Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one big catalyst of the current transformative global construction industry, impacting project internal processes and improving project quality. Data report: 72% of BIM users reporting its effect, and BIM will be widely utilized in 2020s. However, the same positivity doesn’t loop around BIM for residential design construction despite the considerable possibilities it holds. Therefore, let us first understand why there is considerably less adoption of BIM for home building and development.
Lack of client buy-in and demand
Acquiring the support of owners is one of the most difficult tasks. Most homeowners refuse to invest on BIM technologies for their residential design and construction needs. They do not care what method of delivery (i.e., CAD or BIM) is there, only the objective is to be streamlined with deliverance.
- High pricing for project initiation
- Uncertain Return on Investment, or ROI
- Fear of Being Overloaded with Technology
- Absence of Contractor Knowledge
- Measuring Benefits for Small Projects Can Be Difficult
Nature of Design Complexity
There is a common belief that “smaller scale” equates to “fewer issues.” BIM traditionally is perceived as more applicable to projects with greater complexities. This user perception has been a strong obstacle to BIM usage on small residential architecture projects.
Challenges associated with residential projects
- Financial limitations
- Space restrictions
- Specifications for custom design
- Inadequate infrastructure
Economy of scale
BIM projects for homes and businesses yield fewer results due to a broader project scope, making the residential market unprepared for new procedures. Additionally, BIM implementation requires a good amount of investment in all aspects, be it technology or workforce training.
This eventually adds up to overhead costs, further squeezing profit margins. And parallel to that, the AEC industry has current tussles, such as supply chain issues and workforce shortages with growing economic and geopolitical turbulence.
Investments required for BIM implementation
- Competent BIM Workers
- Facilitating Collaboration and Data Management Tools
- Software and Hardware Infrastructure
- Costs of Licensing and Compliance
- R&D for Advancements in BIM
Lack of industry standards
The construction sector is becoming open to Building Information Modeling (BIM) but faces challenges due to lack of industry standards and reliance on legacy methodologies. Lack of standards can result in overwhelming options and interoperability issues. This further could be responsible for increasing costs and hindering adoption.
BIM lacks marketing support
71% of single-family housing and multifamily builders and developers do not find it relevant to their projects. They believe their projects are too small for BIM to be utilized for its advantages. BIM software companies should be propagating the benefits of BIM irrespective of project typology. Residential BIM users are not the subject of discussions, leaving the potential of BIM unknown to many developers and owners.
Possible marketing collaterals for BIM
- Social media and websites
- White papers and e-books
- Podcasts
- Engaging ed-tech tools
- Training sessions and workshops
- Forums or else resources for Customer Support
Limited expertise and IT support
Lack of BIM adoption has resulted in limited IT support for the technology too. Plus, the lack of IT support subsequently puts pressure on small construction companies on BIM adoption. One needs to have access to cloud-based computing, best practices for task assignment and data sharing, cybersecurity, and reliable data backup solutions for proper BIM adoption.
Executives often view cloud adoption and digital infrastructure investments as costly or disruptive, and there’s a lack of understanding about BIM adoption in modernizing IT infrastructure.
IT infrastructure requirement for BIM
Cloud Infrastructure
- Cloud Storage Solutions
- Collaboration Tools
- Data Backup and Recovery
- Scalability
- Security Features
Good Hardware Specifications
- High-Performance Workstations
- Processor
- RAM
- Graphics Card
- Storage
- Network Infrastructure
- Display Solutions
- Peripheral Devices
IT Support
- Dedicated IT Team
- Helpdesk Services
- Regular Maintenance
- Training and Onboarding
- Monitoring and Security
- Software Licensing Management
Collaboration and Communication Tools
- Project Management Software
- Video Conferencing Solutions
- Instant Messaging Tools
Data Management Solutions
- Data Integration Tools
- Version Control Systems
Advantages of BIM Implementation for Residential Construction
BIM Adoption in the residential sector offers numerous benefits like any other sector. Those are greater productivity, design intent, project planning, infrastructure, occupant health consciousness, and operation, maintenance, and facility management are all key benefits. Let’s take a brief look at the benefits.
Increased productivity
Productivity is synonymous with profitability in AEC, and every residential construction project needs to be productive. BIM provides integrated information that builders use for designing and building homes. During this case, builders can move ahead with peace of mind knowing that they have the most accurate built. Builders have better visibility and forecast challenges during the planning phase rather than dealing with them when they occur.
