The considerable changes introduced by the new Standard Method of Measurement, SMM7, have required a complete rewrite of this established text. As before, taking off is presented by means of explanation and example, but the opportunity has been taken to introduce examples of modern construction methods and particular attention has been paid to the clarity of presentation of the measurement sheets. The chapter on bill preparation has been updated in line with modern practice, and a new chapter on alternative billing systems, including computerised bill production, has been added.