General Contractors
Currently most contractors are either rebuilding the BIM model from 2D drawings or needing to add additional detail to the generic objects provided by the design team.The benefits of having a coordinated BIM model before the start of construction will play a huge role in the budget of the project and schedule. The BIM model can now be used to guide the multiple activites on a jobsite and help the entire team make eductated decisions. The changes can be made in the model to test the possible budget and schedule impact of the project. The goal is to have a BIM model that has been run through clash detection and all issues resolved. The next step is to ensure that your subcontractors have the ability to utilize the model is the construction process. The final step is fulfilling the COBie requirements and ensure that delivery of the building is a seamless process to the facility manager.
Contractors are considered the lightest users of BIM but have the highest outlook of the possibilities it can produce. They believe they are the primary drivers on BIM related projects because they see the most benefit of the outcome, including green design projects. Real Designs works with you to help implement BIM into the project as well as help coordinate all areas of the building. Contractors commonly create BIM models based on their 2D design jobs and feel a great need to outsource these especially in the coming years. When done efficiently you can expect a BIM project with less design errors from the Architects and the Engineers. Contractors are most likely to modify existing contracts that require BIM. Not only is it a good way to help with designing but an excellent way for budgeting and pricing. BIM helps with quantity takeoffs, estimating and scheduling of the materials and times to be delivered to the job site. More accuracy with square footage of coverage means less wasted material. Who wouldn’t benefit from that? The goal of using BIM software is to help the estimator not retool the way estimating has been done in past years. BIM’s routinely used visualization capabilities helps minimize redesigns, RFI’s and coordination issues as well as helps with communication between all parties that are involved.