Determine the returns received on the BIM Modeling cost incurred during the pre-construction or design phase.

Tremendous changes have occurred in the construction industry with the development of technology. Nowadays, typewriters and drawing boards are replaced by computer software to produce construction documentation. Another most important revolution in the construction industry is Building Information Modeling (BIM), which makes a significant change in efficiency and accuracy. Implementation of BIM can reduce the design fees that should be paid. But, at the same time, BIM Modeling cost under BIM implementation is increased.

• BIM transfers the quality digital information from briefing through design and construction and finally to the owner-operators of the building. So, the person, who gets the most benefits from BIM, is the owner-operator. Some of the important features of BIM are the following.
• BIM helps analyze building design and thermal calculations and reduce energy use significantly, as it enables the use of renewable energy, improved design of the building fabric and services, and simple decisions like the building’s position with respect to its environment.
• BIM provides the clients with high-quality digital information, with which they can help the maintenance of the facility. The digital information ensures happening of maintenance on an optimal schedule.
• With the help of Modeling the building, the clients can make informed decisions at design time about the quality of the products and they can be installed in their facility.
• Another major benefit of BIM is cost saving. It is very difficult and costly to correct the clashes between the structure and the services on the construction site. The costs will increase along with the increase in the number of clashes and that will lead to a great loss to the owner. As BIM helps early detection of clashes, this problem can be solved to a great extent.
• Working with incomplete or badly coordinated construction documents may force the construction team for further information. It is also expensive to rework on the design if the construction has already started. As BIM enables digital construction at design time and the physical construction second time, this problem is solved.

All these above-described points do not mean that design fees are reduced in BIM. But, if you are ready to spend extra on designing in BIM, you can save 20% on construction costs and 60% on operation costs. The method to reduce BIM Modeling cost in the design phase is to create pre-design templates combined with common building elements such as geometric constituents and provisions. It helps produce similarly replicated buildings through the BIM template. So, we can save and improve designs by using standardized digital construction templates.

To conclude, even though the designers have to face the rise of design fees in BIM adoption, they get the value to the construction process and reward for this. However, if the designers get repeated business orders for similar projects from clients, the fees will reduce. But, the use of BIM increases the efficiency of these projects and the margin of all members of the construction team.

A professionals cost depends on the worth added by the designer during the project. BIM models, through running simulations, handing over usable asset data and designing out clashes and waste, enable the designers to offer more value to their clients than the traditional design methods can. Demonstrating this value to the clients and receiving fees in proportion to the added value is the responsibility of the architects and engineers.

BIM, in a 3D world, acts as a glue to hold design and construction together. There are many firms that still don’t have much idea of what to do to make BIM projects successful. This article is a guideline for such firms, as it details the steps that a construction firm has to follow from design through construction using BIM.

The process of using BIM models is a lengthy one that leads up to and through construction. Proper software and employees are required to do this process effectively. Revit Architecture, MEP and structural as well as 3D Studio Max, Navisworks, and AutoCAD are the software that supports this process.

It is in the predesign stage that we decide, whether BIM is used in the project. Once the use of BIM Modeling guidelines is approved, the architect starts to work on the schematic model. He either uses masses or real elements in a BIM environment. The architect will give a presentation to the owner, after completing the preparation of the schematic architectural model. The presentation requires a walkthrough or rendering. The software that helps in this task is Studio Max, in conjunction with Revit. In this stage, the owner can put forward his suggestions on the design. The model enters the design phase after necessary changes are made.

The role of scheduling (4D) and estimating (5D) starts during the schematic design stage. It is the duty of scheduling to make sure that the building construction is completed within the allotted time. Estimating should ensure that they track the cost of the project constantly and systematically. Proper setup of BIM models from the starting stage is necessary for getting appropriate scheduling and estimation. For scheduling, the model of the building should be in mind, while the model is built. I.e. each floor of the building should be modeled in the order they are going to be poured. So, Navisworks can schedule correctly. The parameters of the construction project should be added to the model in estimating.

Trying and counting all elements of a project from a 2D plan is a laborious task for estimating. But BIM enables the collaborative effort in the design and construction process.

Collaboration is the key element in the detailed design. A compulsory weekly meeting including the architect, engineer, project manager, estimator, scheduler, and construction manager takes place to make sure that everybody follows the process at the same pace. Interference checks and coordination reviews are done weekly basis at this stage of the design process. Even though it is a mandatory step to follow, most firms are not aware of the benefits of collaborative tools provided by BIM. Firms think that they get enough time to detect clashes and run interference checks. But actually what happened is that they waste their time and money by fixing errors on the site. Actually, with the proper use of collaboration tools, they could have been detecting the clashes in the design phase, if they spend some time in the initial stage.

