4 Most Beneficial BIM & 3D Uses for Small (and Large) Scale Projects
November 28, 2023 at 7:00 am,
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BIM helped me build the house of my dreams, and it can help you too. If you are wondering what BIM is, read my post "What is BIM and Why Should I Care?".
There are hundreds of different BIM uses. Some of them are costly and not as beneficial for small projects, but some can be super useful. Here are the top four BIM uses that can be applied to projects of any scale and provide fundamental benefits - better design, less stress during construction, early cost planning, and cost savings.
3D Visualization
Walk through your house before it has been built. These are not static 3D pictures, but you being able to go on a walk and see your house from any angle. You can do it very early in the design process and be sure that the architect is going in the right direction.
Quantity Take-off
Use the data inside each of the modeled objects to gain an understanding of how much material you will need and what the costs are. The best part is that you can obtain this information not at the end of the design, but as soon as the first 3D sketches appear. The only difference is that you will get more detailed information in the later stages of the design.
Constructability
Ask feedback from contractors regarding architects' solutions early to avoid unnecessary costs. Check if each discipline has considered the other, e.g., there is enough space for plumbing and ventilation pipes so you do not lose headroom or encounter costly errors during construction.
Drawing generation
Drawings are generated more or less automatically from the 3D model, meaning that you can avoid errors such as a section drawing not corresponding to a plan drawing or missing some elements. These sorts of errors can cost a lot if found during construction.
Conclusion
These BIM uses are only a few of the options on how to harness the power of BIM to create a better home, save money, and reduce stress. There are many more. In my other blog posts, I explain how to find architects and engineers that create models and how to achieve these benefits with low initial expenses, but with all the advantages.