7 Benefits of Leveraging BIM Technology in Construction 

BIM technology allows critical players in construction projects to better collaborate, reducing risk by letting architects, engineers, and contractors work together during the initial stages of construction. Independent work and coming together later can lead to professionals discovering that their plans are incompatible, resulting in costly setbacks and design changes.

Here’s how we define BIM technology, why you should consider using it for your construction projects, and the benefits it has to offer.

What is BIM technology in construction?

BIM stands for Building Information Modeling. This collaborative process makes it easy for crucial construction players to work together on a construction project using things like centralized information access and a 3D model, which helps speed up construction.

3D models in particular make it easier for contractors to visualize a representation of the final project. It’s also easier to make adjustments that would have otherwise been costly and time-consuming.

When used with construction technology, creating a buildable 4D schedule becomes easy. Look for construction solutions in the market that include optioneering, as optioneering platforms can help reduce risk by simulating the best possible construction alternatives, usually within minutes.

You’ll get numerous potential solutions to make your construction project successful by having contractors and architects upload a simplified 3D model or a non-3D element. The technology also allows contractors to set resource limits and easily input BIM parameters.

Why use BIM technology?

There are several reasons for why you should use BIM technology. One of the main reasons is that it improves construction efficiency. Construction efficiency improves the quality of a building, reduces waste, and ensures the timely competition of a project. Other reasons to adopt BIM technology are:

• Contractors can easily do calculations for piping and ventilation systems
• 3D models can directly produce geometric and spatial data used in energy calculations
• 3D models help optimize the procurement process
• The model can produce an accurate bill of quantities

7 benefits of leveraging BIM technology in construction

Want to know more specifically how you serve to benefit from implementing BIM? Here are 7 key benefits.

1. Improves communication and collaboration among key players

Modern BIM technologies make it easy for construction players to share information and collaborate with other key players. 

For example, an architect can easily share his drawings with a structural engineer, who can then recommend design changes, reducing the risk of costly errors occurring during the construction phase. Architects can use modern software such as virtual reality to create a more immersive experience.

BIM technology also makes it possible for architects to create a visual representation of the building and present it to the client for approval.

2. Helps identify cost-saving strategies

When BIM technology is used with other advanced platforms that include optioneering, it becomes much easier for contractors to develop cost-saving strategies, enabling architects and key players to identify materials, labor, shipping, and regulatory approval costs.

Once these costs are identified, contractors can develop cost-saving strategies, such as implementing the use of cost-effective materials and finding ways to streamline construction workflow processes. Another way to develop cost-saving strategies, for example, is to negotiate discounted wholesale prices and rent equipment instead of buying it.

3. Allows projects to be visualized before they are built

Project visualization has several benefits, one of which importantly includes improved communication, which enhances a project’s clarity. Property developers are also able to see how their property will look once it is completed. 

Generally, 3D models are easier for people to understand than when viewing 2D drawings or models. They also make it easier for designers and architects to try out different designs and options, such as varying types of doors and windows.

Plus, contractors can use other technologies alongside BIM (like AI and virtual reality) to increase their chances of winning a construction bid. 

4. Integrates a project with its surrounding

A good representation of a building should consist of its interior and the surrounding environment. BIM can be used with topographical surveys to make it easier for contractors to see how a structure fits within a given environment. If it does not fit well with the environment, the contractor can change the design before it stalls the entire project.

5. Helps in modular construction

Modular construction is a type of construction in which individual sections of a building are constructed off-site, and then assembled on the construction site. Modular construction offers better client costs and more time assurance, enabling contractors to be more competitive when making their bids. 

It also has several advantages, such as eco-friendliness and flexibility (in that the design can be easily changed). Additionally, modular construction enhances work quality since the modules are created in a controlled environment with specific standards. The modules go through rigorous quality checks.

6. Increases quality

Clients who leverage BIM technology will likely notice improved build quality, as calculations are more accurate and detailed. Because BIM leverages visualization tools, designers can also create more aesthetically appealing structures.

7. Better safety on site

One way that BIM technology helps improve safety is by identifying hazards before accidents occur. By improving safety at the workplace, you can reduce risk and prevent project stalling due to lawsuits. Also, you’ll pay fewer premiums since you’ll have better safety protocols.

BIM offers many benefits

It’s important to note that when used with other technologies like optioneering, BIM can be used as a powerful scheduling tool, creating hundreds of simulations to help you develop the best work sequence, which effectively reduces costs and risk. It’s best used in both preconstruction and construction phases.