.2 ROUGH COST ESTIMATE

There are different methods are applied to prepare rough cost estimate.

3.2.1 Preliminary or Approximate or Rough cost estimate

This approximate estimate is prepared for preliminary studies of the various

aspects of the work and also to decide the financial position and policy for
administrative approval by competent sanctioning authority. This estimate is
prepared on the basis of practical experience of carrying out similar works in
the past and their rates. In this estimate, the approximate cost of all
important works such as cost of land, roads, buildings, water supply, sanitary
works, electrification etc. are mentioned separately.

3.2.2 Plinth Area Estimate

As the name implies, this estimate is prepared by multiplying the plinth area
of the proposed building by the plinth area rate of similar building having
same specifications and height that is constructed very recently in the same
locality. The plinth area of the proposed building is calculated for the covered
i.e. roofed portion by measuring the outer dimensions at the plinth level. The
area of courtyards and other open areas are not to be included while
calculating the plinth area. The cost of electricity, gas, water supply and
drainage can be determined at the following rates and then added to the
cost of building which results to get total cost of building
i. Electricity Supply 8% of building cost
ii. Water Supply 4% of building cost
iii. Sanitary Charges 4% of building cost
iv. Gas Supply Charges 4% of building cost

5% contingencies of total cost is also added in the estimate.

The method is simple and is usually adopted in practice.

3.2.3 Cubic Content Method
This type of estimate done by multiplying the volume of the building by the
unit cubic rate achieved from the previously (also recent) estimate. This type

P a g e 39
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

of estimate is a little bit more accurate than above mentioned methods and
mostly suitable for multi storied buildings
Cubic content estimate = Volume of the building X unit cubic rate (known
value)
Volume of the building = plinth area (length X breadth of the proposed
building) X height of the building (floor to roof top)

Unit cubic rate =

3.2.4 Approximate Quantity Method

In this method the structure is divided into:
(a) Foundation Inclusive of Plinth
(b) The Super Structure.
The cost per running meter of foundation inclusive of plinth is worked out
and is multiplied by the total length of foundation to determine the total cost
of foundation inclusive of plinth. Similarly the cost per running meter of the
superstructure is found out and is multiplied by the total length of all the
walls of superstructure to get the total cost of superstructure. The total cost
of the structure is then obtained by the addition of total cost of foundation
inclusive of plinth to the total cost of the superstructure.

Examples of rough cost Estimate

Example No. 3.1
Prepare the rough cost estimate of a residential building of plinth area 2080
square feet. The rate of construction may be assumed as Rs. 3050/sft. Water
supply and sanitary charges may be assumed as 8% and Electricity and gas
supply charges as 8% and 4% respectively of building cost. 3% contingencies
may also be added in the estimate.

Solution
Plinth area of the building= 2080 sft
Rate of construction = 3050 rupees/sft
Cost of construction of building = 2080 x 3050 = 4,888,000 Rupees
Cost of water supply and sanitary = = 391,040 Rupees
Cost of electric supply = = 391,040 Rupees

P a g e 40
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

Cost of gas supply = = 195,520 Rupees

Total cost = 4,888,000+391,040+391,040+195,520 = 5,865,600 Rupees
Contingencies = 5,865,600 x = 175,968 Rupees
Grand total = 5,865,600 + 175,968 = 6,041,568 Rupees
Example No. 3.2
Prepare the rough cost estimate of a residential building of plinth area 280.
M2. The rate of construction may be assumed as Rs. 12500/M 2. Water supply
and sanitary charges may be assumed as 8% and Electricity and gas supply
charges as 8% and 4% respectively of building cost. 3% contingencies may
also add in the estimate.

Solution
Plinth area of the building= 280 M2
Rate of construction = 12500 Rupees/M2
Cost of construction of building = 280 x 12500 = 3,500,000 Rupees
Cost of water supply and sanitary = = 280,000Rupees
Cost of electric supply = = 280,000Rupees
Cost of gas supply = = 140,000 Rupees
Total cost = 3,500,000 +280,000+280,000+140,000 = 4,200,000 Rupees
Contingencies = 4,200,000 x = 126,000 Rupees
Grand total = 4,200,000 + 126,000 = 4,326,000 Rupees
Example No. 3.3
Prepare the rough cost estimate for a proposed commercial plaza from the
following data.

