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There was a time when architects, engineers, and contractors wouldn't know what could go wrong with a project until it was under construction. Today, thanks to building information modelling technology, stakeholders in the AEC industry can rehearse the project long before groundbreaking starts and achieve the best BIM cost savings possible.

BIM technology lets you build a project virtually and in realistic detail, designing the technical and aesthetic aspects down to the fixtures and finishes. With this level of detail and accuracy, you can envision what the project will look like and make accurate cost and time projections.

That's the reason why the best BIM cost savings can be as high as 10% of the contract valueand understanding the cost to implement BIM is crucial to maximise these savings. But how exactly does BIM save money for AECs, and how can your operation benefit from this technology? Let's get into the details.

The Benefits of Using BIM Technology in AEC Projects

Building information modelling (BIM) plays a central role in every part of a project, from planning and design to construction, maintenance, and operation. Everyone involved in the project stands to reap massive benefits from adopting BIM, the best of which is cost savings.

One of the biggest challenges in construction is logistics. Without the right information and foresight, problems with sourcing materials or coordinating multiple subcontractors and personnel are hard to solve.

With BIM, project owners and managers can make informed decisions and predict potential bottlenecks early in the planning and design phase.

Walk Through the Building Before It Ever Stands

**How Does BIM Help With Sustainability? **

How Does BIM Save Money?

The cost-saving power of building information modelling lies in the quality and accuracy of the information used, making accurate BIM cost estimates essential. A good building model isn't just about the building design but also the data used, such as materials, energy, health and safety, environmental, and cost data.

With the right information, a simple building model transforms into a much more useful tool that helps AECs achieve maximum efficiency and save money in various ways.

How Can BIM Improve Cost Estimation?

BIM has already been saving AECs a lot of money through accurate cost estimation, and we've yet to experience the best BIM cost savings possible. Compared to manual cost estimation practices, BIM has a clear advantage in many costing activities. Benefits include:

• Automated takeoffs generated from the BIM models
• Unified, collaborative cost estimation, allowing data exchange and transparency
• Ability to evaluate and test design options easily
• Faster and more reliable project documentation, saving time and effort for AECs
• Better forecasting to better predict and prepare for variables such as labour

Model-based estimating deals with accuracy factors by eliminating the need for manual takeoffs altogether. Doing takeoffs from drawings introduces chances of creating or propagating inaccuracies, whereas BIM allows you to develop takeoffs, counts, and measurements directly from the model.

That means the information you generate is always consistent with the model; it evolves with any changes you make to the model for the best BIM cost savings and processes possible. BIM also automates quantifying activities, which usually takes 50-80% of the time needed for cost estimation.

With BIM, AECs don't need to pay estimators for quantification, which allows them to focus on more important aspects of the project.

Finally, BIM programs integrate directly with popular estimating programs such as Innovaya or RIB U.S. COST, allowing AECs to directly export the building model and begin estimation at once. You can even export quantity takeoffs to Microsoft Excel for simplified costing workflows.

How to Turn Accurate BIM Models Into Detailed Prints

Building information models are revolutionising collaboration in the AEC industry, but AECs still need drawing printouts. When it's time to convert your advanced BIM model into detailed prints of architectural drawings, manuals, bills of quantities, or other documents, you will need a reliable printer.

HP printers and plotters have been reliable companions to architects, engineers, and contractors through the decades, thanks to our dedication to performance and reliability. If you're ready to discover the world's easiest large format plotters, contact us today to discuss your printing needs.

Download our eBook now and discover how innovation is streamlining workflows, producing prints of unmatched quality and increasing IT efficiency like never before.