What is BIM in construction?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an intelligent, 3D model-based tool that provides a comprehensive digital representation of a facility's physical and functional aspects. It also allows professionals to perform better asset management, analytical maintenance, and more efficient operation of the facility throughout its lifecycle.
The top 07 reasons to use BIM in construction projects
- Maximized Efficiency Implementing BIM in construction projects has a shorter life cycle and better efficiency. Because all aspects and features of the pre-construction or planning phases become easier to manage and faster to complete, this is one of the key benefits of BIM. Architects design the project quickly, whereas estimators can evaluate more accurate estimations through BIM models. Apart from this, BIM also allows for much better collaboration and communication between the different people involved in the project. And also allow them to access BIM plans whenever they need. Thus, BIM is very helpful in minimizing errors and rework that come from using inaccurate information.
- Reduce costs and waste. BIM software provides multiple tools for contractors and designers to enhance their processes before construction starts. This leads to significant waste reductions as well as cost savings. For example, BIM helps contractors make better material choices to streamline the construction work. and also helps to reduce the possibility of human errors that may occur during construction. Improving the planning stages also helps contractors reduce the amount of wasted material with cost-effective results.
- Improved Cost Estimates Working with a detailed model like BIM allows estimators to obtain more accurate results. In comparison to a 2D blueprint, by using a 3D model, a more insightful plan can be obtained. As a result, more realistic and accurate model-based cost estimates are obtained. And the estimating process is much faster with easier access to information and tools. Thus, not only can cost estimates be optimized by BIM models, but they can also make quantity takeoffs easier by presenting a more comprehensive model.
- Better Insight into the Project BIM provides a more realistic 3D view of the outcome of the project. As a result, a better visualization can be obtained that helps contractors get a better feel for the built asset. It not only helps to better understand the building, but it also helps to avoid unnecessary rework. By looking at realistic 3D plans for a project, planners can get a good idea of what will work and what needs to change. This enables contractors to make changes during the pre-construction phase before it becomes an issue. Avoiding rework can help you save plenty of money and time.
- Collaboration and Communication BIM is a tactic that promotes collaboration. Cloud-based BIM software allows everyone involved in the project to easily and effectively communicate and collaborate. All have access to all the information they require and up-to-date models from anywhere. This feature helps to avoid unnecessary meetings and work bottlenecks. All planning stakeholders may work on the entire aspect of the project at all times. All estimates, models, or even design notes are created and stored in one place. This means that architects can change designs instantly, and contractors can change the model even when not on site. A smoother and more efficient future construction project results from better communication and collaboration.
- Less risk and waste With BIM, planning a project is safer and more risk-free. With this approach, there is a closer association with contractors. So, it can reduce tender-risk premiums and allow for a better overview of the project before construction starts. This gives better on-site safety, less raw material waste, fewer miscommunications, etc. Also, there is no risk of contractors using outdated information. Thus, with BIM technology and processes, a company can minimize insurance costs and reduce the opportunity for claims. So, BIM is very advantageous for mitigating risks and lowering costs.
- Better results The use of BIM technology focuses on improving the planning and construction processes. This yields higher-quality assets in general. Better planning with more detailed insights permits contractors to deliver a higher-quality outcome. Also, architects were able to visualize the building earlier on stage. This puts more emphasis on the appearance of the building.