Change management
Change is evident in the construction project, and the inability to manage the changes can lead to reduced profit and slower business growth. Building information modeling helps to remove the guesswork of change. The predictive modeling through BIM enables builders to predict and account for unexpected challenges. Moreover, predictive modeling helps builders meet deadlines.
Better finished product
Using BIM, all the project participants collaborate throughout the various stages of development. Every member can also visualize the real-time communication for their residential project. When this occurs, you can see a better finished product and a satisfied customer.
Competitive advantage
Now, how a company uses technology informs us a lot about them and their customers. By using BIM for residential projects, you can show customers digital renderings of every phase of a project. Building information modeling gives a competitive edge to the project.
Improved design accuracy and visualization
With the use of BIM, builders can visualize homes with greater depth and realism by producing 3D models added with great amount of supporting data. Before building even starts, it helps customers see their ideal houses with necessary dimensions. It allows them to make well-informed buying decisions and a great coordination with the execution team. The versatility of BIM makes it simple to explore many design options and improves the builder-client connection.
Efficient project planning and coordination
Building information modeling (BIM) facilitates visualization, expedites the building process, and manages schedules. With every project stakeholder on same page, that too real time, BIM lowers mistakes, and facilitates stakeholder streamlined communication. The feature of project scheduling on critical dimensions (time, money, assets, and energy) and details will a good help to the whole home development process.
Reduced errors and rework during construction
Errors are bound to happen and in construction last minutes invites more. However, BIM allows for the detection of errors before they become expensive difficulties. Builders can use virtual models to detect and correct clashes or incompatibilities early. This could help homeowners rely on error-free designs which will eventually reduce renovation needs in the longer run.
Time and cost savings through optimized workflows
The data intelligence associated with BIM enables you to save on multiple aspects such as money and time. Construction projects may be finished more quickly and affordably by builders by simplifying procedures and getting rid of waste i.e., lean design and execution. All this could be further optimized with detailed resource management on-site.
Implementing BIM in the custom home building process
After reviewing the benefits of using BIM for your home design and development requirements, let’s move on to the implementation procedure. The procedure is broken down into phases below that might serve as a guide for your BIM requirements for house development.
Adopting BIM software and tools
You’ll need the appropriate software and technology-supporting tools to adopt BIM. There are several alternatives available; pick one based on your needs and financial situation. Currently, the two most popular alternatives on the market are Revit and ArchiCAD. Your choice of the software is being heavily influenced by geography and the ease of availability of a workforce proficient in your choice.
List of notable BIM software and tools |
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Revit ArchiCAD Navisworks BIM 360 Tekla Structures MicroStation SketchUp Rhino |
Allplan Vectorworks BIMcollab Solibri PlanGrid Dynamo InfraWorks SketchUp |
Also Read – ArchiCAD vs. Revit – Which BIM Software to Choose
Training and upskilling the workforce
Every workforce should be in constant training environment, especially in this 21st century and its changing dynamics. The situation exponentially increases when the case is about BIM, as this digital tech is very periodic with innovation and new launches. Every new update and technology integration requires upskilling. Therefore, one must prioritize microlearning and upskilling as important policies in their work setup. Innovation and optimization in residential project typology are crucial for BIM success in home development. Offering training courses can invest in individuals’ skills and expertise in efficient BIM usage.
Resources for BIM training
- Online Courses and Platforms
- Software-Specific Training
- Certifications
- Workshops and Webinars
- Books and Guides
- YouTube Channels
- Community Forums and Groups
- University Programs
- On-the-Job Training
Assimilating BIM into existing workflows with standardization
With uniformity and interoperability issues being one big challenge in BIM adoption, ensure establishment of BIM rules and standards in your project. The objective is to integrate your present operations with BIM, and this will happen efficiently when you have a system in place. Discuss BIM applications with your team and make necessary adjustments, but not replace other methods. A uniform framework can achieve this.
The detailed instructions for transforming your current process to BIM
- Evaluate Existing Workflows
- Clearly State Your Goals
- Select the Appropriate BIM software
- Create a BIM Implementation Plan in Step Four
- Create BIM Guidelines and Policies
- Start implementation
- Periodically Test implementation
- Encourage a micro-learning BIM Culture
Further Reading
What Is BIM (Building Information Modeling)
BIM Quality Assurance And Validation Checklist
Benefits Of Using BIM Execution Plan
How Can Designers Use BIM In Landscape Architecture?
Level Of Detail & Development (Lod) In BIM Modeling Explained
How BIM Could Optimize Facility Management Operations
Building Information Modelling For Heritage (Hbim): A Practical Guide
