Final Specifications
Final specifications are the specifications issued at RIBA Stage 4 (Technical Design). They describe the materials, products, workmanship and performance
Flashing
Flashing is a strip of impervious material, usually lead or another metal, used to prevent water penetrating at joints and
Formal Cost Plan
A formal cost plan is an elemental cost plan that is formally reported to the client on completion of a
Formal Cost Plan Stage
A formal cost plan stage is the point at which the quantity surveyor or cost manager formally submits an elemental
Functional Unit
A functional unit is a unit of measurement that represents the main use of a building or part of a
Functional Unit Method
The functional unit method is a rough budget setting technique. A suitable standard unit of use for the project is
Gross External Floor Area (GEFA) – IPMS 1 Measurement
Gross external floor area (GEFA) is the total floor area of a building measured externally, in accordance with IPMS 1
Gross Internal Floor Area (GIFA) or Internal Area – IPMS 2 Measurement
Gross internal floor area (GIFA), or internal area, is the total floor area of a building measured internally, in accordance
Group Element
A group element is one of the main headings used to structure an elemental cost plan. Each group element is
Health & Safety
Health and safety covers the legal duties and practical measures that protect people from harm at work, including employers, employees,
