How Homebuilders Can Use Revit Bim Services

Large homebuilders who are responsible for the development of large-scale projects, where one such project may consist of constructing hundreds of homes, face several challenges. The planning and construction process that these homebuilders are responsible for can be helped to a great extent through the effective use of different software. With BIM (Building Information Modelling) very much in the construction industry picture, the Revit platform was specifically created to enable BIM technology. Homebuilders can benefit in several ways by using Revit BIM, including residential design drawings, residential drafting services and residential Revit BIM modelling. 

When homebuilders use BIM technology, design flaws and change orders are reduced, productivity in design and drafting is increased, the unnecessary purchase of materials are eliminated and costs are accurately estimated, all helping to boost profit margins.

Homebuilders of large residential societies, communities, residential complexes and housing schemes can incorporate the following Revit BIM benefits as part of project planning and the construction process: 

• Improved coordination and accuracy is delivered to clients
• Easy data retrieval, technical documentation creation and enhanced productivity
• Represent homeowners’ requirements precisely
• Create complete production drawing sets with foundation drawings, elevation plans, sectional drawings, structural framing, roofing, detailed floor plans, etc. 
• Provide construction drawing libraries that can be used for retrofits and to revise construction plans 
• Can help provide detailed construction site analysis and plotting for an estimate of the number of buildings that can be included, 3D floor plans for each building, time required, costs and profitability
• Interoperability between different software and tools
• Enables close to accurate measurement, material and quantity take offs
• Generative design
• Identifies and resolves clashes while developing the design or 3D model

So, how does Revit BIM use its advanced tools and technologies to achieve the above results?

Part of the Revit BIM suite of software are Revit Architecture and Revit MEP, which assist in defining 3D BIM models. Revit has a database-driven design, which facilitates accuracy and greater control of project management through the several stages of 3D modelling, floor plan designing and construction scheduling.

In the BIM environment, construction drawings can be fully customised to suit client requirements. 

Advantages of Using Revit BIM for Homebuilders

• Helps make strategic decisions and effectively manage the project
• Material procurement is optimised so that there is little or no material wastage.
• Errors connected with frequent order changes can be reduced.

The three main BIM services for homebuilders that can be executed in Revit are as follows:

Modelling

• Using BIM Revit Architecture and Revit MEP, models are created with high levels of accuracy. 
• Clashes are easily detected, analysed and resolved.
• Appealing and realistic models and renders are created for internal approvals. 
• Plans can be integrated with sustainability features in Revit, allowing the development of maximum energy-efficient designs.

Construction Documentation

• Complete construction documents are prepared with the help of 2d drafting services, including several drawings, such as elevation plan, foundation plan, roofing, sectional drawings, structural framing and floor plans.
• Easy construction drawing library management for revised construction plans.
• Detailed analysis of floor plans and construction site helps calculate the potential number of buildings that can be constructed on the site and estimates time, cost and project profitability. 

Quantity Take-Off

• Close to accurate quantity take-off generated from Revit modelling.
• Helps manage tenders by preparing accurate project estimates 
• Helps generate cost analysis and track construction schedule and budget, as Revit BIM models generate automatic take-off of various elements, ie. counts and measurements 

One of the most important facts about Revit BIM is that it is not just a software application, but also a means of collaboration among platforms, such as follows: 

• Design tools in Revit BIM represent elements of a design as objects, which can be reused in multiple designs, saving drafting time. 
• Presenting design in 3D makes it easier to find conflicts, such as a window intersecting with a roof line
• A BIM object, such as a window, can include the size, type of glass, whether a screen is included and the brand, which can then be used to obtain the unit price.
• All suppliers and subcontractors can access project plans and related construction documents, such as bills of materials.
• All project stakeholders can work from the same set of plans and data, saving time on redrawing or transposing.

Homebuilders can use Revit BIM to their best advantage by: 

• Using it as part of a lean building approach or eliminating waste in multiple areas, such as buying unwanted extra material, costly errors resulting from changing orders, changing plans
• Streamlining management systems and processes
• Using design software with accurate estimating tools and that can help develop comprehensive construction documents
• Using software and processes to provide value-added services beyond design and drafting to clients
• Integrating BIM software with other relevant software to model structural frames (floors, walls, roof systems) and create materials lists so that they can be fabricated without redrafting plans

In spite of its many benefits, some homebuilders remain skeptical about the BIM approach. They feel it requires too much training and too much investment. Although, initially this may be a challenge, the value add-on of the latest estimating tools could make a significant difference in long-term profits. Granted, implementing BIM tools needs a phased process, but suppliers and clients will be pleased to encounter fewer material returns.

Designing and planning take different forms for different homebuilders, and homebuilders may have to modify their methods to implement BIM. It’s also important that the homebuilders’ suppliers and contractors are familiar with the BIM approach.

4 Tips for Homebuilders to Adopt BIM 

• Use a phased approach with doable schedules to implement BIM.
• Budget sufficient time and money for training in addition to production demands.
• Consider outsourcing help to set up labour-intensive libraries, material databases and delivery formats.
• Standardise design specs, estimation processes, etc. with architects, consultants, contractors and suppliers.

Ultimately, the adoption of BIM will be the norm rather than an option, and homebuilders around the world need to know how to use Revit BIM to their best advantage. Western firms can consider BIM outsourcing services from India, as India has a large reserve of well-qualified and experienced Revit professionals. The BIM services in India include high-quality Revit Architecture services and Revit MEP services. With the right partners, homebuilders can use Revit BIM to their best advantage and maximise profits.