One of the things that makes building information modeling so much more than just 3D is the connection to a database. Mining the data can help us to study the impact of project decisions in a more predictive way than gut feel and experience alone. Better informed early decisions lead to less downstream changes and therefore less change orders, value engineering, and rework on the part of architects, engineers, and builders alike. New integrated cost modeling software can associate detailed cost estimating logic even at a conceptual level of model detail. This is much more accurate than the SF costing than many early budgets are based on and that causes so many budget overruns.

Ted Silence of The Beck Group in Tampa, Florida has been working with Pizzuti Solutions, LLC to assist their planning of a mixed-use development in Downtown Dunedin. Ted recently stated, ”As part of their process they have utilized Beck and our BIM cost modeling services. Beck provided an initial conceptual estimate and ten different conceptual cost options based on our conceptual model created in DProfiler software. This included variations in the construction materials, number of floors, and building types (i.e. residential versus medical office). Additionally, we were able to break down the different programmatic facilities within the model in order to show them conceptual costs associated with each phase of the project. In total, Beck has spent approximately 15 business days to provide all of the different conceptual estimates and associated graphics as deliverables from the software. This has allowed the client to continue to refine their pro forma while getting a better understanding of what they are going to be spending along the way. The project continues to be developed and is scheduled for construction next year.”

This is just one example of BIM technology enabling more what-ifs to be analyzed in a shorter period of time. After creating the base cost model, changes are made more quickly and the knock-on effects to the budget can be studied in real time. New integrated cost modeling software can associate detailed cost estimating logic even at a conceptual level of 3D model detail. This is much more accurate than the SF costing than many early budgets are based on and that cause so many budget overruns.

Perhaps most importantly, each what-if scenario is more clearly and easily understood by all project participants. The visual model makes for an almost instantaneous understanding of the project. The model based cost estimating process is more transparent because estimating logic is associated with each model component — far easier to understand than a stack of paper. The visual model also mitigates many of the errors due to different assumptions by the project participants.