When undertaking a new construction project, you always want to be able to take advantage of the latest technology, especially if it can save you significant money throughout the construction project. BIM, or Building Information Modeling, can significantly aid in ensuring your project never goes off the rails.
What is BIM
The simplest definition of this tool is a virtual builder, but it goes beyond that. The programming creates a detailed 3D model of the home. This will include the various individual components and finishes used in each area. The model can be as detailed as needed, going down to details such as every drywall screw and piece of rebar that will be used in the home’s construction. This is an excellent way for a construction project manager to foresee challenges, especially when changes are requested mid-construction.
The advanced programming enables the home to be virtually built before a shovel ever breaks ground. Construction project managers can use this tool for scheduling, budgeting, and supply orders. They can also project out how long the project will take to give you a much better idea of construction costs. Just as we noted above regarding changes during construction, the project manager can also work up construction cost models based on different versions of the layout you are considering before settling on a final design.
Benefits of BIM
Every phase of the project can be assisted by using BIM: planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance, and deconstruction. This is especially useful during the planning stages. By being able to see the design “reality,” team members can collaborate to make better design and construction decisions as the project starts to move forward. When the design is complete, all needed construction documents are generated directly from the programming.
As we noted above, by adding all of the material costs and labor schedules, you can generate more realistic cost estimates for the project. You may have a “dream” design in mind, but the numbers or the project may wind up far over your ideal budget. By making a few minor tweaks in the design, you can still have the dream home you wanted that does not break the budget.
One of our favorite aspects of the programming is that team members can visualize the project at every stage before they even begin construction. Think of it as a mental checklist for team members to have something to compare their actual build to during the construction. Another huge benefit of the programming is the ability to detect possible scheduling conflicts so contractors’ schedules can be adjusted before any conflict arises. As we have noted in past blogs, when delays occur, and they will occur, this information can be input into the model and schedules can be adjusted accordingly if necessary.