One facet of business that can make or break a project is estimating. An estimate must be accurate to make a profit, thus continuing the business. Wouldn’t it be great if there were a tool that not only streamlines estimating, but also creates a scope of work model that can be used on your awarded projects?
There is, and it’s Revit.
Revit is a building information modeling (BIM) program that’s been around for more than two decades. Using Revit, you can use a scope of work (SOW) BIM model to prepare your proposals with 3D images included. This allows for everyone to see a much clearer picture of the project plus, it’s much faster than other methods.
We expect that your estimators, with training, can increase their production 2–5x by offloading some of their workload to a Revit modeler and therefore dedicate more time to awarded projects. Once the SOW BIM model has been created, the review process begins where the estimator reviews the model and creates the proposal. Starting your project this way sets you up for a smoother process throughout the project lifecycle. Once the project is awarded, the SOW BIM model is modified as necessary, significantly reducing your shop drawing production time by 30-50%...and frankly, it’s a more advanced starting point than a pile of 2D work.
Expect fewer errors, revisions and increased communication on BIM-based proposals than traditional methods. Your SOW BIM model now becomes the main source of truth that your field staff will see and reference on a daily basis. A 3D model is worlds apart from a 2D plan, and helps you and the crew identify clashes much earlier in the process which of course that saves loads of time, money, and headaches. Most of us, including your crew, will have a much better feel for a project after seeing a 3D model and it enables them to understand clearly what they’re actually building.
The BIM model also helps streamline the process for daily work, as you can schedule your work based on the sequence set in the model. Organizing sequential concrete pours, for example, providing square footages and cubic yardage is very simple using BIM rather than with 2D plans. Seeing the work sequence allows you to spot any issues in critical path early, while there’s more time to adjust, which can prevent work stoppages.
BIM also helps you run your business more effectively. Since your estimates are faster and more accurate, you can set your profit margin where you want it more accurately. Then when the projects are built you can more easily compare your estimate to as-built data for both materials and labor. If you’re not winning enough projects, you’ll have more data available to help you decide where you’re not competing.
You’ll also be more competitive for skilled labor, as the next generation of skilled workers now expect to work with BIM and other high-end programs. Finally, more large general contractors now require BIM technology for subcontractors. Without adopting BIM, you can’t even bid the jobs, let alone win them.
We’ve heard quite a few contractors say that they know they need to adopt BIM technology, but they’re waiting for the right project. We’d say that thinking is backwards. When you train your staff for BIM or hire staff with BIM expertise, you’ll find projects that support your decision to adopt BIM. Plus, getting your company ahead of the curve in learning BIM is proactive, compared to getting a project and having staff learn BIM in “emergency mode.”
This is complicated technology, but it’s proven and just takes proper training to implement and learn. You can always refer to the American Concrete Institute for some information on BIM, or contact me at kevin@bimadvantage.com to learn more about BIM for estimating.
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