In order to understand the cost of BIM and ensure that bidders understand the scope similarly, consider these variables on your project. For more information, please visit http://blog.mckenneys.com/2016/05/apples-to-oranges-comparing-bim-scope.

1. Apples to Oranges
Comparing BIM Scope

2. Are you trying to estimate the cost of virtual design and construction
services on your next project? Does the estimated cost of BIM vary
significantly from project to project and from bidder to bidder?
Managing the following variables in the preconstruction process can
help you compare BIM scope as apples to apples as opposed to apples
and oranges.
BIM is clearly defined as Building Information Modeling, but the clarity
in comparing BIM on one project to another stops at the definition.
There are variables that can significantly influence the cost and
schedule of BIM on a project. Communicating without clarity can lead
to large variances in the estimated cost of work.
In order to understand the cost of BIM and ensure that bidders
understand the scope similarly, consider these variables on your
project:

3. • BIM Execution Plan: A well written BIM execution plan can provide
all the pertinent information to plan and execute a project often in
fewer than 5 pages. It will clearly set coordination rules of
engagement, meeting frequency and structure, and expectations
regarding the detail of the model.
• Software Coordination: Defining the acceptable software formats
to be used for coordination is critical to developing a cost of work.
Minor changes in versions or platforms can create time consuming
problems for trade contractors. Changing versions after
coordination has started should be a last resort and only pursued if
there is buy in from the entire team.

4. • Coordination Responsibilities: Tasks such as hosting meetings,
managing models and file share sites, or providing clash detection
reports can increase cost. Spelling out who will be responsible for
each of these tasks at the preconstruction stage will help insure that
estimates cover the same scope. When identifying responsibilities,
it is important to identify all of the participating trades in the BIM
coordination. Bringing a trade contractor on-board late is very
disruptive. Late involvement leads to re-work and/or inefficiency in
system coordination.
It is the CM/GC’s responsibility to ensure all parties required for the
coordination are engaged prior to embarking on the BIM
coordination.

5. • Coordination Details: Scope related to coordinating with existing
systems, providing hyperlinked submittal documentation, or
modeling and coordinating in-wall services can drive costs up or
overlooked if not spelled out in the bid documents. Determine how
the team will model code and manufacturer’s suggested service
clearances. Don’t leave this up to industry standard LOD (level of
development) definitions. Often these definitions are insufficient to
accurately estimate a project scope.
• Construction Drawings/BIM Deliverables: Deliverables vary from
project to project and need to be identified up front to assess the
scope. Identify if and where the BIM can be used to supplement or
replace traditional deliverables. Identify what drawings will be
required by the construction team.

6. Providing this information to the team early and consistently will
provide better feedback and a more complete scope so you can
compare apples to apples.

7. 1056 Moreland Industrial Boulevard
Atlanta, Georgia 30316
P: 404-622-5000
sales@mckenneys.com
3601 Performance Road
Charlotte, North Carolina 28214
P: 704-357-1200
Atlanta Office:
Charlotte Office:
www.mckenneys.com