Plinth area = 535 M2 / floor

Height of each story = 3.50 M
No of storey = 3
Cubical content rate of construction = 2250 rupees/M2
Provide the following service charges of structured cost
a. Water supply & sanitary arrangement @ 8%
b. Electrification @ 7%

P a g e 41
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

c. Gas arrangement @ 5%
d. Fluctuation of rates @ 5%
e. Contingencies @ 4%
f. Contractor profit @ 10%
Solution
Cubical contents = No of storey (Plinth area x height of each storey)
= 3(535x3.50) = 5,617.5 M3
Cost of building = 5,617.5 x 2250 =12,639,375 Rupees
Water supply & sanitary arrangement =12,639,375x =1,011,150 Rupees
Electrification =12,639,375x = 884,756.25 Rupees
Gas arrangement = 12,639,375x = 631,968.75 Rupees
Fluctuation of rates =12,639,375x = 631,968.75 Rupees
Contingencies = 15,799,218.75x = 631,968.75 Rupees
Total cost = 12,639,375 +1,011,150 +884,756.25 +631,968.75 +631,968.75
= 15,799,218.75 Rupees
Contractor profit = 15,799,218.75x = 1,579,921.875 Rupees
Grand total = 15,799,218.75 +1,579,921.875 = 17,379,140.625 Rupees
Example No3. 4
Prepare rough cost estimate of given line plan. The rate of construction is
570/sft. Add 8% for electrification, 4% for water supply, 4% for sanitary and
3% contingencies.
Solution
Outer size of building
Length = 14’+18’+
9”+9”+9”=34.25’
Breadth=
14’+8’+9”+9”+9”=24.25’
Covered area of building = 34.25x24.25’ = 830.5625 sft.
Rate of construction= Rs. 570/sft
Cost of construction= =
830.5625x570= 4,73,420.625 Rs
Electrification charges = = 37873.65 Rupees

P a g e 42
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

Water supply charges = = 18936.825 Rupees

Sanitary charges = = = 18936.825 Rupees

Total Cost = 4,73,420.625+37873.65+18936.825+18936.825=549167.925

Contingencies =549167.925 x3/100= 16475.04 Rupees
Grand total = 549167.925 + 16475.04 = 565642.97 say 565650 Rupees
Example No 3.5
Prepare rough cost estimate of given line plan. The rate of construction is Rs.
5700/m². Add 8% for electrification, 8% for water supply & sanitary, 4% for
gas supply, Rs. 4200/m for boundary, Rs. 60000 for main gate wall and 5%
contingencies.
Solution
Covered area of building
Portion I = 12m x 3.6m = 43.2 m²
Portion II = 9.4m x 2.5m = 23.50 m²
Portion III = = x = 3.78 m²
Portion IV = 2.80 x 2.30 = 6.44 m²
Total covered area = 76.92 m²
Length of boundary wall = 12+8.4+
3.60 = 24 m
Rate of construction = Rs 5700/m²
Cost of construction = 76.92 x 5700 = 438,444 Rupees
Cost of electrification= 438,444 x 8/100 =35,075.52 Rs
Cost of W/S & Sanitary= 438,444 x8/100=35,075.52 Rs
Cost of gas supply = 438,444 x 4/100 = 17,537.76 Rupees
Total = 438,444+35,075.52+ 35,075.52+ 17,537.76= 526,132.8 Rupees
Cost of boundary wall = 24x4200= 100,800 Rupees
Cost of main gate = 60000 rupees
Total Cost = 526,132.8+ 100,800+60000 = 686,932.8
Contingencies = 686,932.8x5/100=34,346.64 Rupees
GRAND TOTAL = 686,932.8+ 34,346.64 = 721,279.44 Rupees

