BIM models help reduce risk, cut inefficiencies, and streamline the development, design, and construction process
For most construction companies and architectural firms, 3D building modeling is now the norm. And each year, more and more companies are taking advantage of the range of benefits from employing Building Information Modeling (BIM) software.
BIM software allows all stakeholders to get a more integrated and in-depth look into a building, so that they can foresee and correct potential errors and problems before they occur, easily and quickly make changes to designs, and more easily share designs and information between multiple parties simultaneously.
BIM software integrates a variety of data sources into a single model
Today, the data available about construction sites goes far beyond traditional land surveys. Tons of digital data, including satellite, aerial, and drone imagery and video, digital elevation information and LIDAR topographic surveys, laser building scans, and many other types of information are now compiled and analyzed at the beginning of the building design and construction process.
Considering that all of this diverse information exists and is being used, it makes sense that it should be seamlessly incorporated into a building model – something that’s impossible with traditional 2D drafting. This data helps designers, construction managers, contractors, and clients better understand the environment and land they’re building on, so they can make better informed choices at every stage of the development process.
BIM models can help attract buyers or investors to large real estate development projects
2D drafts and models are great, but there’s just something about 3D models that can make viewers feel like a building is truly coming alive. That makes BIM an amazingly effective tool when trying to attract early-stage investors to a real estate development project. In addition to helping potential investors visualize a construction or renovation project, a comprehensive 3D model created with BIM software demonstrates that the developers have a detailed design plan that can likely soon begin construction when funding is fully acquired. This also allows potential investors with a design, construction, or engineering background to investigate any potential problems, issues, or concerns with a building’s design in an entirely new way.
In addition to attracting early-stage investors, a great 3D model can help attract potential early-stage buyers or tenants, especially for large multi-unit residential real estate projects. A flat, 2D image may not be enough for a potential buyer to part with tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars for a down payment or early stage list reservation fee. A 3D model, especially one that has been colorized and accurately detailed, can help bridge the gap between drawings and a physical model, and in many cases, can be more realistic than a physical model – especially once a 3D video or interactive 3D tour has been created.
BIM modeling can improve collaboration, facilitate conflict resolution, and potentially improve a building’s energy performance
Throughout the development and construction process, there are a variety of stakeholders present in the process, all of whom need up-to-date information about the progress of the project and any updates to its design. BIM modeling has the benefit of being incredibly easy to update, as well as allowing the ability to to track and reverse those changes if necessary. Additionally, BIM models, especially when combined with cloud-based software and storage solutions, can be accessible anywhere in the world. So whether you’re working with a glass installation company in Miami or a bank in Bangkok, interested parties can be given access to detailed 3D models with just a few clicks.
BIM models also have the benefit of being an excellent conflict resolution tool, and can often help sidestep conflicts in the first place. In construction, a lack of quality communication is the underlying issue that leads to many misunderstandings, conflicts, and similar issues that can significantly undermine a project. And of course, conflicting and/or outdated plans can greatly exacerbate any miscommunications that occur. BIM provides a single 3D model that everyone can view at the same time and edit if needed, helping various stakeholders get on the same page about doing what’s best for the project.
BIM software has yet another benefit: It has the ability to run simulations that can estimate a building’s energy efficiency by calculating factors such as the amount of sunlight that will reach different sides of a structure during different times of the year. This information can be incredibly valuable to designers and developers, who can then make subtle changes that can greatly increase the energy efficiency of the project based on simulation data.
To learn more about BIM software and other solutions that can make the commercial real estate construction, development, and investment process faster and more efficient, contact Morris Southeast Group today. To set up an appointment for a free consultation, contact our team today at 954.474.1776, or you can reach Ken Morris on his cell at 954.240.4400 or at kenmorris@morrissegroup.com.
Tags: Commercial Real Estate South Florida
