Sub-element
The New Rules of Measurement (NRM) are published by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). They provide a standard set of measurement rules for estimating, cost planning, procurement and whole-life costing for construction projects.
According to NRM1: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building work, the term ‘element’ refers to:
'...a major part of a group element (e.g. the elements that create group element 3: Internal finishes are 3.1:Wall finishes, 3.2: Floor finishes, and 3.3: Ceiling finishes). A separate cost target can be established for each element.'
Where, 'group element' means:
'...the main headings used to describe the facets of an elemental cost plan (i.e. Substructure; Superstructure; Internal finishes; Fittings, furnishings and equipment; Services; Complete buildings and building units;Work to existing buildings; External works; Facilitating works; Main contractor’s preliminaries; Main contractor’s overheads and profit; Project/design team fees; Other development/project costs; Risks; and Inflation).'
And a ‘sub element’ is:
‘…a part of an element. As with elements, a separate cost target can be established for each sub-element (e.g. the sub-elements that comprise element 2: Superstructure are 2.1 Frame; 2.2: Upper floors; 2.3: Roof; 2.4: Stairs and ramps; 2.5: External walls; 2.6:Windows and external doors; 2.7: Internal walls and partitions; and 2.8: Internal doors.’
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.





















