Document downloads - Pre-tender estimates
Available downloads
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Code of measuring practice
Published: September 2007
Reinstated: 23 January 2018
Effective from: 23 January 2018
Code of measuring practice, 6th edition was reinstated on 23 January 2018 after publication of RICS property measurement, 2nd edition.
The 6th edition of the code became effective globally from 18 May 2015 when it was incorporated into the first professional statement, that for offices. -
Surveyors' construction handbook: pre-contract cost planning and cost management (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
Any questions relating to its status and application should be addressed to the RICS QS and construction professional group. -
New rules of measurement
Published October 2021
Effective from 1 December 2021
Reissued October 2022
New rules of measurement (NRM) provides a standard set of measurement rules and essential guidance for the cost management of construction projects and maintenance works.
For the first time, all three volumes of the NRM suite have been published at the same time. The updated suite consists of three separate volumes:
- NRM 1: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building works
- NRM 2: Detailed measurement for building works
- NRM 3: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance works
The primary development in recent years has been the publication of the International Cost Management Standard (ICMS) (formerly known as International Construction Measurement Standards). Together with the Cost prediction professional standard, there now exists a hierarchy of cost management standards and tools from the high-level and global ICMS, through the more detailed principles of all aspects of cost prediction in the professional standard, to the detailed rules and guidance in the NRM suite.
Other recent developments that have resulted in the need for a revised edition include the publication of a new RIBA Plan of Work (2020), which provides a framework for the analysis of construction costs.
A mapping tool between NRM and ICMS will be provided here shortly, mapping the new NRM with ICMS 3, launched in November 2021. While NRM is based on UK practice, it provides a framework for a common set of rules and guidance with global application.
A number of other supporting documents are also being provided alongside the new NRM suite, which are designed to assist users with their understanding and use of the new NRM suite. These will be available from, or shortly after, launch.
These documents were reissued in October 2022 as practice information. They had previously been published in October 2021 as guidance notes. No material changes have been made to the documents. -
Cost reporting
Published March 2015
Effective from March 2015
This 1st edition guidance note sets out the principles of cost reporting from the perspective of the quantity surveyor to the client during construction.
This guidance note explains the purpose of cost reporting, the factors affecting outturn cost and explores the different formats and types of cost report.
This guidance note covers:
- the purpose of cost reporting;
- cost reporting models;
- report formats;
- establishing the budget;
- treatment of variable costs;
- strategic importance; and
- reporting of loss and expense.
This is part of RICS' Black Book, which is a collection of technical practice documents that covers all processes throughout the construction project life cycle. The documents are essential development tools for junior professionals working through their APC and useful guides to best practice for more experienced professionals.
A project is currently underway to review and update the Black Book content with the aim of producing a comprehensive new edition. Expected to publish in 2025, the new Black Book will comprise an overarching global professional standard, accompanied by practical guidance material. -
RICS property measurement
Published January 2018
Effective from 1 May 2018
Reissued May 2024
Following the publication of IPMS: All Buildings, please note this document is in the process of being updated. Please see the RICS website for further updates.
RICS property measurement comprises the following two elements:
1. Professional statement: property measurement
a) Application of this professional statement
b) Technical definitions
c) IPMS: Office Buildings, as applied under the professional statement
d) IPMS: Residential Buildings as applied under the professional statement (applies to office measurements and residential measurements only – download these below).
2. RICS IPMS data standard
This document reflects the IPMS standards (IPMS: Office Buildings and IPMS: Residential) and will be updated over time to comply with other IPMS standards, including industrial, retail and mixed use, as they are published.
For all building classes except offices and residential buildings, the bases of measurement contained within the Code of measuring practice, 6th edition (COMP) may still apply though the application of this professional statement applies to all building classes. The COMP was effective globally from 18 May 2015, though early adoption of IPMS is recommended on publication of the new standards.
Software developers and those requiring the use of structured data are advised to follow the schemas as defined, and those wishing to pursue RICS software certification must demonstrate compliance with this data standard. This data standard is an XML schema and is available to download.
A user guide to the standard, intended for implementers, is available for download. For more information please email datastandards@rics.org.