What is construction measurement (Ausmass)?

Construction measurement explained simply

A quote sets out planned or tendered quantities. Construction measurement records what was actually completed and links the work on site to the relevant item for verification and billing. In Germany and Austria, this is commonly called an “Aufmaß”; in Switzerland, “Ausmass” is the usual term.

Construction measurement is more than a final number. The calculation should remain easy to verify—for example, through length × height, component counts, marked areas on a plan, or itemised quantities.

What makes a construction measurement verifiable?

• Project and relevant phase or component
• Reference to the corresponding item in the bill of quantities
• Date or measurement period
• Partial and detailed quantities with calculation methods
• Unit of the item
• Plan references, sketches, photos, or measurement sheets
• Deductions, surcharges, and applied measurement rules
• Review status or comments from stakeholders

Example

The bill of quantities specifies 520 m² for a facade area. After completion, four sub-areas of 142, 168, 96, and 121 m² are determined. Openings and contractually defined deductions are documented separately. The verified total is 511 m². Instead of just entering the final figure, sub-quantities and plan references are retained.

Measurement and time-and-materials reports

The measurement determines quantities for existing service items. A time-and-materials report documents expenses billed based on time, materials, and other resources. A project may require both forms of documentation: executed contract items via measurement, and additional work via time-and-materials work or variation quotes.

What happens in the event of changes to quantities or services?

A quantity deviation is not automatically the same thing as a new service. If the work belongs to an existing item, the actual quantity is recorded in the measurement. If an additional or modified service is necessary, a variation quote or time-and-materials documentation may be required. The correct approach depends on the contract, the item, and the specific situation.

Typical mistakes

• Only a total is recorded without sub-quantities or calculation methods.
• Measurements are not assigned to a clear item.
• Plan version, phase, or date is missing.
• Different units are being mixed.
• Changes are only reconstructed at the end of the project.

Digital measurement

Digitally recorded detailed quantities remain assigned to the quote item, are totalled, and provide a transparent basis for billing. With Caturix Quotes, the bill of quantities, items, measurements, and project remain connected.

Frequently asked questions about measurement

When is the measurement created?

Ideally, it should be done continuously after measurable milestones rather than just at the end of the project. Work that is concealed or will no longer be accessible later should be documented in a timely manner.

Can measurements be determined from plans?

Depending on the agreed-upon method, plan quantities can be used. The crucial factor is that the plan version, derivation, and any deviations from the actual execution remain traceable.

Who checks the measurement?

Recording is often carried out by the executing company; the verification process depends on the project organisation and contract. Unclear quantities should be resolved together at an early stage.