Some of the coordinated processes that make your BIM model more efficient are scheduling, sections, elevations, and walkthroughs. It is sure that proper use of them will help you save time and money.

Ownership of elements is another significant factor. Ownership of an element means the discipline that originally modeled an element. It is the responsibility of the owner of an element to pay extra attention to the coordination of that element.

It is always advised to model every element type only once, as multiple instances of the same element stretched across disciplines will create a headache for coordination and collaboration between models.

Once the design is finished, construction starts. The construction manager and field superintendent will work together with the design team. They check whether the design intent is followed and run their own clash detections on all models. The Navisworks monitoring and workflow tools help to report the identified problems and to track them through resolution. If BIM is used early in the design stage, construction can be made easier. BIM creates a solid link between design and construction that makes revolutionary changes in the industry.

Advanced technological applications like building information Modeling (BIM) are widely used in construction industries nowadays. However, there is a common misconception among contractors that technologies like BIM are only beneficial to multi-billion-dollar corporations. But, the truth is that smaller construction firms get more benefits out of these opportunities if they use them properly.

People think that BIM is actually useful only for designers and engineers and not for contractors. There is also a misbelief that implementing BIM is very expensive. But what they have to understand is that the benefits out of BIM are depended on how efficiently they use them.

HOW WILL BIM BENEFIT YOUR PROCESS THE MOST?

The first step is to analyze how BIM will benefit your process the most. Once the hand-drawn concrete drawings are prepared, the process can be automated using BIM technology. As the BIM Modeling services can be used for field utilization, the contractors can ensure improved labor productivity significantly. Moreover, the BIM-based drawings provide information about quantities of concrete and the time taken for construction. In short, the efficiently prepared drawings will help the superintendents to spend their time more efficiently at work that will result in saving time and money.

BIM IMPLEMENTATION – WHAT’S THE PROCESS?

The implementation plan is the second step in this process in which you have to decide how you will utilize this technology on a consistent basis. BIM offers not only a 3D Modeling tool but also a solution for access, storage, and use of information. So, while you are working on a concrete BIM Modeling project, you have to identify the steps and process flow in that. Then you can decide how to use BIM model efficiently throughout the process. If the contractors develop BIM templates, family components, and intelligent objects within BIM models besides a drawing, they can provide you vital information about quantities, productivity goals, schedule analysis, manpower, and more.

Here is a live example of how Excelize assisted its client with BIM Modeling and clash detection services helping them in saving time:

For an IT building spread over 4 floors and an area of 7,40,00 sq. ft. We worked on building architectural BIM Modeling, Structural BIM Modeling, and MEP BIM services components. These models were used for clash detection and resolution (CDR). By using the model CDR phase of the project was completed in one month as compared to 3 months for CDR with the conventional process.

Similarly, each and every phase of building information Modeling would add to the return on investment to the owner and user as well. Whether its BIM Modeling services of various disciplines, MEP BIM coordination, clash detection and resolution, 4D BIM scheduling or cost estimation, BIM offers its users a return on investment at every phase of BIM process cycle.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON HURDLES FACED WHILE IMPLEMENTING BIM?

Contractors generally fear about the possible obstacles faced while BIM implementation for the first time in their organization. To solve these issues is the next step. The common problem is that the field staff is not confident about the ability of the computer or they are reluctant to learn the technology. So, the appropriate team should be found out within the company, who can use this solution in the beginning to solve this issue. A superintendent and project manager with an open mind to this technology, can manage the BIM-based project successfully and spread the idea to other superintendents.

WHAT IS THE INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRED DURING BIM IMPLEMENTATION PHASES?

The next step is to find out the infrastructure necessary to begin the implementation process. First priority goes to sufficient manpower. Technicians, who have experience in the construction field are essential. Moreover, MEP modelers, who come from the trades, can bring their field experience to the Modeling team. The most important thing is that the employees should be given proper training to understand the new technology at every level. The technicians in most of the firms are of the younger generation. The company should arrange opportunities for them to work with experienced personnel, as it will result in a perfect blend of technology and construction application.

Another significant element is the requirement of high-performing hardware and software with a RAM of a minimum of 32 GB. You have to find a good amount of the annual budget for installing and updating hardware and software may require a larger investment.

