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Data centre quantity surveying

Take-offs, Bills of Quantities and cost plans for data centres, where power, cooling and ICT systems make up most of the cost.

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University building under construction in the UK with a tower crane, scaffolding and a concrete frame next to a finished brick facade

Overview

A data centre is a building designed around its systems. Power, cooling, fire protection and ICT infrastructure usually account for most of the construction cost, and redundancy requirements such as N+1 or 2N multiply the equipment and distribution.

Data centres are one of our specialist disciplines. We measure the building and its MEP and ICT systems in detail, so cost plans and BoQs reflect the real scope of a mission-critical facility.

Deliverables

  1. 01

    Power

    Switchgear, transformers, UPS systems and batteries, generators, busbars and power distribution to the racks.

  2. 02

    Cooling

    Chillers, CRAH and CRAC units, in-row cooling, pipework, ductwork and aisle containment.

  3. 03

    Fire protection

    Detection, gas suppression systems, and sprinklers in support areas.

  4. 04

    ICT and security

    Structured cabling and containment, access control, CCTV and building management systems.

  5. 05

    White space fit-out

    Raised floors, hot and cold aisle containment, cable trays and rack layouts.

  6. 06

    Building and site

    Structure, envelope, fuel storage, external plant areas and site infrastructure.

Early in design, we prepare order-of-cost estimates and elemental cost plans that separate the building from the power, cooling and ICT systems, so the client can see where the money goes and test options such as phasing by data hall.

At tender stage, we measure every system in detail from layouts, single-line diagrams and equipment schedules, and organise the BoQ by system and phase. This makes it easier to package specialist works and compare bids.

  • Order-of-cost estimates and cost plans
  • Detailed MEP and ICT take-offs
  • Tender BoQs by system and phase
  • Re-measurement after design changes

How we work

  1. 01

    Send your drawings

    Share PDF, DWG or Revit files with the specifications, and tell us the measurement standard and BoQ format you need.

  2. 02

    Scope, timeline and quote

    We confirm exactly what is included, the deliverables and a delivery date before any work starts.

  3. 03

    Measure and check

    Graduate quantity surveyors measure the work, then a second surveyor checks quantities and descriptions against the drawings.

  4. 04

    Deliver and support

    You receive editable Excel and PDF files, take-off sheets and marked-up drawings, and we answer queries and revisions.

Standards: NRM 01 · NRM 02 · SMM 7 · QSMM · POMI · CESMM 3 · CESMM 4 · SLS 573

FAQ

Can you separate costs by data hall or phase?

Yes. We structure take-offs and BoQs by data hall, phase or system so each can be priced and built separately.

Do you measure from single-line diagrams?

We use single-line diagrams and equipment schedules for switchgear, UPS systems and generators, and layout drawings for cable and pipe routes.

Which standards do you use?

We follow the method in your tender documents — commonly NRM 2 or POMI — and NRM 1 for cost plans.

Related

Start a conversation

Let’s measure your next project.

Share your drawings and we will come back with a scope, timeline and quote.

Schedule an online meeting info@qs-global-solutions.com