To BIM or not to BIM, that is not the question. The real question now is when to BIM. BIM is Building Information Modeling. There is 3D, 4D, and 5D BIM, all of them have varying levels of detail. The 4D BIM incorporates a schedule and 5D brings in the cost. For most estimators, BIM is not needed to prepare your bid in a hard bid situation.
The answer to when to use BIM is best answered by the group that will be utilizing the model. Most estimators will not need BIM until after they have been awarded the project. And then, only if the project is large enough, or very technical in nature. There is the upfront time and cost for building the module that may not be beneficial in the long run.
- A mechanical or electrical contractor can benefit from using BIM on every project that they build due to the technical nature of their work.
- A general contractor will want to provide BIM for more of their larger projects in order to help coordinate the work to be performed. The contractor can also create a great as-built package that the owner will actually be able to use.
- Smaller subcontractors, like the painter or tiler, may not benefit at all from BIM.
When do you find BIM most useful?
Filed under: Construction Tagged: BIM, Building Information Modeling, contractor, electrical, Estimate, estimating help, estimating process, estimator, mechanical, Owner, project