P a g e 43
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

Detailed Estimate
Detailed Estimate of a building is determined by finding out the quantity of
its various items. After finding their quantity it is multiplied by their unit
rate and hence cost is measured. These items are called Item of Work.
Numbers of certain items are found out in numbers such as door and
window fittings , water supply fittings and sanitary fittings etc. Some items
are expressed in length only and their quantity is recorded in meters or foot.
For eexample sun shade Skirting and concrete joints etc. Some items are
measured in area such as Plaster, Pointing, White Washing and Painting etc.
Some items are measured in volume, such as earth work concrete and
masonry work, etc. Some items are measured with respect to their weight,
such as steel bars and other sections of steel.
The units for measuring the various items of a building are as follows
Sr. Description of work Units of Unit of rate Units of Unit of
No measure- measure- rate
ment. ment
1 Earthwork Cu. m Per% cu m cft Per ‰ cft
Earth work in excavation in any type of
soil
2 Clearing of sites, brushwood and small Sq m Per sq m sft Per% sft
trees
3 Earthwork in filling (with sand or loose Cu. m Per% cu m cft Per ‰ cft
earth) in foundation trenches or plinth.
4 Surface dressing Sq m Per sq m sft Per% sft
5 Brick work. Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
Brickwork (with lime or cement mortar)
of one or more than one brick wall
(one) brick thick walls when length of
brick is parallel to the thickness of the
wall.
6 Brickwork in Arches. Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
7 Reinforced brickwork. Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
8 Honeycomb brick work Sq m Per sq m sft Per% sft
9 10 cm(4 ½”) or half brick walls or thin Sq m Per sq m sft Per% sft
10 Brick flat soling (one or two layers). Sq m Per sq m sft Per% sft
11 Cornices, string courses, drip courses rm Per rm rft Per rft
etc.
12 Cutting openings in existing brickwork Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
13 Concrete works. Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
Lime or Cement concrete in foundation
14 Reinforced cement concrete. Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
15 Form work Sq. m Per sq. m Sft Per% sft

P a g e 44
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

16 Reinforcement Quintal Per quintal Cwt. Per cwt.

17 Damp proof course (D.P.C) Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
18 R.C.C. Chajja/ shade. rm Per rm rft Per rft
19 Precast C.C. or R.C.C. blocks Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
20 Solid block work (bed etc.) Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
21 Hollow concrete block wall Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
22 Concrete Jaff ries or allies etc. Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
23 Concrete fencing posts, terminal posts
Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
etc.
24 Stone work
Random Rubble masonry, coarse
Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
Rubble masonry, Ashlar masonry
walling and arches.
25 Stone work in wall facing etc. Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
26 Stone work in sills, steps, string courses,
Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
cornices, columns, lintels, copings etc.
27 Cut or dressed stone work as in chajjas, Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
Jallies, shelves etc.
28 Boulder work Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
24 Roofing,
Terraced roofing portion of tiles, bricks Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
or stone slabs.
25 Reinforced brick (R.B.) roof or slab. Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
26 Tiled roofing Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
27 Ridges, hips and balleys. rm Per rm rft Per rft
28 Eave board Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
29 Asbestos corrugated (A.C.) or
Galvanized corrugated Iron (G.C.I.)
Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
sheet roofing (excluding supporting
frame work).
30 Jack arch roofing (including centering). Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
31 Water proofing on roof with a layer of
Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
tar or bitumen
32 Felt work (dressing top with bitumen or
Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
tar
33 Ceiling and linings Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
34 Paving, Flooring, Dado and
skirting Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
Brick on Edge or brick flat flooring
35 Lime or cement concrete floors or
Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
paving
36 Artificial stone to floor, dado, stair case
Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
etc.

