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BIM Cost Estimating: How Technology Can Be Used for AEC Cost Estimation

Technical Printing

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28 ene 2023

Why Is BIM Technology Important for the AEC Sector in the Philippines?

The AEC industry uses Building Information Modelling (BIM) for many purposes. In the Philippines, the adoption of BIM is gaining momentum as firms seek more sustainable, cost-efficient, and collaborative ways to deliver complex infrastructure and real estate developments. In addition to BIM cost estimating, BIM adoption has helped with everything from 3D BIM visualisation and project evaluation to scheduling, environmental analysis, and feasibility analysis. Ultimately, it's helped these businesses immensely in recent years because of its innovations.
BIM services and BIM estimating software have helped businesses in the AEC industry:
Minimise the risk of errors
Increase efficiency
Ensure everyone is on the same page before, during, and after the completion of construction projects
Furthermore, the development of 5D BIM software has led to even more BIM technology advancements that have taken information modelling to the next level.
One key advantage of BIM cost estimating is the ability to visualise nearly every aspect of a construction project. People involved in each project can see a detailed view of all project components in a centralised format that's easy to understand. The right BIM software will also help ensure all data remains consistent across views; this prevents anyone from working with or looking at outdated information.
There are many features that enable optimal BIM estimating in the AEC industry. For example, the best solutions will allow for:
Improved scheduling
Access to up-to-date information in real time
Improved workflow management
Streamlined design processes
Documentation control
In-depth reporting
Additionally, projects will benefit from increased accuracy, faster turnaround times, better cost-effectiveness, and faster data transfer. Together, these and other advantages will vastly improve cost estimating and more.

How BIM Improves Accuracy and Efficiency in Cost Estimation

Architect using BIM software on her computer to complete BIM cost estimating tasks

Using 5D BIM cost estimation, you can see precisely how much your project is likely to cost because of the detection of component quantities through visualisation. For example, construction professionals working on residential and commercial buildings in Philippine urban zones can use this data to make informed budgeting decisions early in the design process. Because of these high-fidelity visuals, BIM software makes it easy to quickly estimate the costs and identify any potential risks that might affect project costs. In the process, project managers and stakeholders can rest assured that they won't face any unpleasant surprises that might otherwise compromise the project.

Project stakeholders can also collaborate more effectively with each other with the help of BIM estimating software and services. This is especially useful for project teams in the Philippines, where collaboration may span across Metro Manila, provincial offices, and offshore consultants. Real-time access to a unified data source ensures design changes, budget updates, and risk alerts are synchronised across teams, preventing delays and rework. One of the main reasons for this is BIM technology's ubiquitous nature, which allows people to access the same data anywhere, anytime. Stakeholders can access data remotely and in real time to keep everyone on track and equipped with the same information. This kind of collaboration eliminates inefficiencies that could otherwise hinder construction projects.

Real-World Impact of BIM Estimating on Local Projects

Across the Philippines, BIM cost estimating is increasingly being applied to infrastructure upgrades, vertical developments, and transportation hubs. Engineering teams involved in public-private partnership (PPP) projects are utilising 5D BIM tools to better forecast budgets and timelines. This technology enables stakeholders to simulate various design options and assess cost implications before implementation, resulting in smarter use of public and private funding.