Design and construction of a building used to be based around a fragmented set of tools and processes, but the introduction of BIM has made the whole process more coherent. As a BIM Company, we are well aware of the multitude of benefits that BIM can bring to construction projects, not just in the planning stage but throughout the whole lifecycle of a project.
The introduction of Building Information Modelling (BIM) is not just transforming the way buildings are designed and built, but also the way that buildings are maintained after they are completed. The benefits that BIM can bring to the operational phase of a building’s life cycle are a godsend to business owners who are constantly looking for ways to reduce cost and improve upon their facilities management.
BIM not only makes all of the important information about a building accessible to everyone involved, reducing both costs and time but also brings benefits in a multitude of other ways:
#1 Better energy analysis
Using a BIM model allows detailed environmental and energy data to be stored, enabling facilities managers to analyse costs and plan for potential savings in ways that have not really been seen before. Through the use of BIM technology, building owners can work with their facilities managers to optimise their buildings’ performance, all the way to demolition if needed.
#2 Better use of space
A BIM Model allows facility managers to have a much better understanding of what space in the property is being used, and in what way. Optimal space management is a great way to reduce expenses associated with running a building.
#3 Effective Maintenance
When facilities managers have access to the detailed information that is found in BIM models, they can more easily create and implement efficient maintenance programmes. They can also populate the BIM model with real manufacturer-specific BIM objects and information, saving them months of work.
#4 Improved lifecycle management
Important things such as life expectancy or fixtures and fittings and replacement costs can be included in BIM models. This helps building owners to make more informed purchase decisions and have a clearer understanding of where their money is best spent. For example, some products can appear to be expensive upfront but will actually be the most cost-effective choice in the long-run. With the use of a BIM model, a more accurate life cycle cost analysis can be made.
#5 Improvement in safety
BIM models allow for a better analysis of crowd behaviour when it comes to fire and evacuation modelling and security measures, meaning these things can be predicted and therefore planned in a more accurate way. More elaborate BIM models containing manufacturer-specific BIM objects make it easier for building designs to be optimised for public safety.
#6 Savings on renovations and retrofits
Information about existing conditions within the building can be added to BIM models, which will dramatically reduce the cost and complexity involved when it comes to renovations and building refits. The provision of accurate and reliable information to all contractors also means that the likelihood of change orders being raised is also reduced.
As you can see, BIM Models can bring a raft of benefits to Facility Managers and Building Owners. If you would like to discuss how our services can help your construction project, please get in touch.