P a g e 45
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

37 Terrazzo or Mosaic flooring Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft

38 Stone slab flooring Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
39 Wood work
Door and window shutters of different Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
types
40 Shuttering, centering Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
41 Wood work in door and window
Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
frame
42 Scantlings, battens, trusses etc. Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
43 Hand rails rm Per rm rft Per rft
44 Boarding as roof boarding, celling,
Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
floors, paneling, shelves, etc.
45 Ballies rm Per rm rft Per rft
46 Wood Piles rm Per rm rft Per rft
47 Iron work.
MS reinforcement (for R.C.C. works) Quintal Per quintal Cwt. Per cwt.
including distribution bars, stirrups,
binders, etc.
48 MS structural works, R.S.J. channels,
Quintal Per quintal Cwt. Per cwt.
Angles, tee, round or sq. bar etc.
49 Iron work in truss work Quintal Per quintal Cwt. Per cwt.
50 Cast Iron work bracket gratings frames,
Quintal Per quintal Cwt. Per cwt.
pulley, grills manhole covers
51 Holding down bolts, nuts, washers,
Quintal Per quintal Cwt. Per cwt.
bolts, rivets, anchor bolts, Lewis
52 Collapsible Gate with rails, runners and
Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
channels
53 Rolling shutters Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
54 Steel Doors and windows Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
55 Iron gate Quintal Per quintal Cwt. Per cwt.
56 Wire Fencing rm Per rm rft Per rft
57 Expanded metal, wire netting etc. Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
58 Lightning conductors rm Per rm rft Per rft
59 Surface Finishing
Plastering (to wall, floor etc.) with lime Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
or cement mortar or pointing to
brickwork
60 Plastering to ceiling. Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
61 White washing colour, washing.
Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
Distempering and cement washing etc.
62 Coal tarring Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
63 Painting on Eaves, Gutters Rain water rm Per rm rft Per rft
and Ventilation pipes etc.
64 Painting letters and figures. No. Per each No. Per each
65 Painting work in doors, windows, grills,
Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
gratings, gates, corrugated roofing etc
66 Water and Sewer lines. rm Per rm rft Per rft

P a g e 46
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

All pipe lines (cast iron or steel) water

pipe, rain water, sanitary etc.
67 Sewer lines rm Per rm rft Per rft
68 Demolition and dismantling.
Brick, stone or concrete walls, columns, Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
footing and foundation etc.
69 Reinforced concrete, reinforced brick
Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
roofs, walls foundations etc.
70 Manholes or Inspection No. Per each No. Per each
71 Manholes or Inspection chambers point Per point point Per point
72 Miscellaneous rm Per rm rft Per rft
Rain water, vent, waste pipes etc.
73 Ventilating cowls No. Per each No. Per each
74 Sanitary fittings No. Per each No. Per each
75 Drain pipe rm Per rm rft Per rft
76 Glass panes Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
77 Broken glass coping Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
78 Door handles No. Per each No. Per each
79 Butt and strap hinges No. Per each No. Per each
80 Bolts No. Per each No. Per each
81 Cutting angles, plates and tees Sq m Per sq m Sft Per% sft
82 Cutting of steel channels, joists cm Per cm inches Per inch
83 Threading in iron cm Per cm inches Per inch
84 Boring holes in iron No. Per each No. Per each
85
86
87 Fabrication and hoisting of steel work Quintal Per quintal Cwt. Per cwt.
88 Materials
50 kg bag Per bag 50 kg bag Per bag
Cement
89 Sand, grit, brick bats Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per% cft
90 Bricks no Per 1000 no Per 1000
91 Wood Cu. m Per cu. m cft Per cft
92 Reinforcement sheet Quintal Per quintal Cwt. Per cwt.
93 Tiles no Per 1000 no Per 1000
94 Adhesive kg Per kg Lbs. Per lbs.
95 Turpentine, primer, varnish, paint Litre Per litre Litre Per litre
96 Water-proof powder, lime kg Per kg Lbs. Per lbs.
97 Pipes rm Per m foot Per foot
98 Bathroom accessories no Per no no Per no
99 Plywood sheet Sq m Per sq m Sft Per sft
Abbreviation used in the table: cu m = cubic meter sq m= square meter, rm = running meter
cft = cubic foot sft= square foot, rft = running foot

P a g e 47
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

DEGREE OF ACCURACY IN MEASUREMENT

When preparing an estimate, only the total quantities of the Main Head are
recorded, while the quantities of the Sub-Head are taken up to two degrees
in the Decimal system. The third digit after the decimal (except for zero) if it
is less than 5 is ignored and if it is 5 or more than 5 then one is added to the
second digit.
Following are the measures to find the correct readings.
i. All linear measurement = 0.1m or (1cm) except for thickness of slab,
which shall be measured to nearest 0.005 m.
ii. Area shall be worked out to the nearest 0.01 sq. m.
iii. Volume shall be worked out to the nearest 0.01 cu. m.
iv. Weight shall be worked out to the nearest 0.001 tonne

Note: Any work done by the contractor extra over the specified dimensions
shall not be paid.

