Advantages of BIM

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a process of creating and managing information in construction projects. One of the outputs of this process is a 3D building model that digitally depicts all aspects of the built asset before actually constructing it. This approach has taken the AEC world by storm due to the numerous benefits that BIM has to offer. It is important to understand that BIM is not just the use of special construction software. Rather, it is a complete approach to designing and planning a construction project. 

In fact, BIM extends further than just the initial design phases. Through the information used in this method, it can continue to benefit the project even after construction. If you want to revolutionise the way you approach construction projects from all angles, then it’s time to adopt BIM. 

Top 7 Advantages of BIM

The use of BIM and software can enhance all levels of a building project. We have highlighted some of the key advantages of BIM in construction below. 

1. Maximised Efficiency

One of the key advantages of BIM is that construction projects run on a shorter life cycle with greater efficiency. All aspects of the pre-construction and planning phases become easier to manage and faster to complete. 

Architects can create designs faster with BIM software and estimators can produce more accurate estimations through BIM models. 

BIM plans also allow for much better collaboration and communication between different people involved in the project. It allows various professionals to access BIM plans whenever they need to and it means that everyone will always work off an up to date model. This helps to reduce errors and rework that come from using incorrect or inaccurate information.

2. Reduce Costs and Wastage

BIM software offers various tools for contractors and designers to improve their processes before construction starts. This can lead to significant cost savings and waste reduction. 

BIM helps contractors to make better material choices, it streamlines the construction work and helps to minimise the human errors that may occur during construction. By improving the planning stages, BIM can help contractors reduce the amount of wasted materials. Therefore, it can result in reduced costs. 

3. Improved Cost Estimates

Working with a detailed model enables estimators to achieve far more accurate results. When looking at a 3D model as opposed to a 2D blueprint, you get a far more insightful plan to work off. As a result, model-based cost estimates are more realistic and accurate. In addition, it makes the estimating process much faster with easier access to information and tools.

It is not just cost estimates that BIM can optimise. BIM models also make quantity takeoffs easier by offering a more comprehensive model to work from. 

4. Better Insight into the Project

BIM plans offer a more realistic 3D look into the eventual outcome of the project. This means that you get a better visualisation of what the end result will be. This is something that can help contractors, as well as the client, to get a better feel for the built asset. 

Not only does this help you to better understand the building, but it helps to avoid unnecessary rework. By looking at realistic 3D plans of a project, planners can get a good sense of what will work and what needs changing. 

This allows contractors to make changes during the pre-construction phase before it would have become an issue. Avoiding rework can save plenty of time and money.

5. Communication and Collaboration

BIM is an approach that promotes collaboration. Cloud-based BIM software enables everyone involved in the project to easily collaborate and communicate. They can access all the information they need as well as up-to-date models from anywhere at any time. This helps to prevent unnecessary meetings and work bottlenecks. 

The entire spread of the project can be worked on at all times by all planning stakeholders. All estimates, models, and design notes are created and stored in one place. 

This means that architects can adjust designs instantly and contractors can make changes to the model even when they are not on site. Improved communication and collaboration results in a smoother, more efficient project. 

6. Less Risk and Wastage

Planning a building with BIM is safer and more risk-free. With this approach, there is closer collaboration with contractors. As such, it can reduce tender risk premiums. This allows for a better overview of the project before construction starts. 

In turn, this results in better on-site safety, less material wastage, fewer miscommunications, and so on. There is also no risk of contractors using outdated information. 

Through BIM technology and processes, companies can lower insurance costs and minimise the opportunity for claims. So, BIM is very beneficial for mitigating risks and lowering costs.

7. Better End Results

The use of BIM focuses on enhancing the planning and construction processes. Doing this generally results in a higher quality build and end result. 

Better planning with more detailed insights allows contractors to deliver higher quality. Due to architects being able to visualise the building earlier on also puts greater emphasis on the appearance of the building. As such, BIM produces higher quality built assets. 

Advantages of BIM via an Intuitive BIM Platform

It is clear that BIM is advantageous from both construction and business perspectives. So, by using a platform like bimspot, you can achieve greater success. 

As an intuitive BIM platform, you can automate model checks and utilise any BIM data as your source of information. It can help with project management, planning, communication, quality checking and more. It gives you all the tools you need to access, validate, and use building information. This enables you to meet your project goals more efficiently.

So, with bimspot, you can reap the benefits of all the advantages mentioned above – which can give you a significant competitive advantage. 

Conclusions – Advantages of BIM

BIM is a complete approach that all project stakeholders take when planning, constructing and managing a new project. Using BIM provides multiple advantages to all people involved in the project. And, ultimately, it leads to better results. 

The construction industry is quickly moving towards a more BIM-focused approach, with more and more professionals starting to understand the benefits of this technology. So, adopting BIM and using an intuitive platform, like bimspot, can contribute to greater success.