SMM7: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to SMM7

The complex construction industry requires precise measurements and consistent standards to ensure efficiency and economic viability. One of the key tools that has been instrumental in achieving this is the Standard Method of Measurement 7 (SMM7). This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of SMM7, its significance in the construction industry, and the transition to the New Rules of Measurement (NRM).

What is SMM7? 

Definition and Purpose of SMM7

In its seventh edition, the Standard Method of Measurement, commonly referred to as SMM7, is a crucial document in the construction industry. Published in 1988, it provides a set of guidelines and procedures for measuring building works. The primary purpose of SMM is to offer a consistent basis for preparing bills of quantities and cost estimates.

SMM7 serves as a standard method for measuring and estimating building works. It ensures that all construction professionals use a consistent approach regardless of their location or the size of the project they are working on. This uniformity is essential for maintaining accuracy in cost estimates, facilitating communication between different professionals, and ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and economically.

In essence, SMM plays a pivotal role in the construction industry, providing a framework that helps professionals navigate the complexities of building works measurement. Its guidelines and procedures have been widely adopted and influence construction practices today.

History of SMM7 

Evolution and Impact of SM M7

The Standard Method of Measurement 7 (SM M7) was developed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Building Employers’ Confederation. It was introduced as a replacement for the sixth edition, reflecting the changes in construction practices and technology at the time.

Since its publication in 1988, SMM7 has been a cornerstone in the construction industry, providing a consistent and reliable method for measuring building works. Its introduction marked a significant shift in the industry, promoting uniformity and reducing discrepancies in the preparation of bills of quantities and cost estimates.

The impact of SMM7 has been profound, shaping the way construction professionals approach the measurement of building works. Its influence extends beyond the United Kingdom, with its guidelines and procedures being adopted in countries with similar construction practices.

Contents of SM M7

Exploring the Components of SMM7

SMM7 provides a systematic approach to measuring building works. It includes detailed guidance on the arrangement of bills of quantities and the categorisation of building elements. This systematic approach ensures that all relevant aspects of a construction project are accounted for and measured accurately.

The contents of SMM7 are comprehensive, covering a wide range of building works. It offers a set of rules for measuring and describing building works, ensuring that all construction professionals work from the same standards. This consistency is crucial for maintaining accuracy in cost estimates and facilitating effective communication between different professionals involved in a project.

In addition to its measurement rules, SMM7 also provides guidelines for preparing bills of quantities. These guidelines help professionals organise and present their measurements clearly and clearly. This clarity is essential for ensuring that all parties involved in a construction project understand the project’s scope and cost.

In essence, the contents of SMM7 serve as a comprehensive guide for measuring building works. Its guidelines and procedures provide a solid foundation for the preparation of bills of quantities and cost estimates, promoting accuracy and efficiency in the construction industry.

SMM7 in Practice 

Application and Benefits of SMM7

The Standard Method of Measurement 7 (SMM7) has been extensively used in the construction industry to measure and estimate building works. Its clear and consistent approach to measurement ensures accurate cost estimates and facilitates communication between various professionals such as architects, quantity surveyors, and contractors.

The application of SMM7 extends to all aspects of a construction project, from the initial planning stages to the final cost estimation. It provides a consistent basis for preparing bills of quantities, ensuring that all measurements are consistent and accurate. This uniformity is crucial for maintaining efficiency and economic viability in the construction industry.

The benefits of using SMM7 in practice are numerous. It promotes consistency in measuring building works, reducing discrepancies and potential disputes. It also facilitates effective communication between professionals involved in a project, ensuring that everyone works from the same standards. Furthermore, it provides a reliable basis for cost estimation, helping to ensure that projects are completed within budget.

Limitations and Criticisms of SMM7 

Challenges and Critiques of SMM7

Despite its widespread use and benefits, SMM7 has faced criticism over time. Critics have argued that SMM7 was outdated and did not adequately reflect the modern construction industry’s methods and practices. This led to the proposal for a new set of measurement rules, known as the New Rules of Measurement (NRM).

One of the main criticisms of SMM7 is its lack of flexibility. It provides a rigid set of rules for measuring building works, which may not always align with the evolving practices and technologies in the construction industry. This rigidity can lead to inaccuracies in cost estimates and difficulties in adapting to new construction methods.