RULES OF DEDUCTION
While preparing the estimate of the building, measurement of various Items
of work is done according to the principles laid down. Deduction is made in it
according to the rules for doors and windows etc. as required. The following
are the rules for different type of items.

Brick work
In the case of brick masonry, the measurement for doors, windows, skylights
and shell beams etc. is deducted while taking the measurement of the
completed work. However, if their size is less than 0.1 square meter (one
square foot), it is not included in the deduction. Similarly, the area of
masonry attached to beams, etc., is ignored if it is less than 500 square
centimetres (100 square inch).

Concrete work
When making the measurements for concrete work, the actual size of the
prepared structure is considered and if it contains holes, etc., their size is
deducted, but if the size of these holes is less than 0.1 square meters (one
square foot), it is ignored. Similarly, if the work of concrete is done with any

P a g e 48
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

other material, the area of less than 500 square centimetres (100 square
inches) is ignored. There is no deduction in case of a pipe or steel in the
concrete.

D.P.C.
If D.P.C. is provided at plinth level, it’s measurement is taken to be equal to
length and width of wall above it and for doors and veranda opening,
deduction is made.

Plaster and Pointing

If there is any opening during the measurement of pointing or plaster, it is
completely ignored, if its size is less than 0.5 square meters. If its size is 0.5 to
3 square meters (5 square feet to 30 square feet) and there is same pointing
and plaster on both sides of wall then one side is added to the measurement
and jambs, soffit and sill of doors and windows are not added. In case of size
larger than 3 square meters (30 square feet), deductions are made on both
sides and jambs, soffit, and sill are added in the measurement.

White washing and distempering

While taking measurements for painting, distempering or white washing the
rule of deductions are same as plastering and pointing.

Taking off systems

Taking off is the process of measuring and recording a structure by given
drawing or going to a site. There are two systems of taking off.

i. Trade System
ii. Group System

Trade System
In this system, after registering the measurement of one type of items (items
of work), the measurement of other items is started and the same order and
form is adopted for it in which the bill of Quantity (B. O. Q) is prepared. For
example, first of all, earth work is measured, which includes all kinds of
excavation and filling work. After this, all kind of masonry work under brick
work is completed, then another work is started. Since the ordering of items
in this method is the same as that required for Bill of Quantity (B. O. Q.), So

P a g e 49
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

separate entry is not required. Chances for mistake are high in that system
so, you have to look at the whole drawing again and again.

Group System
In this system, the measurement work is divided into different groups. For
example

i. Foundation work Excavation, concrete and masonry work in the

foundation and D.P.C work at the floor level.
ii. Masonry work: All masonry work, including exterior facing work
above floor level
iii. Roofing work: Roofing and drainage
iv. Floor work: Laying the floor
v. Finishing work: work of plaster, pointing and (dado work) etc.
vi. Woodwork: Work on doors, windows and skylights
vii. Complete internal Plumbing Work
viii. Electrical Installation and Fitting Work
ix. All Exterior Plumbing Work including, Manhole, drain, sewer pipe
etc.

METHODS OF WRITING MEASUREMENTS

After taking the measurements in the order and manner described
earlier, they are written in the form of a table. Here are some ways to
write measurements.

i. PWD method
ii. English Method
iii. M. E. S. Method

P. W. D. Method
This is the usual method of recording measurements in government
departments. The table format used in this system is as follows.
Sr. Description of No. Measurements Quantity Remarks
No. work Length Breadth Height or
Depth

P a g e 50
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

The Serial Number of the items is entered in the first column of the Table
made for the entry of measurements according to the P, W.D. Method.
Description of item is written down in second column. The column of
measurements is then filled. If a measurement consists only of length, it is
entered in the length column (L) and the other two columns (B) and (H) are
left blank. If a measurement is of area, it is entered in the first two columns
of measurement (L) and (B) and if any measurement is of volume, it is
recorded in all three columns of measurement. Then the next (Content /
Quantity column) is recorded which is the product of the previous four
columns, which can be only a length, area or volume. Detail about any
measurement is written in last column named as Remarks.

ENGLISH METHOD
This is a common practice in private firms and foreign countries. It uses lined
paper called Dimension Paper. An example of this is as follows.
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Here is how to fill out this table.