There are many benefits of visualizing an AEC project as if it were constructed. It provides a glimpse into the future to the clients through BIM Modeling services. Visualization helps review the concept and design objectives. It can act as a communication tool for the contractor and the consultant. Visualization is relevant in a project lifecycle, from the very beginning to the very end. Visualization has a crucial role in BIM, as it is an effective communication tool for various BIM stakeholder groups.

ADVANTAGES OF VISUALIZATION THROUGH BIM MODELING:

At first, the client gets an idea of what he will get for his money. Besides, the client can make a good selection during the project and ensure that the critical path of the project is understood. As a result, the firm can deliver the project on time, within budget and with minimal issues. Therefore, the construction firms try to implement visualization tactics in all phases of a project and to involve all parties in using it. The benefits of BIM are varied for each one in the construction industry. While it is an advanced computer-aided design for someone, the others find it as a series of models for distinct elements of a project. Using BIM, designers explore alternative concepts, optimize their designs and conduct value engineering.

BIM MODELING LEADS TO IMPROVED COORDINATION:

BIM Modeling services enable designers and engineers to work together and so they can identify and solve issues with the help of the model before the construction starts. As traditionally design drawings should be coordinated to ensure that various building systems do not clash, though most of the clashes and issues could have been identified only during the construction phase. Due to late identification of clashes, the decision at the construction site is delayed and ultimately costs in delayed schedule and waste of materials. But if the potential problems can be identified in the design phase during BIM Modeling and resolved prior to construction with the help of BIM technology, huge wastage of resources could be avoided.

HOW DO OWNERS BENEFIT FROM VISUALIZATION?

Using BIM Modeling for project visualization, the contractors can understand how the building will come together. But it is not only beneficial for the construction team. The project visualization is an effective marketing tool. It can show the client or the owner how the building will look like when construction progresses. The owners of the large projects generally demand physical mock-up models because it helps them visualize, understand and make decisions on the functionality and aesthetics part of the project more efficiently. BIM Modeling enables to make virtual mock-ups and to test for fabrication of the cost.

BIM addresses problems beyond the limits of traditional 2D drawings:

BIM enables changes during the early phases of a project and planning of the construction schedule before work starts on-site. As we can understand which material should be required and installed first, we can save time. Moreover, the clashes are identified early in the design stage and so on-site clashes are reduced significantly.

Contractors use BIM model to prepare shops and fabrication drawings as well as to coordinate drawings. The use of BIM Modeling for owners is optimizing building maintenance, renovations, and energy efficiency. They also use it to analyze life-cycle cost. In short, BIM ensures the teamwork of a firm by enabling collaboration among designers, constructions, and owners.

Reduction in time brought about by design changes in BIM Modeling services.

The major problem faced by the construction industry is the inability to complete the construction projects on time and within the budget. There are several factors in the construction field that lead to time and cost overrun. Poor planning and scheduling, as well as unprofessional site management of contractors, cause the delay in construction and it will result in financial loss to the owners. The important factors that lead to wastage of time are inefficient project planning and scheduling, lack of contractor experience, improper site management and supervision, incredible subcontractors, and delayed delivery of materials, which could be avoided through the appropriate implementation of BIM Modeling services.

Change in design by the owner, delay in site delivery, a progress payment, approving design documents and performing inspection and testing, and ineffective communication and coordination with other parties. The problems in planning and scheduling complexity of design and lack of control over the site resource allocations are also some of the top factors that cause time overruns.

ENABLES DESIGN CHANGES

Through BIM Modeling services quick changes in design could be made if any possible problem is found on the construction site.

FACILITATES COST ESTIMATION:

Using this technology, the design intent of a building can be checked both quantitatively and qualitatively, and thus BIM cost estimating process can be made early.

REDUCES REWORK:

Rework is the main fact that leads to wastage of time and money in the construction industry. BIM Modeling services help in updating and synchronizing any design automatically. It will reduce the drawing errors and thus minimize the possibilities of rework. So reducing human errors and avoiding reworking will help the industry to save time and money significantly.

ENHANCES PRODUCTIVITY

Implementation of BIM concept can increase the efficiency and productivity of the delivery process as well as the constructed facility. As the construction issues can be eliminated at an earlier stage, the request for a design change, team conflicts, and rebuilding will be reduced. The designers can make design decisions on the spatial experience of the BIM-based models. It can result in a massive impact on the cost of the construction.

AUTOMATICALLY UPDATE DATA:

The components in a BIM model know how to act and interact with other components. For example, in a BIM model, a room, more than an abstract concept, is a unique space with other building components such as floors, walls, and ceilings. In BIM Modeling services, the model is a complex database with geometric information and non-graphic data and room is a database element. So, if the designers change any model element, the changes in all views are automatically coordinated by BIM software.

