Technology has been inching into all aspects of the construction industry, but the process of BIM (Building Information Management) systems, once the exclusive domain of commercial construction and large-scale builders, is now within reach of custom and smaller-volume home builders. It is destined to revolutionize and revitalize the design and contracting business.
This “new world” of efficiency will streamline operations, from design to billing, from initial concept to materials and options, and it is likely to usher in a new era of efficiency and customer satisfaction as well. The “old way” of hand-drawn plans, multiple revisions and notebooks full of notes, that began in 1947 and has, in many ways, changed little since that time is slowly becoming seen as cumbersome and antiquated.
3 Questions to Ask Yourself When It Comes to Your Documentation
- How Is the Process Working?
Building a home is a multi-faceted, time-consuming process that is not only labor-intensive but frequently inefficient. Numerous individuals and trades are involved, leading to lots of possibility for error. Every step along the way has layers of necessary detail, and keeping it all organized and updated is difficult. Discrepancies often have unforeseen results. Constant checks and rechecks, approvals and sign-offs, confirmations and inspections, are required. A construction project, no matter how well-managed, has never been a “science lab.” Instead, it is a place where the dictum of “measure twice, cut once” is all too true, and where imprecise measurements often result in consequences that require quick solutions and redos.
- How Productive Is It?
BIM in residential construction has not yet gained widespread acceptance because standardization across platforms and for different users has been slow in coming. But it is on its way, and the potential is recognized, even by those who still cling to their notepads and pencils. The truth is that technology has made its way to the building site in the form of digital documentation and instant communication. It won’t be long until home builders see the value of computer modeling. The ability to virtually “build” a structure in the office instead of in the field is still something of a wonder to many builders, but they won’t long resist the ability to recognize and reduce potential errors and to save both time and money. Designers, contractors, superintendents — and clients — will all benefit from widespread BIM adoption.
- How much money is being left on the table?
Seriously, there are better ways of doing things in the 21st Century. CADD (Computer-Assisted Design and Drafting) is now commonplace, although it too was resisted by some architects in the early years. Today, busy lumberyards employ computers to simplify material takeoffs and speed up ordering and delivery; HVAC professionals use the computer to plot radiant heating lines and plan ductwork. Innovative lighting designers use BIM software that simplifies code compliance and permits easy personalization of a lighting plan. The process is a seamless way to deliver what a home buyer wants in a timely fashion, at a price point and a “pain point” that the builder appreciates.
BIM for Home Builders
Aterra is proud to be on the cutting edge of technology, and we are thoroughly committed to serving our clients and the home building community with the same expertise and attention to detail that we have always brought to the task. Because we see the benefits of BIM systems daily in our professional capacity, we look forward to continuing technological advances, and to a time in the not-so-distant future when computer modeling, tracking, checking and billing will no longer be considered innovative.
We’ll look forward to reaping even more benefits as time goes on.