Column No. 1
This is called the Timesing Column. If the number of items to be measured is
more than one, the number is written in this column

Column number 2
This is called (Dimension Column). It contains measurements of drawings or
measurements taken on the spot, which can be one, two or three, such as
length, width and height or depth. If only the length of an item is to be
entered, one measurement will be written and if the area is to be measured,
two dimensions will be written in case of volume and all three dimensions
will be written. The top dimensions will represent the length, next the
second one will represent the width, and the bottom dimensions will indicate
the height or depth. A line is drawn after the set of measurements.

P a g e 51
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

Column No. 3
This is called a squaring column. In it, the product of the number and
dimensions is entered, in shape of length, area or volume.

Column No. 4
This is called the Description Column. The detailed descriptions of the items
are written in it. To the right of this column is a redundancy process called
Waste is entered. Waste contains the following information.
i. Rough process required for the measurements written in column 1
and column 2, i.e. initial addition and subtraction.
ii. The place where the said work will be done. This place is marked and
so on.

M.E.S. Method
This method is used in the Department of Military Engineering Services
(M.E.S) for measuring construction work or for supplying construction
materials. In terms of entry this method is similar to the English method.
The following table is used to record the measurements according to this
method. In the first column of this sheet, the number of items is written. If
there is only one item, it is not necessary to write one. Measurements of
items are written in second column. The number of measurements may be
one, two or three measurements such as width, height or depth. If an item is
intended to enter only the length, one dimension is written, and if the area is
to be entered, two and in the case of volume three values are written. The
top measurement will show the length, the next measurement will show the
width and the lowest measurement will show the height or depth. After each
set of measurements, a line will be drawn below it. In the next column, the
product of the entries of the first two columns is entered which shows the
total product of the items. The last column contains the description about
the item.
No. Dimensions Contents Particulars

P a g e 52
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

Methods of detailed Estimate

For earthwork in excavation, foundation which are symmetrical, brickwork in
superstructure and plinth and concrete in foundation, three methods are
there for estimation. These are

1. Separate or Individual wall method and

2. Centre Line Method.
3. Crossing Method

With these methods the lengths and widths of various items are mainly
found out which helps in calculations.

SEPARATE OF INDIVIDUAL WALL METHOD

Here, the external wall length in the longitudinal direction and the internal
wall length running in transverse direction are found out and quantities are
calculated by multiplying the length, breadth and height of wall. Similarly, in
excavation of foundation to concrete in foundation and to masonry, this
method is carried out. Special care is taken to note the difference in
dimensions at different heights due to footings or due to offsets. The length
of wall in longitudinal direction is normally reduced from earth work to brick
work in case of super structure whereas the wall in transverse direction is
raised. Also, the wall along the length of room is taken as long wall whereas
the wall perpendicular to long wall is treated as short wall.
Following formulas are used
Long wall length out-to-out = centre to centre length + half breadth on one
side + half breadth on the other side = centre to centre length + one breadth
Short wall length in-to-in = centre to centre length – one breadth

This method is simple and accurate and is also termed as Long wall and short
wall method or general method.

P a g e 53
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

Long Wall = 5.3+0.9=6.2 m, Short Wall = 4.3-0.9=3.4 m, Width = 0.9 m

Total Quantity of concrete in foundation=(2×6.2×0.9×0.3) + (2×3.4×0.9×0.3) cum

P a g e 54
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

Long Wall = 5.3+0.6=5.9 m, Short Wall = 4.3-0.6=3.7 m, Width = 0.6 m

Total Quantity of brickwork in 1st footing=(2×5.9×0.6×0.3) + (2×3.7×0.6×0.3) cum

Long Wall = 5.3+0.3=5.6 m, Short Wall = 4.3-0.3=4.0 m, Width = 0.3 m

Total Quantity of brickwork in walls= (2×5.6×0.3×3.5) + (2×4.0×0.3×3.5) cum

P a g e 55
CHAPTER # 03 BUILDING ESTIMATE

Long Wall = 5.3+5.3+0.9=11.5 m, Short Wall = 4.3-0.9=3.4 m, Width = 0.9 m

Total Qty of concrete in foundation= (2×11.5×0.9×0.3) + (3×3.4×0.9×0.3) cum

P a g e 56