BIM MODELING SERVICES PROVIDES DIGITAL VISUALIZATION:

The key benefit of BIM Modeling services is that it helps owners and AEC professionals with digital visualization, design, simulation, and analysis of the physical and functional features of a project before they are constructed. So they get an idea of how the building will come together before the work starts. It reduces the change in design during construction, which will result in time and cost-saving.

While CAD uses software tools to create digital 2D or 3D drawings, BIM Modeling services provide a new way of working with designs and intelligent objects created. Even though the design is changed several times by everybody, the data in the model remains consistent. As all the stakeholders get a clear vision of the project from the BIM model, they can be informed faster.

This July 2015, Construction world released an article focusing on the challenges faced by the Indian Government in implementing the Smart Cities projects.  As the Indian government has planned to launch smart solutions to meet the need of growing urbanization and has approved 100 smart cities project in India.

Many industry experts contributed different solutions to the challenges highlighted in the article. Like,

Mr. Pratap Padode (@pratappadode) says, ¨The Smart Cities mission and AMRUT are likely to infuse a total of Rs 400,000 crore, once integrated with other missions like Digital India, Swachh Bharat, Housing for All, etc.¨

Mr. Kanwaljeet Singh, Business Development, Energy and Smart Cities, Schneider Electric India say’s “At present, only Lavasa near Pune can be classified as a smart city. Other cities (such as Mumbai and Delhi) are still in the process of upgrading their systems and could qualify as smart in the future.¨

¨We have been talking to these cities about the best way to do this, following which they will come up with their procurement procedures,¨ says Aamer Azeemi, Managing Director, Cisco, adding that the company is in discussion with many cities. ¨We have done the complete smart city planning for four cities in the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor,¨ he shares.

Similarly under the “Utility and Solutions” section where there are two components to any smart city: Physical infrastructure and software. Every city, from ancient times to now, has required roads, water, power, parks, security, transportation, shopping, food production, and services of different types for its citizens. What has changed is that all these facilities can now be designed using the analysis of data. Therefore, you get smarter roads where traffic lights are coordinated with the amount of traffic and smarter water by measuring the amount of water being consumed and then planning how much to buy, how much to clean and purify, and how much to store and distribute. While smarter power and the fine granular measurement can improve load factors and reduce electricity cost, smarter grids for electricity distribution improve the resiliency of power networks. Additionally, smarter transportation, agriculture, and services can be possible by backing every decision with data collection and analytics.

This considered, the benefits building information modeling (BIM) offers at the various stage are proven. ¨It can play a significant role to make smart cities a success,¨ affirms Sonali Dhopte, Director, Excelize. She highlights some goals for BIM adoption or implementation in smart cities:

• At the design stage: Visualisation of the project leads to a reduction in coordination time; reduction in time by design changes; accuracy in data used for construction as BIM lets us build virtually before building physically.
• At construction stage: Reduction in rework at site owing to clash detection and resolution; the accuracy of Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and consequently material procurement; delay monitoring through 4D construction simulation; availability of an as-built model for facility management.
• At maintenance stage: Integration of design data with maintenance data; the impact of any updates or renovations can be assessed against the data available in the BIM model.

Read the entire article here: “THE SMART CITIES CHALLENGE”

Brief about Ar. Sonali Dhopte:

Architect and Interior Designer since 1993, Sonali has worked with the top architectural firms in the US and India. As Technical Director at Excelize (www.excelize.com), she oversees and guides the BIM technology team and manages project deliveries as per client requirements. As a leading woman Architect, Sonali is a nationally recognized BIM Expert and has presented and participated in various panel discussions in prestigious conferences and has published various articles on BIM in prestigious journals.

BIM, or Building Information Modeling, is no longer just a digital tool — it’s the foundation of modern construction. In 2026, BIM has evolved into a fully integrated way to plan, design, build, and operate buildings with speed, precision, and sustainability.

This guide explains what BIM really means, how BIM Levels 0–6 work, why it’s more important than ever in 2026, and how it helps construction teams deliver better projects with less risk, less waste, and more value.

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What BIM Really Means

Building: BIM supports the entire lifecycle of a building — from initial concept and design to construction, operation, and maintenance.

Information: BIM organizes and connects all project data in one place, enabling faster decisions and fewer errors.

Modeling: BIM uses intelligent 3D and data-rich models that update automatically whenever design elements change. This keeps drawings, schedules, and costs accurate and synchronized.

