Source: https://www.quantsurv.com/resources/glossary/preliminaries Content format: Markdown version of the public page. Content reviewed: 2026-09-30 # Preliminaries: definition and example The costs of running the site that do not belong to one item of work, such as supervision, welfare, access and site plant. By [Jack Butler-Kettle]() ยท Updated 30 September 2026 Guidance for England and Wales. Check the contract, amendments and facts that apply to your job. ## What it means in practice Read this alongside [NRM 2: Detailed measurement for building works]() and [SCL Delay and Disruption Protocol](). Preliminaries are project-related costs that support delivery rather than one measured item of work. Some are time-related, such as supervision or hired accommodation; others may be fixed. That distinction matters when considering a change or delay because not every preliminary increases with duration. Separate fixed and time-related costs in your records. [Delay and disruption recovery]() can help explain which additional costs are connected to the event. ## Worked example ### The facts A package has a one-off mobilisation cost and weekly supervision costs. ### What happens 1. A delay extends supervision, but no second mobilisation takes place. 2. The subcontractor records the additional supervision separately from the original fixed cost. ### What this shows An extended duration does not justify charging every preliminary item again. ## Sources 1. [NRM 2: Detailed measurement for building works, UK 2nd edition, October 2021 (reissued October 2022 as RICS practice information)](). RICS. 2. [Delay and Disruption Protocol, 2nd edition, February 2017](). Society of Construction Law.