Greetings!
Over the past few months our coverage of the various benefits and challenges relating to BIM has included a lot of issues relating primarily to architects and quantity surveyors. It's been interesting hearing your feedback and seeing how, as knowledge and experience starts to build, we can begin to glimpse how our industry might look in the future. However there's one significant aspect that we haven't really discussed yet: what are the advantages of the technology for contractors?
Some of these are apparent as they result from the improved collaboration and greater detail that BIM will engender throughout the supply chain. These include earlier clash detection, improved quantity take offs (resulting in better materials and inventory management) and more flexibility and speed when assessing the impact of introducing changes during the project.
But what other benefits can contractors expect to achieve as BIM develops? And, just as importantly, what challenges and changes to working practices might be needed to maximise those benefits and ensure that they are able to co-operate effectively with their partners across the sector - as well as to meet the eventual, albeit delayed, Government mandate relating to the use of BIM for public sector procurement projects from 2016?
If you want to find out more about BIM or discuss its implications for your business or a specific project, please visit our website or contact us by phone or email. Find out more - visit our website.
Steven Gosling
DSG Quantity Surveyors
Why not call me to discuss your next project on
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A complete fabrication
Or rather prefabrication. Now of course this is hardly news to the construction industry, helping lower on-site labour costs, reduce construction time and increase quality. But of course it does require design and field accuracy, which is just where BIM helps by providing the precision needed, including the specifications, finishes and 3D visuals for each component, essentially making prefabrication a practical option for more components and for  smaller projects.
However for this to be possible the contractor must make sure that their BIM system is compatible with the software used by their fabricators, saving time by enabling them to use it to generate the details needed for their fabrication software.
It's all in the planning
When we talk of BIM we tend to focus on the design and QS phases of the project, perhaps inevitably so as these are the areas where BIM must make inroads to help transform the industry. However, for contractors, the implementation of 4D BIM offers a further level of efficiency perhaps not widely discussed, helping with construction planning and management by enhancing site use, space coordination and product information.
4D BIM models can include a logistics plan to visually depict the use of space at the site, including temporary components such as cranes, trucks and fencing to help plan traffic access routes. This can also be used as a visualisation tool to identify the safety features that will be required at different times of the project, assisting with compliance obligations as well as enabling more efficient site activity.
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On the record
Contractors can use BIM to provide a full building model to the owner at the end of the project. By incorporating modifications as well as information relating to maintenance schedules and warranties this helps the owner's facilities management team to handle health and safety issues - as well as to maintain and renovate the building - using the model to generate cost and schedule impacts for any required work. Providing an accurate model that contains the scope of the project and the needs of the facilities department would prove to be highly valued asset that will add value to the contractor's service.
So there are a number of clear benefits for contractors adopting BIM. Indeed the examples above are hardly an exhaustive list. At the same time we can see that, just like the other disciplines in the construction ecosystem, it's not a trouble-free and effortless transition. It requires partnership and collaboration, financial commitment and a belief in the value of the end goal. To borrow the words of a visionary from another industry as it began a process of technological revolution, Henry Ford said, "If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself."
Please contact DSG by email or phone to arrange a meeting to discuss your company's requirements or for an estimate for a BIM trial.
Please visit our website at www.dsgquantitysurveyors.co.uk |
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About DSG
DSG Quantity Surveyors is a company with proven drive and ability. Our success comes from an uncompromising attitude towards accuracy and reliability. During the last 12 months the company has focussed on developing our expertise around the BIM processes and solutions.
The following are some of the reasons we are a forward looking and growing business:
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DSG attributes its success to a determination to learn from the mistakes of others. DSG listens to what companies have said about the pitfalls for QS consultancies and has developed a tick box methodology to help it avoid making the same mistakes.
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The company brings the same mindset to everything it does whether cost plans, feasibility studies or contract selection. It takes time to carefully select the most appropriate contract for any given supplier.
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DSG is meticulous with QA. It checks all the details.
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When examining bids it carefully examines them to ensure all bids are compliant in terms of covering all the essential details.
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DSG attends monthly meetings and ensures clients are paid on schedule to reduce risk and agree final accounts at the end of the project.
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As a result DSG has experienced 20-25% growth year on year in a challenging commercial environment.
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How to share DSGs success:
- We look for an appropriate opportunity to demonstrate that we keep our promises.
- Clients always deal with principals and everyone has access to the MD, Steven Gosling. The company makes quick decisions, for example, when additional resources are required.
DSG Quantity Surveyors
First Floor
St Lukes House
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 1JQ
01635 277670 |
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Register for your seminar place
Register interest for our seminar series.
We are intending to run one or more seminars depending on the interest level. We will probably offer 2 locations, one in the South and one in the Midlands. Dates are yet to be confirmed but please indicate your interest and we will contact you once the details are available.
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BIM integration will affect every aspect of a building contractors business
 | Contractors can use BIM to provide a full building model to the owner at the end of the project. This can have benefits for post build maintenance, building extensions, or additions of M&E services.
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The Construction Process Evolves
 Click Here to read the linked white paper from Adris Professional Services highlighting the importance of BIM to Contractors. |
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Past issues of our BIM Updates
If you have missed any of our past BIM Updates please click here and you will be taken to our BIM Update archive. |
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Examples of projects to which we have contributed
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