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Why BIM Matters in 2026

The construction industry is rapidly becoming data-driven. Clients demand transparency, teams work across geographies, and sustainability is a top priority. BIM enables all of this:

• Early clash detection and fewer site errors

• Real-time cost and schedule control

• Integrated sustainability analysis

• Smoother collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, and owners

In 2026, governments and private clients alike are increasingly making BIM mandatory for large and mid-size projects — not just for compliance, but for better outcomes.

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BIM Levels Explained, From 0 to 6

Level 0

Basic 2D CAD drawings with no structured collaboration. Information is shared manually through PDFs or printed plans. Errors are common and coordination is limited.

Level 1

2D drawings remain primary, but some 3D modeling is used for concepts. A common data environment is introduced for file storage and sharing. Collaboration improves but remains partial.

Level 2

Teams create separate discipline models and exchange data using standard formats such as IFC and COBie. Duplication is reduced, communication improves, and reviews are faster.

Level 3

A single shared model (Open BIM) is used as the “single source of truth.” All stakeholders can view and work with the same data, minimizing clashes and misunderstandings.

Level 4

Time data is integrated with the model. Construction sequences can be visualized and optimized before work starts on site, improving planning and resource allocation.

Level 5

Cost data is connected to design elements. Real-time budget control helps teams track costs accurately and make data-driven financial decisions.

Level 6

Sustainability and energy performance are incorporated directly into the design process. Energy modeling, carbon analysis, and lifecycle costing support greener, smarter buildings.

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BIM Elements: The Digital Twin in Action

In BIM, every wall, floor, door, and window becomes a data-rich object. When you change one element, the entire model updates — including drawings, schedules, and quantities.

This ensures consistent documentation, fewer coordination issues, and earlier detection of design clashes. By creating a digital twin of the building, teams gain complete visibility and control long before construction starts.

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How Level 2 and Level 3 Boost Collaboration

Standard formats like IFC and COBie make it possible to share data smoothly between design, construction, and facility management.

With Level 3, multiple disciplines can work in one shared environment, ensuring version control, faster approvals, and fewer communication gaps. This is where BIM delivers major time and cost savings.

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Levels 4 to 6: Time, Cost, and Sustainability

Level 4 – Time

Schedules are linked to model elements, allowing teams to visualize and simulate the construction process. This leads to smarter planning and reduced delays.

Level 5 – Cost

Real-time cost tracking keeps budgets on target. Any design change instantly reflects in the project’s financial forecast, giving teams greater control.

Level 6 – Sustainability

Sustainability targets are integrated early in the design stage. Energy simulations and carbon footprint calculations guide smarter material and system choices, ensuring compliance with stricter environmental regulations in 2026.

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Core Benefits of BIM in 2026

• Faster delivery through better scheduling and clash detection

• Real-time cost control with fewer budget overruns

• Stronger communication across all project stakeholders

• Less material waste and more sustainable buildings

• Clear visualization and better decision-making

• Smoother handover to operations and maintenance

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How BIM Helps Reduce Waste

BIM allows teams to detect and fix design issues before construction starts. This reduces costly rework and delays.

It also improves material take-offs and procurement accuracy, leading to just-in-time delivery and less surplus. By integrating lifecycle thinking, BIM supports efficient resource use even after project completion.

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Typical BIM Workflow in 2026

Plan – Define information requirements, goals, and standards.
Design – Build discipline models, run clash detection, iterate quickly.
Build – Use the model for sequencing, coordination, and quality control.
Handover – Deliver clean, structured data with as-built models.
Operate – Use asset data for preventive maintenance and long-term optimization.

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What’s New in BIM Since 2018

• Cloud collaboration is now standard, enabling real-time teamwork across locations.

• Mobile access lets site teams use BIM directly in the field.

• AR and VR make design reviews more immersive and accurate.

• AI automates clash grouping, quantity take-offs, and scheduling.

• Digital twins connect BIM with live building performance data.

• Regulatory frameworks increasingly require structured data delivery.

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The Future of BIM Beyond 2026

BIM is on track to become a fully connected ecosystem. Digital twins will integrate with IoT sensors, AI will automate design optimization, and sustainability compliance will become the norm.

The shift from paper drawings to intelligent, connected data models is accelerating. Teams that adapt will deliver faster, more accurate, and more sustainable projects.

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Getting Started Checklist

1. Define BIM goals and required data from the start.

2. Set up a common data environment and file standards.

3. Choose reliable authoring and coordination tools.

4. Assign responsibilities for model updates and approvals.

5. Plan for structured handover data early in the project.