Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been touted as a revolutionary technology in the construction industry for years. However, despite its potential to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve project outcomes, BIM remains a niche practice.

At a recent BIM conference I attended, I noticed that most of the visitors were those who had already adopted the technology. However, when I spoke with a few attendees who hadn't embraced BIM, I encountered some deeply skeptical views. Here’s my take on why BIM adoption continues to lag behind.

Many small to mid-sized construction firms and clients don’t actively demand BIM because they don’t fully understand its advantages. This lack of demand discourages adoption, creating a self-reinforcing cycle where professionals on the supply side see little incentive to invest in BIM capabilities.

For many stakeholders, BIM feels like a costly gamble. Without clear evidence of immediate cost savings, decision-makers often shy away, fearing it might inflate budgets rather than optimize projects.

Implementing BIM requires trained professionals, but the industry faces a significant skills shortage. Many firms lack staff with the expertise to use BIM effectively, nor do they have the time or resources to invest in training.

BIM software and hardware can be expensive, and their steep learning curves can intimidate even tech-savvy users. For smaller businesses, these costs can feel prohibitive. Notably, the costs of BIM tools are often tied to how much you want to achieve with the technology. The more you demand from BIM, the higher the costs—but the benefits don’t always correlate directly.

Strict regulations or overcomplicated requirements tied to BIM adoption add layers of compliance and complexity. Instead of making BIM appealing, these rules often make it feel like an administrative burden. That’s why I frequently say, “With BIM, less can be more.” Simple requirements can often deliver most of the significant benefits without the added stress.

Surprisingly, many people still don’t know what BIM is or why it’s valuable. Without widespread education, clients may understandably ask, “Why should I pay extra for something I don’t even understand?”

As I’ve discussed in previous blog posts, BIM can offer value even for the smallest projects. However, for it to become mainstream, the industry needs better communication about its benefits, more accessible training programs, and simplified tools designed for smaller firms. Only then can BIM evolve from a niche solution to a standard industry practice.