Furthermore, some critics have pointed out that SMM7 does not provide sufficient guidance on specific aspects of building works measurement. This lack of direction can lead to inconsistencies in preparing bills of quantities and cost estimates.

Despite these criticisms, SMM7 has played a crucial role in shaping the construction industry. Its limitations have catalysed the development of new measurement rules, creating the New Rules of Measurement (NRM).

Transition to NRM 

The Shift from SMM7 to New Rules of Measurement

The New Rules of Measurement (NRM) were introduced as a response to the limitations and criticisms of SMM7. The NRM consists of three volumes, each designed to address different aspects of building works measurement:

1. NRM1: Order for cost estimating and cost planning for capital building works.
2. NRM2: Detailed measurement for building works, which directly replaces SMM7.
3. NRM3: Order for cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance works.

These new rules were designed to reflect the modern construction industry’s practices better and to address the limitations of SMM7. The transition to NRM marked a significant shift in the construction industry, introducing a more comprehensive and modern approach to measuring building works.

The NRM provides a more detailed and flexible approach to measurement, allowing for a wider range of construction works to be covered. It also introduces levels of complexity for each building element, providing more detailed information to assist estimators.

Benefits of NRM over SMM7 

Advantages of Adopting New Rules of Measurement

The introduction of NRM brought several benefits over SMM7. One of the main advantages is the improved clarity and consistency in measurements. This enables better communication between construction professionals and ensures that cost estimates are more accurate and reliable.

NRM also offers a more comprehensive and detailed approach to measuring and estimating construction works. It covers a broader range of construction works and provides more detailed information for each building element. This level of detail is particularly beneficial for estimators, as it allows for more accurate cost predictions.

Furthermore, NRM is better aligned with modern construction practices, techniques, and technologies. This alignment ensures that the measurement rules are relevant and applicable to the current construction industry.

Finally, NRM enhances cost estimating and cost planning capabilities. This leads to more accurate and reliable cost predictions, which are crucial for successfully completing construction projects.

SMM7 and NRM in the Global Construction Industry

Global Adoption and Impact of SMM7 and NRM

While SMM7 has been widely used in the United Kingdom and countries with similar construction practices, its transition to NRM has led to broader adoption of the new measurement rules. The NRM has become more appealing to the global construction industry with its more comprehensive approach and better alignment with contemporary techniques.

The transition from SMM7 to NRM has impacted how construction works are measured and influenced the global construction industry’s practices. The NRM’s comprehensive and modern approach to measuring building works has been recognised and adopted by various regions worldwide. This widespread adoption promotes a consistent and uniform approach to measuring and estimating construction works, contributing to the industry’s overall efficiency and economic viability.

The global impact of NRM is a testament to its effectiveness and relevance in the modern construction industry. As the industry continues to evolve, the NRM is poised to play a crucial role in shaping its future.

The Role of Technology in the Transition from SMM7 to NRM 

Technological Advancements and Their Influence on the Transition

The shift from SMM7 to NRM has been accompanied by significant technological advancements that have revolutionised the construction industry. Digital tools, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and software solutions have played a significant role in implementing NRM.

These technologies have made it easier for construction professionals to generate accurate and consistent measurements, collaborate more effectively, and reduce errors and discrepancies in project estimations. For instance, BIM allows for creating detailed 3D models of building works, providing a visual and interactive platform for measuring and estimating construction works.

Moreover, software solutions have automated many of the tasks involved in measuring building works, reducing the time and effort required and increasing accuracy. These technological advancements have facilitated the transition from SMM7 to NRM and transformed the way construction professionals approach building works measurement.

The role of technology in the transition from SMM7 to NRM highlights the dynamic nature of the construction industry and the importance of adapting to new technologies and practices. As technology continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play a more significant role in shaping the future of measurement of building works.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Conclusion

SMM7 served as an essential measurement method for building works in the construction industry for many years. However, due to its limitations and outdated nature, the industry transitioned to the New Rules of Measurement, which better reflects contemporary construction practices and provides more detailed and accurate measurements. With its improved clarity, consistency, and comprehensiveness, the NRM has become the new standard for the construction industry. As the industry continues to evolve, so will the measurement methods, ensuring they remain relevant and effective in changing practices and technologies.