What is BIM or Building Information Modeling? Building information modeling delivers 3D views of designs and incorporates critical real-world data that can improve the quality, accuracy and speed with which architectural ideas become concrete reality. In laymen terms it allows the owner/end-user to get real data about his/her home, giving cost schedules for material take-offs, solar analysis which guarantees the correct orientation of your home/building for reduced energy costs and an actual 3D representation of your home before it has been completed.

Another example, a building owner may find evidence of a leak in his home/building. Rather than exploring the physical building, he may turn to his BIM model and see that a water valve is located in the suspect location. He could also have in the model the specific valve size, manufacturer, part number, and any other information ever researched in the past, pending adequate computing power.

BIM offers:

1. Improved visualization
2. Improved productivity due to easy retrieval of information
3. Increased coordination of construction documents
4. Embedding and linking of vital information such as vendors for specific materials, location of details and quantities required for estimation and tendering
5. Increased speed of delivery
6. Reduced costs