The Implication of the Standard Method of Measurement (SMMs) for Building Works Toward Contractors’ Works

Standard Method of Measurement (SMM) is a reference document used to determine a localized technique of construction measurement protocol needed in producing a good Bills of Quantities (BQ) which is then incorporated into the contract document for the project. The preparation of the BQ based on SMM that is reflective of the actual work will actually help the contractor to price the tender realistically. Tendering is a serious business, whereby failure to properly price it at a realistic and profitable level can give a bad impact to the contractor’s organization. Thus, it is crucial to conduct research which aimed to investigate the two edition of the SMM for building works between the SMM1 and SMM2 version in the preparation of the BQs, focusing towards improving the appreciation of the contractors during the course of tender and construction. In view of the above matter, this paper will attempt to identify a few differences on the method of measurement between SMM1 and SMM2 and to analyze the contractors’ perception on the application of the SMM in determining the tender realistically and reflective of the work on site. Triangular data collection approach was used in order to obtain a variety of information on the same issues. It comprises a literature review followed by document analysis, a questionnaire survey which was then supported by semi- structured interviews. However, due to the limitation of the space, this paper will only focus on one major element which is the excavation work. There are three differences identified between the SMM1 and SMM2, which are; unit of measurement, method of measurement and additional new items/elements. There were also a few items the contractor prefers to be measured according to the SMM1. Thus, an improvement is needed in order fill in the gap identified between the two SMMs.