How to Reduce Building Information Modeling (BIM) Sharing Risks
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a type of software tool that lets construction crews create digital blueprints and models of a project. It lets them see exactly what the final product will look like, estimate the amount of materials—such as concrete wall forms—you’ll need, and give clients a chance to visualize the building before you even begin construction.
But there are some risks that come with using BIM, especially when it comes to sharing the model with others. Here are a few of these risks and how you can minimize them.
Be Cautious Not to Overshare
When you share a model and building information with a client, contractor, or other professional, you may find that you’ve shared more information than you intended. This often isn’t information about the building itself, but rather information related to the client, the budget, your employees, and other sensitive information that shouldn’t be shared with everyone. It’s also possible a model may imply information that you didn’t intend, and that can lead to problems as well.
Communicate and Collaborate with the Right People
One way of reducing the risk of sharing information you didn’t intend to share is to know who you need to talk to for each stage of the project and what information they need.
For example, the architect may have some ideas about reducing project costs and design the model around those ideas, but if they don’t share them with the general contractor, they may never be implemented.
Knowing the proper chain of communication and who needs what is vital to ensuring that BIM information is shared correctly.
Have Clear Instructions on Who Can Edit the Model
When someone takes the model and modifies it without permission, that incorrect model may get shared. This wrong information can lead to some contractors or crew wasting time and materials on something that has to be changed later.
The BIM should only be changed by someone who is approved to make such changes. The number of people who are authorized to make changes needs to be kept as small as possible, and everyone needs to know who these people are and report any other changes.
Confirm That a BIM Aligns with Construction Codes
When the model is first created, it will be approved by various individuals to make certain that everything aligns with various construction codes and regulations that apply to the building.
However, if changes are made, or if one party is left out of these early consultations, it’s possible these design errors will go undetected. That can lead to a multitude of fines, plus the cost of redoing the work to get it up to code.
Making certain only authorized people make changes to the model will help reduce this risk, but to fully eliminate it, any changes made need to be reviewed by the appropriate parties to ensure there are no code violations.
Work with Your Insurance Agent
While it’s important to minimize the risk that can come from sharing a BIM, you also need to be prepared in case something does slip through that causes an issue with the final construction.
Talk to your insurance agent about the numerous issues that can come from such an error and how it will affect your company financially. While the goal is to never need such information, it’s always best to be prepared.
Once the Modeling Is Done, You Need Shoring and Forming Equipment
Once the BIM is finalized, it’s time to begin construction, which will require shoring equipment and concrete forms. We have all of these materials ready for you. Contact us today to talk about your next project.