Building information management (BIM) has dramatically changed the construction industry for the better. Once people start using BIM construction software, they often wonder how they ever remained productive without it. That’s mainly because they can now see details associated with a project’s entire timeline. That benefit makes the costs of BIM construction software worthwhile, particularly because people can save money and time. 

Keep reading to learn three specific reasons why BIM tools are particularly advantageous during the design phase. 

1. Maintain Safety With BIM Construction Software

People must make safety a top concern for any construction project — from the design phase and beyond. BIM construction software upholds it in various ways. For example, a person might use it to run design simulations. It’s then easier to find problems that could be unsafe for construction workers, the building’s eventual occupants and others. 

BIM software also makes an easily accessible database of all the materials used, people hired to work on sites and more. If something goes wrong later that risks safety, a site manager could refer to the information in a BIM tool to find the person or people responsible. 

Similarly, if a design ultimately has dangerous shortcomings, those managing the project can see who approved it. Such capabilities allow improved communications, including when designers must make changes to improve a building’s safety. 

In one example, researchers used BIM construction software at every phase — including design — to analyze and reduce fall-from-height risks. More specifically, those involved in the study enhanced occupational safety with the prevention through design (PtD) methodology. Designers can now also automatically check plans to ensure they comply with relevant building codes. In cases like this one, the costs of BIM construction software quickly become worthwhile by keeping everyone safer. 

2. Reduce Physical and Labor-Related Waste

Some people think of waste as a problem that occurs during and after the construction phase. It does happen during those times but can also become problematic for designers. After all, waste spans beyond physical excess and includes unproductivity.  The wide availability of resources for BIM software users helps them use their time wisely and overcome challenges. 

Waste minimization can also happen in more targeted ways. Consider an example where researchers from the University of the West of England-Bristol and the Queen’s University Belfast worked on a three-year research project with a construction company. The goal was to create BIM-based software solutions that would reduce design-related waste. 

The participants ultimately created a BIM plug-in tool that enabled designers to predict the waste associated with their projects, then see how to proactively minimize it. This development was the first of its kind. 

BIM construction software can also prevent wasted time by supporting better collaboration — particularly for design decisions that require multiple people’s opinions. Many modern spaces look much different from those associated with past decades. The huge assortment of BIM models to suit numerous projects provides the personalization clients want. 

For example, urban houses often feature flexible or nature-inspired spaces to fit occupants’ needs and preferences. Since BIM tools are usually cloud-based, they allow designers to weigh in from any location, even if they’re as far away as another country. That characteristic promotes productivity, thereby reducing waste. 

3. Minimizes Errors Through Better Visibility for Everyone

People often find the costs of BIM construction software well worth the expense because such tools provide authorized users with instant access to relevant information. Every successful construction project requires smooth and clear communication between design teams, site contractors, clients and many others. However, even the most conscientious parties don’t always understand that their seemingly great ideas won’t work well in real life. BIM software significantly minimizes such cases. 

It’s even useful for particular components of a project, supporting steps such as the fabrication of precast concrete. This material gets manufactured in a fully controlled environment, eliminating environment-related delays. In one example, researchers used BIM tools to build an architectural model of the precast concrete pieces used for a hospital building. 

One of the process steps involved the designers sharing a BIM model with the project manager. A discussion about the quantity and variety of the required precast concrete materials followed. 

The people involved ultimately decided the project needed 313 pieces of

architectural precast concrete. In that instance, the costs of BIM construction software were worth it because they gave people access to tools that helped them make highly specific choices while reducing the chances of expensive mistakes. 

Many BIM tools also have features that allow designers to simulate particular options for clients. It’s then easier to get the necessary approvals without making people visualize design possibilities. That improved visibility increases satisfaction and eliminates misunderstandings. 

Are You Ready to Budget for the Costs of BIM Construction Software? 

If you’re not currently using BIM construction software, you might initially feel reluctant to budget for the associated expenses. However, as these examples show, using BIM tools can pay off in the short and long term. 

Spend time researching the available options to become familiar with which ones would best suit your project. Additionally, if the BIM construction software titles on your shortlist have free trials, take advantage of those to better understand how each product functions and its features.

Finally, understand that learning any new software takes time and dedication. Plan on setting aside at least a few weeks to let yourself get acquainted with the software. Then, you’ll feel more confident before using it on the first project. 

Author Bio: Emily Newton is the Editor-in-Chief of Revolutionized. She is a journalist who covers the innovations impacting the construction and industrial sectors.

Cover image by Carlvic Lim on Unsplash