The construction business involves several subprocesses that depend on cost estimation and control for it to make profits. Nevertheless, old ways of coming up with a rough estimate depending on 2D drawing and simple assumptions cause the overhead costs and cost estimates to be unreasonably inflated. That is where the role of Building Information modeling, otherwise known as BIM, comes in.
BIM used in construction estimation optimizes the use of detailed 3D models and parametric data, and as well as the ability to calculate quantities with the help of take-offs. Consequently, contractors can design practical budgets and implement projects according to the plan to increase the returns on investment.
Designing and Drafting
BIM services are initiated at the Designing and Drafting stage to the production of intelligent 3D models. These full-form BIM models include actual detailed data on dimensions, material specifics, equipment, and much else. There is also no loss of information because all the detailing, designing, and drafting are done on the computer.
List of Benefits to be Derived from the Implementation of BIM-based Estimation
Compared to other conventional techniques, BIM estimation offers several advantages, particularly in the question of the accuracy of budgets and costs. Some key ways in which BIM improves construction estimating include:
1. Detailed Takeoffs
Using BIM models, it is easy, for instance to count all the building elements, beginning with walls, doors, and windows, just by clicking a button. This means that all the necessary trimmings can be done and an accurate takeoff made—with no question of mistakes arising at a later stage.
2. Clash detections
One of the benefits offered by BIM software is clash detection in building elements. This prevents the chances of making such errors during construction to be highly reduced, thus the need to make costly adjustments during its construction.
3. Accurate Material Quantities
These extensive take-offs are useful in determining the correct measurements of materials required. Construction resource planning becomes easier when the exact quantities right from the beginning are identified.
4. Reduced Contingencies
Contractors incorporate less of this into their bids because there is often less guesswork involved when using the BIM methodology as opposed to what normally takes place during standard construction estimating. This reduces the cost of the project.
BIM Modeling Services
The third benefit of BIM modeling services in the estimation process is the generation of the building life cycle 2D drafting services with much precision. This works as a single source of truth, eliminating duplicity across the stakeholder teams.
BIM specialists create adaptable building information models that reference project managers to timely visuals such as schedules, costs, changes, etc. This in turn increases cooperation while decreasing guesswork in relation to elaborated structures and equipment.
Some models generated by BIM services include:
- Architectural BIM models
- Structural BIM models
- MEP BIM models
- Construction BIM models
As for facility management BIM models, efficient digital dashboards are provided for comparative analysis of various BIM models incorporated within the system.
These models enhance estimation precision since all aspects are locked as the budget is determined. Whenever the construction is analyzed, there is the optimal constructability analysis.
Advantages Does It Provide during Various Construction Stages
While accurate estimations remain the focal point, BIM-based estimation provides several other benefits across the planning, design, construction, and post-construction stages:
- Pre-construction phase: This is probably the greatest value in estimates and bids since guesswork gives way at the pre-construction stage. The BIM models used in conceptual estimating make it very easy to give a true figure of the costs likely to be incurred in a project before the project starts.
- Construction phase: Because uncertainty is relatively lower in this stage, the estimation obtained from BIM models helps in scheduling, procurement, and resource allocation during the construction phase.
- Post-construction: BIM also helps in tracking actual project costs through audit through the course of better financial reporting. To raise the level of details of BIM information, facility management teams make the best use of it to fix and redesign without breaking the bank.
Millwork Estimation Services
Millwork Estimating Services refers to finished carpentry works such as cabinetry works inclusive of stairs and doors, among others in a construction project. This is the case: any cost overrun that results from poor millwork estimating impacts the contractor as well as the client in the form of change orders mid-project. For any residential and commercial buildings, such estimation services can be provided by a millwork takeoff specialist.
Some best practices while estimating millwork quantities include:
- Recognizing all nonstructural millwork such as a shelf, cabinet, etc.
- Linking essentials such as the lumber type, fasteners, or finish to be applied to each component.
- Categorizing the unit costs from the historical records, price catalogs, and other market rates available.
- Integrating the millwork estimate with the summary of the materials acquisition strategy.
This paper elaborates that by integrating BIM as a digital technology enhanced with efficient and effective estimation approaches, it is plausible to aspire to accurate millwork quantities and budgets concerning the client’s specifications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, BIM services help AEC professionals eliminate doubt about a project by providing accurate figures through 3D models. The developers’ assessment of common design details is fast and precise due to the automated quantification and simple visualization of the granular data for buildings, equipment, and millwork.
While using BIM, the resources and costs can be estimated in comparison with the fixed contingencies based on the actual design. This leads to the setting of budgets that closely agree with actual expenditures so that variance is reduced. Better control over budgets often allows construction firms to increase profitability even at the stage of planning these projects. Thus, the high penetration of BIM becomes inescapable to proclaim competitive benefits across the construction segment.
