How BIM Can Benefit Contractors and Subcontractor Trades in Construction
In this blog, we’re taking a closer look at the key benefits of BIM for main contractors and subcontractors in construction and how you can take advantage of this technology to achieve better results on your projects—regardless of whether you’re a tier 1 main contractor, tier 2 subcontractor or tire 3 specialist trade.
Let’s get started.
On the surface, BIM is a process of digitally representing a building’s physical and functional characteristics. However, in reality, BIM is so much more than this.
BIM is a crucial shared resource that establishes a basis for better decision-making throughout a project’s lifecycle, and it also assists in problem-solving, solution simulations, and impact analysis.
During construction, BIM can be used to coordinate the complex work of the main contractor and its many subcontractors/specialist trades.
This makes it easier for everyone to work together and complete the project more efficiently and effectively (especially compared to using traditional segregated information-sharing processes).
Real-time updates and changes to the building model can also be made, so everyone can stay on the same page, reducing the risk of errors, delays, and cost overruns.
Contractors can decrease costs early on by figuring out the exact amount of materials or equipment needed for the project. This not only avoids unnecessary costs but also reduces wasteful rework, resulting in enhanced sustainability. Win-win.
Make no mistake: BIM can play a pivotal role in improving sustainability because it can be used to analyse and optimise a building’s energy performance as well as the management and maintenance performance—leading to improved sustainability, better energy performance, and lower lifecycle carbon emissions.
BIM provides a clear visual representation of the project from the offset, thereby reducing the risk of errors and improving project planning.
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BIM allows for better project management by providing a centralised database of all project information, making it easier to access and share information among stakeholders.
One of the overarching benefits of BIM is improved collaboration which, in turn, results in better engagement and communication.
BIM allows different project stakeholders—such as architects, engineers, contractors, project managers, and owners—to work together on a common platform for information sharing. The result? Improved communication and coordination, and fewer errors and conflicts.
What’s more, BIM also allows for superior engagement and collaboration among the core project team. By providing a common platform for information sharing, BIM improves communication and coordination between all parties, resulting in a more efficient process and effective project outcomes.
With the improved workflow that BIM processes bring, large-scale projects are made so much more efficient. BIM reduces rework, limits errors, and minimises waste, leading to faster project completion times and increased productivity.
The cherry on top? BIM also enables companies to identify potential problems early on in the technical design (stage 4) and construction (stage 5) phases, allowing for proactive problem-solving rather than reactive problem-fixing—saving time and money in the long run.
Viewing a BIM model using virtual reality improves communication and allows the team to understand the project before it actually exists.
This opens the door to increased innovation as plans can be adjusted before construction begins, which means you’ll get ahead of your project by knowing its details before you get on site.
These improvements in communication, collaboration, project efficiency, opportunity, risk reduction, and streamlined workflows all contribute to improved building quality and a more successful project outcome.
And the reason is simple: by integrating BIM into your workflows from day one, you’re providing a more holistic offering to your customers, enabling you to work more nimbly on projects with a BIM team at your fingertips.
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There are countless real-world examples of BIM adoption, and the benefits experienced by contractors and trades.
For instance, the London 2012 Olympic Stadium used BIM to manage the entirety of the construction process, while on the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, BIM was deployed to improve project planning and management throughout construction. As a result, those projects were better managed, more efficient, and more successful overall—highlighting the clear benefit of BIM for all involved, whether owner, contractor, or subcontractor.
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While BIM is still maturing in the construction sector, there’s no doubt that it is very much here to stay and not going anywhere. (In fact, in the UK, using BIM has been mandatory since 2011 for companies looking to work on government contracts.)
So much so that many clients are beginning to request BIM as a standard requirement when they contract with construction firms and subcontractors.
And for good reason: when contractors and subcontractors use BIM, their resources extend much further, and there is also improved safety and sustainability, better collaboration, and reduced risks in design and construction—not to mention they become more competitive in the marketplace.
All told: if you’re not already leveraging BIM, it’s about time you did. But we understand that a lack of in-house expertise, training and associated costs act as barriers to implementing the technology.
This is where our team at Shft can help. We combine years of industry experience with cutting-edge tech know-how to help construction companies enter the digital era, meet their digital requirements, unlock new opportunities, and thrive—all thanks to BIM.
So, don’t get left behind. Now’s the time to be proactive and responsive, so you can successfully integrate with your project team and be seen as a valuable team player.
Here’s how we’ll get BIM done for you:
Shft those BIM concerns. Start your BIM conversation today, and change the way you work tomorrow: https://maketheshft.digital/contact
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