This February, the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) held a roundtable session to discuss how to develop a more formal and comprehensive Building Information Modeling (BIM) standard in the United States. Such discussions suggest that BIM will become of greater importance in the construction industry over time. Here are some ways BIM can help your construction firm.
What Is BIM?
BIM is a process for constructing digital, 3-D representations of buildings, which include both the physical and functional qualities of the building. BIM makes it easy for architects, engineers, contractors, and other members of project teams to collaborate. In addition to the design and construction of buildings, BIM can streamline the operations and maintenance of buildings.
BIM Helps Visualize Projects
BIM gives contractors and other construction professionals the ability to better visualize their projects before they build them. This benefit can help contractors identify mistakes before they become realized. This also makes it easier for contractors to coordinate with engineers and architects, reducing miscommunication and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Moreover, BIM can be used to virtually tour the building before the construction phase begins, enabling clients to have a better feel of what the project will look like once completed, which, in turn, helps with client satisfaction.
BIM Can Decrease Operational Costs
The technology that facilitates BIM can be expensive, but BIM can significantly reduce operational costs when done right. By improving collaboration and standardization, BIM increases efficiency and prevents costly mistakes. Your team can work faster with less overlap. BIM can also be used to improve accuracy when ordering supplies so you spend less money on resources you don’t need.
BIM Can Improve Employee Performance
BIM works best when you approach it with the same attention of detail you have when constructing real buildings. A detailed virtual model of the project will allow you to better prepare your team for construction by helping them to anticipate some of the challenges that might arrive and helping them visualize the intricacies of the project. By having a deeper understanding of the project, your team will be able to work smarter and deliver a better product.
Building Information Modeling will become more prominent over time as the construction industry continues to prioritize the need for greater standardization. With the right approach, BIM can benefit your construction firm by improving performance and reducing building costs. BIM also makes it easier for team members to visualize projects, enabling better collaboration.
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