Cost breakdown structure
The New Rules of Measurement (NRM) are published by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and prepared by the Quantity Surveying and Construction Professional Group. They provide a standard set of measurement rules for estimating, cost planning, procurement and whole-life costing for construction projects.
According to NRM2: Detailed measurement for building works, in the context of bill of quantities, the cost breakdown structure (CBS) ‘…represents the financial breakdown of a building project into cost targets for elements or work packages.’ Where the bill of quantities (sometimes referred to as 'BoQ' or 'BQ') provides project specific measured quantities of the items of work identified by the drawings and specifications for a project .
The cost breakdown structure can be developed based on the work breakdown structure (WBS) and can be used to allocate costs to each part of the building project. The WBS and CBS provide a baseline for cost management of the project during construction.
For more information see: Bill of quantities breakdown structures.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Bill of quantities breakdown structures.
- NRM2.
- Approximate bill of quantities.
- Bill of quantities.
- Cost planning.
- Elemental bill of quantities.
- Firm bill of quantities.
- Measurement.
- Product breakdown structure.
- Tender documentation.
- Tender pricing document.
- Types of bill of quantities.
- Uniclass.
- Work breakdown structure.
- Work package bill of quantities.
- Work section bill of quantities.
Featured articles and news
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.
Meet CIOB event in Northern Ireland
Inspiring the next generation of construction talent.
Reasons for using MVHR systems
6 reasons for a whole-house approach to ventilation.
Supplementary Planning Documents, a reminder
As used by the City of London to introduce a Retrofit first policy.
The what, how, why and when of deposit return schemes
Circular economy steps for plastic bottles and cans in England and Northern Ireland draws.
Join forces and share Building Safety knowledge in 2025
Why and how to contribute to the Building Safety Wiki.
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regs
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.