One of the most important developments in the world of ‘PropTech’ over the last few years has been that of building information modelling (BIM), according to a new survey
BIM facilitates architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals to create and use an intelligent 3D model to gain valuable insight into how a building project can be better planned, designed and managed.
Interested in ‘PropTech’, housing agents Sellhousefast.uk surveyed 602 architects, engineers and construction professionals to identify what they think are the biggest benefits of using building information modelling (BIM).
They found that professionals view reduced rework through better coordination and clash detection (76%) as the biggest advantage of harnessing BIM. From BIM – internal and external stakeholders can access a shared model to see where possible clashes may occur (e.g. pipework running through steel beam etc.) and then, coordinate between them to rectify the issue before construction even begins.
72% feel the enhanced visualisation from BIM enables them to positively elevate the planning and design process.
In third position, 68% of the experts believe BIM decreases errors/information loss/duplicate data entry. Whilst, 66% think the tech has a good impact financially, as it improves cost estimations and budget control.
Since BIM allows for documentation to be easily changed by all parties involved in a project to account for any new information/changes (e.g. site conditions etc.) – scheduling/sequencing activities can, therefore, be communicated and planned more accurately. In doing so, this led to shorter project cycles according to 54% of professionals.
Interestingly, 47% appreciate the capabilities of BIM to recognise hazards in the pre-construction phase, thus when the time comes – minimising the occurrence of health and safety risks on the actual building site itself.
However, only 22% believe BIM gives them greater control to find which aspects of the project can be more environmentally friendly (e.g. use less energy and carbon etc.). Slightly above, 35% of professionals state the use of BIM has given them a key competitive advantage to attract new clients as well as retain existing clients.
Additionally, Sellhousefast asked the 602 professionals surveyed what they thought were the main barriers preventing the wider use of building information modelling (BIM).
From this, they discovered that professionals place workers having a lack of BIM training/knowledge (68%) as the primary reason as to why the technology is not being used far more than it currently is.
Subsequently, 63% attribute the little use or absence of BIM in certain organisations because they don’t have enough in-house expertise to provide adequate assistance and guidance on the functionality of BIM.
Contrastingly, just 39% blame the unprogressive culture of some companies as the principal factor stopping them from adopting cutting-edge technology such as BIM.
Robby Du Toit, the Managing Director of Sellhousefast.uk, said: “Building information modelling is rapidly becoming more and more prominent. The technology is letting organisations construct buildings virtually before they are physically completed.
“As a result, BIM unlocks the opportunity to seek out more efficient approaches towards the planning, designing and construction phase of different projects. This research certainly shows that BIM has left an encouraging impression on professionals who have used the technology. The benefits highlighted by them, demonstrates the huge potential BIM has as an understanding of the technology improves, it will continue to revolutionise the property industry”.
Interesting survey results. It’s great to see that the value derived from incorporating BIM into the planning, designing and management of projects really seems to be understood. The key barrier inhibiting wider adoption, of a lack of internal skill set, can be overcome, and with products like PointFuse which have been created with ease of use at their core, should make this less of a barrier.