The AEC industry in the USA has gradually bounced back post the COVID pandemic. What’s interesting is the rising trend of renovation projects! The nation is expecting up to USD 510 billion in the home improvement sector alone.

Renovation projects face challenges different from those seen in new construction projects; challenges that have a huge impact on the renovation completion. These may include the uncertain existing building conditions and the limited work area or space constraints due to these existing conditions. For a successful renovation, these aspects need to be identified in the initial design phase. Renovation projects also require the assessment of time and schedule constraints.

Building information is valuable for renovation activities. However, many renovation projects are hindered by the lack of adequate project management, project delays, and heavy financial losses due to insufficient or outdated building information. Building Information Modelling (BIM) can come to the rescue in such scenarios.

Using BIM in new construction projects is now widely accepted. However, application of BIM in renovation projects is yet at a nascent stage of adoption. The accurate information management of the entire asset can be used to refurbish existing buildings. Let us look at the advantages of BIM in renovation projects:

Enhanced visualization and data management

BIM is a 3D representation of the asset and all its components that are difficult and time consuming to capture in the CAD format. This repository includes information on structural elements like the location of foundations, beams, rooves, and columns that are needed for visualization of the existing structure and space constraints. With this data, potential design challenges can be identified in the initial design phase of the renovation project. Besides, the model that is updated throughout the renovation life cycle can also help plan project execution and performance accurately. However, acquiring existing building information can be difficult in the case of older buildings as documentation is not always available. In such cases, As-Built Cloud Point model can be generated using laser scanning technologies.

Increased energy efficiency

BIM implementation in renovation projects can aid in increasing the energy efficiency of the asset. For example, natural lighting and shading aspects can be simulated with the help of a BIM model. What-if analysis will help design and simulate the energy consumption for the renovated structure more accurately. This can also be done for the existing structure to make it more energy efficient. BIM models can also be useful in calculating the carbon footprint getting a carbon credit report on the asset.

Resource, cost, and time optimization

Accurate building material quantification and other asset data through the BIM model can help project managers optimise construction materials and resources. Besides, project stakeholders can perform budget estimation and cost planning based on the potential risks very early in the design phase. Integrating the project schedule with BIM model also ensures there are no project delays and timeline extensions. BIM models have real-time information, and this information exchange reduces chances of conflict and miscommunication between project stakeholders. Thus, BIM adoption can help achieve resource, cost, and time optimization in renovation projects with relative ease.

To conclude, renovation projects come with risks and uncertainties of the aging building. BIM can bridge the gap between the challenges of renovation and the possibilities of high-quality construction. A clear visualization of the outcome, optimum data and resource management, time and cost efficiency, and enhanced energy management are a few things that BIM can support on renovation projects.

As industry professionals, we actively encourage BIM adoption in the AEC industry for both new construction and renovation projects.

The role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) is being recognized beyond design and 3D representation for its benefits across the construction lifecycle of a project. At the same time, facility managers are also getting acquainted with how BIM implementation is not limited to the construction phase. In fact, after project completion, the data repository containing asset history, operation and maintenance related information is valuable for asset management. The role of BIM in disaster management and recovery based on the asset information is notable.

Construction technology is advancing rapidly and helping us build better. However, natural disasters like floods, earthquakes and tornadoes are beyond our control. The disaster may be inevitable, but the damage to the asset and subsequent financial losses can be minimized greatly. What-if scenarios can be simulated using BIM models from the planning stage itself for building and infrastructure utilities. We have also witnessed cases of ill-management in fire accidents. In such scenarios, lack of asset information and delayed evacuation has resulted in higher injuries and death tolls. Having access to the BIM model for the building/ property and using the information to recover from the disaster can be truly beneficial.

Today, BIM’s information storehouse can be used by facility managers for disaster planning and management. Facility managers and emergency response teams can make quick decisions with the help of BIM data on floor plans, the MEP systems and real-time asset information.

The accurate building information and timely communication can help facility managers tackle fire accidents and other emergencies. For example, the geometric and topological information of the building through BIM can give a clearer perspective to the emergency response team in case of fire accidents. When firefighters have a detailed layout and other asset information such as functional doors and elevators, they can navigate the building easily and prepare for evacuation and safety measures effectively.

BIM’s real-time information can also help in post-disaster recovery. For example, the emergency response team can use asset information from BIM such as damage to walls and electrical wires due to flooding. With this information, the team can take necessary action to avoid further losses and plan rapid asset recovery.

To conclude, state-of-the-art technology helps us achieve robust construction. But we need to build sustainable assets for a better future. BIM for construction, if used effectively, can help us construct disaster-resilient buildings, enhance consumer protection and ensure a safer environment for the community also BIM is an effective tool for renovation projects.