How BIM Transformed Our Approach to Construction
Building Information Modeling has saved our company countless dollars by identifying clashes before they become costly problems on the jobsite.
Over a decade ago, I made the case to our leadership team that we needed to invest in Building Information Modeling (BIM). At the time, the construction industry was still largely dependent on 2D drawings and traditional coordination methods. It was a significant investment, and not everyone was convinced it would pay off.
The Problem We Were Solving
Construction projects involve dozens of trades, each with their own drawings and specifications. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, architectural—they all need to coexist in the same physical space. Historically, we'd try to discover conflicts by overlaying shop drawings which can be a time consuming and error prone process or during installation, leading to costly changes, delays, and finger-pointing.
The BIM Difference
BIM changed everything. By creating detailed 3D models of every system before construction begins, we can identify clashes virtually—where a duct runs through a beam, where pipes conflict with conduit, where coordination issues would have become expensive field problems.
We hired a Director of Virtual Construction to lead this initiative. Today, we use BIM on almost every project, and our leadership team clearly sees the value.
The Results
While it's hard to quantify a true ROI on this technology—how do you measure problems that never happened?—the value is undeniable. We've:
- Identified hundreds of clash detections before breaking ground
- Reduced RFIs related to coordination issues
- Improved relationships with subcontractors through better planning
- Delivered more predictable project outcomes
Looking Forward
BIM was just the beginning. Today we're using robotic total stations that leverage our BIM models to verify layout information, preventing costly mistakes before they occur. The construction technology landscape continues to evolve, and we're committed to staying at the forefront.
The construction industry has lagged behind other industries for years when it comes to technology adoption. But that's changing, and those of us who embrace these tools are seeing real competitive advantages.
